I am planning to buy a new car with an automatic transmission in Kolkata. My budget is within 17-18 lakhs. I have shortlisted the new Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI facelift and the Hyundai CRETA IVT. Please suggest or advise which car I should go with. Or is there any other car do you suggest me?

autocar.india

•2d

The Kylaq 1.0 TSI Prestige+ AT makes more sense for your requirements. Your daily commute involves significant city driving, so the compact dimensions and torque-converter automatic make it easier to manage Bengaluru traffic. The 1.0 TSI does have some initial turbo lag, but it isn't significant enough to be a deal-breaker. Once the turbo is on boost, the engine has good mid-range performance, while the automatic makes progress smooth and effortless.The Kushaq 1.0 AT is the more mature and comfortable car, and its new 8-speed torque-converter automatic is a considerable improvement, particularly in low-speed traffic. It also offers more space and feels more substantial. However, spending around Rs 5.5 lakh more is difficult to justify when the Kylaq already meets your requirements well. The presence of an Elevate in the family also reduces the need to pay extra for the larger SUV.

Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Kushaq

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•7h

For your requirement, the Hyundai Creta diesel manual would be our first recommendation. The Creta has a slightly softer suspension setup than the Kia Seltos, which translates to a more comfortable ride over broken roads and speed breakers – something your parents will appreciate. The seat height is also well-judged, making entry and exit relatively easy without being too high off the ground. The diesel car is refined, fuel-efficient and well-suited to highway runs, while the manual gearbox is light and easy to operate.The Kia Seltos diesel manual is also a strong contender, offering a slightly more premium cabin feel and a marginally roomier rear seat. However, the ride is a touch firmer than this Hyundai car, which may not be ideal given your parents' knee issues.If your budget is strictly around Rs 16 lakh, you will be looking at the lower to mid variants of both cars. In that case, the Creta's focus on comfort makes it the better fit for your needs. If you are open to stretching the budget slightly, the Kia Seltos HTK+ diesel manual is worth considering for its additional features and more premium cabin.Overall, the Creta diesel manual strikes the best balance between comfort, ease of entry/exit, and long-term ownership experience.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2d

The Kia Seltos naturally aspirated IVT is actually a very sensible choice for your usage. Your commute on Bangalore ORR is stop-start, and the IVT is smooth and stress-free in traffic. For weekend highway trips with family and luggage, the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol has enough power to cruise comfortably and overtake when needed. It will not feel underpowered in normal driving, but it is not a performance engine, so overtakes require a little planning when fully loaded.CVT drone is most noticeable when you accelerate hard and hold the throttle, typically during long overtakes or on steep inclines. However, the Seltos is better insulated than the Honda City, so the engine noise is less intrusive in the cabin. In everyday driving, it is not a major issue.Alternatives worth considering are the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic and the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic. The Kushaq’s turbo petrol engine offers stronger mid-range performance for highway overtakes, and the torque converter automatic is smooth. The XUV 3XO is spacious and feature-rich, but the boot is smaller than the Seltos, which matters for family trips.Overall, the Seltos IVT is a well-balanced choice for your usage. If you want a bit more performance for highway driving, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is worth a test drive.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Honda City