•15h

I have shortlisted the Skoda Kushaq as my second car because its dimensions suit my requirements. I am confused between the 1.0 and 1.5 variants. Around 80% of my driving is in the city with occasional highway trips. I understand that the 1.5 DSG is not ideal in city traffic. I specifically want to know how effective the air conditioning is in the facelifted 1.0.

•2m

Pick the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 automatic for your use. In city traffic, the torque converter gearbox is smoother and easier to live with than the 1.5 DSG automatic, and you save a fair bit upfront, too.

On your AC question, the facelifted 1.0’s cooling is sorted now. The early weak-AC complaints were fixed. The current car cools the cabin quickly, holds temperature well in traffic, and the rear vents help the back seat. Engine choice does not change AC performance, so the 1.0 cools just fine. The 1.5 is lovely on fast highways, but its automatic can feel a bit busy in crawling traffic. With 80% city, the 1.0 fits better. Only move to the 1.5 if you often drive fast with a full load on the highway.

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More questions on similar cars

•3d

I am confused between the Kia Seltos HTK Petrol Automatic and the HTE (O) Diesel Automatic, as both are similarly priced. My annual running will be around 10,000 km, with most of my driving in the city and occasional expressway trips. Which variant should I choose? My budget is around Rs. 17 lakh. I would also appreciate suggestions for any better alternatives from other brands.

•5h

Pick the Kia Seltos HTK petrol automatic. Your use is mostly city and only 10,000 km a year, so the smooth, quiet petrol suits you better, and the fuel cost gap to diesel will be small at that running. For similar money, the HTK gives you more useful kit than the lower HTE(O) diesel variant, so day-to-day it will feel like the nicer car to live with.The diesel automatic is great for long highway hauls and heavy loads, and will sip less on trips, but short city runs can be hard on modern diesels, and you’ll add urea top-ups and slightly higher service costs. It only starts to make sense if you do a lot more highway or cross 15,000 km a year.If you’re open to others around this budget, look at Honda Elevate with the automatic for a very easy city drive and simple ownership, or Skoda Kushaq 1.0 automatic if you want a stronger engine and a more fun feel. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara automatic is another easy-going, efficient city pick, just not very quick.

Kia Seltos

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•3d

Hello Autocar. I have been looking for a second car for our family. We currently own a Tata Tiago EV Long Range, which is used for all our city driving and weekend trips to our hometown, around 80 km one way. However, we now feel the need for a dedicated highway car because we miss taking longer family road trips. Our budget is under Rs. 15 lakh. My primary choice was the Honda Elevate VX Manual. I deliberately avoided the CVT because we already have an automatic EV for city use, and I don't think a petrol automatic can match the smoothness and instant response of an EV. However, I've started reconsidering my decision because I feel the Elevate isn't the ideal highway cruiser. While it is spacious and comfortable, it doesn't feel particularly relaxed at highway speeds, and its highway fuel efficiency isn't very impressive. The next option I shortlisted is the Hyundai i20 N Line N6 Manual. I generally prefer spacious hatchbacks over sub-4 metre SUVs, and I never really liked that segment. Choosing the N Line would also save me around Rs. 5 lakh compared to the Elevate, while offering better cruising ability and fuel efficiency, considering this car will be used almost exclusively for highways and long road trips. My main question is whether the i20 N Line would be comfortable enough for a family of four with some luggage. All of us are lean, under 170 cm tall, and below 60 years of age. Everyone in the family likes the idea of the N Line. We have also ruled out diesel cars because my family doesn't like them, and I didn't push that option either due to DPF concerns and the fact that the car won't be used regularly. Please advise whether the i20 N Line N6 Manual would be a good choice for us.

•2h

The Hyundai i20 N Line N6 manual is a good highway car. Its tall sixth gear allows it to cruise comfortably at highway speeds while returning respectable fuel efficiency. The engine has a strong mid-range, making overtakes easy, and it feels stable at high speeds. For your use case, performance will feel noticeably dulled with four people on board, and pushing the engine harder will reduce fuel efficiency. It also suffers from a weak bottom end, so performance below 2,000rpm is not particularly strong. A full load can also leave ground clearance marginal over taller speed breakers, and the ride is on the firmer side, which passengers may find uncomfortable. While cabin space is generally good for the segment, the boot may feel tight when carrying luggage for four.The Honda Elevate has a definite advantage when it comes to space. While your family of four, all under 170cm tall, will fit comfortably in the i20, the Elevate gives them more room to stretch out, which matters on longer journeys. Its shorter gearing means performance is actually quite good for a naturally aspirated engine, but as you pointed out, it does not feel particularly relaxed at highway speeds.If you can live with the i20 N Line’s shortcomings, it is a good fit for your needs and significantly cheaper than the Elevate. Before making a decision, take your family on an extended highway test drive to see how they feel in the rear seat. As a family car, though, the Elevate is the better choice.Alternatively, consider the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI manual. It offers better highway performance than the Elevate, more space than the i20, and is one of the best-handling SUVs in its class, which you are likely to enjoy.

My monthly running is 1000 kms in the city and 300 kms on the highways. I currently own a Creta IVT. It's a good daily rider, but I miss the joy of driving. I like Kushaq, but my family doesn't like the stiffness in suspension. I like the new duster too. I need a car to satisfy the thrill of riding and handling. Kindly suggest any existing or upcoming car for my needs. I'm ok to wait till next year too to get it right this time.

•22h

Since you're coming from a Creta IVT, it's understandable that you're looking for something that feels more engaging to drive while still keeping the family happy.The Skoda Kushaq remains the driver's choice in this segment. It has the sharpest steering, excellent body control and feels the most rewarding to drive. If outright driving pleasure is your top priority, it is still hard to beat.However, based on your requirements, we'd recommend the Renault Duster. In our comparison, it struck an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling. It feels composed and confidence-inspiring on a twisty road, yet its suspension is more forgiving over broken surfaces, making it a better fit for family use without sacrificing too much driver involvement.That said, we'd strongly recommend taking a test drive before making your final decision. No matter how good a car looks on paper, it's important that both you and your family experience it first-hand and make sure it feels right for your needs.

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

Hi, I have a budget of Rs. 40 lakh and am confused between the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge, the Toyota Innova Hycross ZX(O), and the Toyota Fortuner Petrol. I am 28 years old and want a car that is fun to drive but also comfortable for my family. My driving will be split 80:20 between on-road and off-road use.

•5d

Pick the Innova HyCross ZX(O). For a hard Rs. 40 lakh cap it fits cleanly, it is the most comfortable and spacious for family, and it is far easier to live with daily. The smooth hybrid makes city drives effortless and quiet, and on broken roads, it just takes the abuse without rattling everyone. Your 20 percent off-road sounds like rough trails rather than rock crawling, and the HyCross will handle that sort of bad-road stuff better than you expect. But, the Innova isn't particularly fun to drive.If you really crave driver fun, the Kodiaq is the one that puts a smile on your face. The 2-litre turbo petrol and AWD make it genuinely enjoyable on highways and hills and the cabin feels richer. Two catches, though. It likely stretches past Rs. 40 lakh on-road in most cities, and its third row is tighter, and you have to be a bit careful off the beaten path.The Fortuner petrol is the most capable off-road, but for 80 per cent on-road use, it feels heavy and bouncy, the steering is not friendly in town, and it guzzles fuel.

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•4d

I am planning to buy an SUV and prefer the German twins Škoda and Volkswagen. Which one is better? Also, how significant is the DSG issue in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the NCR region? This will be my fourth car, so I want to try a German brand.

•3d

Between the German twins, the choice largely comes down to personal preference, as they share the same engines, gearboxes and underpinnings. We slightly prefer the Kushaq for its cleaner design, excellent ride and handling balance and overall value proposition.As for the DSG, it isn't as big a concern as it once was. The current DSGs are far more robust than the earlier units, but if your driving is predominantly in bumper-to-bumper NCR traffic, a torque-converter automatic is still the smoother and more relaxed option over the long term. If you want to stay with a German SUV but avoid the DSG altogether, the 1.0 TSI automatic in the Kushaq and Taigun now comes with an 8-speed Aisin torque-converter, which is smooth, refined and better suited to heavy city traffic.Coming from the S-Cross Petrol, you'll notice a significant step up in performance, cabin quality, safety and driving dynamics with either car.

Skoda Kushaq

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•5d

I have a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, and I am extremely satisfied with its mileage (900-1000 km from 45 liters). However, I am losing the joy of driving. I migrated to this car after owning a Swift Dzire Diesel and an XL6. The mismatch between engine revs and acceleration is becoming unpleasant. Overtaking feels riskier, and even the brakes feel spongy. I have experienced a few unpleasant situations because of this. As a result, I have reduced my overall speed, making the safety of my family a bigger priority. But the driver in me is unhappy. Should I upgrade to the Duster Hybrid, the Hycross Hybrid, or the newly launched Sierra EV? Also, do diesel engines still make sense today?

•4d

From what you've described, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid has impressed you with its efficiency but left you wanting more from behind the wheel. If driving enjoyment is back on your priority list, the Duster Hybrid looks like the most natural upgrade. It is expected to offer a much more engaging driving experience while retaining the fuel efficiency benefits of a strong hybrid.The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid will certainly improve on comfort, refinement and performance, but it won't fundamentally change the character you're looking for. It is still geared towards relaxed family motoring rather than enthusiastic driving.The Tata Sierra EV is an interesting option and has now been launched. It promises strong performance, a premium cabin and a spacious interior. However, if the "driver in you" misses the involvement and confidence of your earlier diesel cars, we'd still wait to experience how the Duster Hybrid drives before making a decision.As for diesels, we don't think they should be ruled out altogether. With the right usage, they continue to make sense. However, given your appreciation for the fuel economy of your Grand Vitara and the direction the market is heading, we'd lean towards a strong hybrid rather than going back to diesel.

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Posted on: 6 Jul 2026