Hi, I have been using the Hyundai Creta SX(O) diesel for the past seven years. I drive about 500 km on weekends, mostly on highways. I am planning to buy an SUV by the end of this year in the Rs. 25 lakh price range. I like the VW Taigun, Kia Seltos, and Tata Sierra. I prefer performance over mileage. Kindly suggest.

autocar.india

•1d

If you prefer a manual gearbox and are looking for strong performance, we would suggest choosing between the Nissan Tekton 1.3 turbo manual and the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo manual. These more powerful engine options are available with a manual gearbox, unlike the 1.5 TSI versions of the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun, which are offered only with a DSG automatic. The 1.0 TSI manual versions of the Kushaq and Taigun are good enough for everyday use, but they won't offer the same performance as the 1.3 turbo engines.Both the Tekton and Duster are also enjoyable to drive and offer a comfortable ride. Given your family's average height of around 5.5ft, rear seat space in either car should be adequate. Between the two, the decision would largely come down to which brand, styling and overall cabin experience you prefer.

Nissan Tekton

Renault Duster

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

autocar.india

•17h

Between your two picks, the Kia Seltos HTE (O) would be our recommendation. It is a larger car than the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and has a more spacious interior. The Seltos HTE (O) is also better equipped than the Victoris VXi, offering features like LED headlights and a larger infotainment screen. Despite being one of the lower-end trims, it also feels more premium inside than the Victoris VXi.Both cars offer similar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engines, but the Kia Seltos has a bit more power. The Seltos does cost a little more than the Victoris, but we feel it is well worth the premium.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

autocar.india

•23h

The Innova Hycross is a solid choice for your parents' needs. At your budget, you are likely looking at the GX (O) trim, which covers all the feature basics, including a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera. One drawback is that it lacks cruise control, which you might find handy on highway trips.It isn't as feature-loaded as some rivals, but in everyday use, your parents might find the Innova more user-friendly. The petrol engine also suits your needs well. It is smooth and refined, and the CVT is seamless in operation. It also offers sufficient performance for your monthly highway trips.Modern diesel engines have DPF filters that require sustained highway driving for around 20 - 30 minutes every couple of weeks, at a minimum. If the majority of your running is on the highway, it might be worth considering the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic. It has a strong yet refined engine, with good performance and decent efficiency. It is also very comfortable, thanks to its superb suspension setup.The XUV 7XO is feature-packed, but its infotainment UI can be a little confusing at times, with many functions integrated into the touchscreen. Take your parents to the showroom to see if they can get used to the interface. Mahindra's reliability and after-sales service have also improved significantly in recent years, although they aren't quite at Toyota's level yet.Overall, though, the Hycross is a better long-term fit for your needs.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO