Autocar India

•1h

If you're an enthusiast and a keen driver, your best bet is the Hyundai i20. It is a much larger hatchback than your Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, which should be comfortable for your family of five, and in your budget, you should get the fully loaded N8 variant too.It is available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT auto gearbox, and both are a good mix of fun and ease of use. However, it has to be said that the i20 is now starting to show its age, and fun as it is to drive, you may want to look at a more modern offering.If so, check out the Skoda Kylaq, which is even more spacious and practical, but also comes with a punchy and enthusiastic 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It's got great dynamics and a smooth 6-speed automatic gearbox, if you want it. However, do note that it is more expensive, and you will have to settle for a mid-spec variant in your budget.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai i20

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

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Autocar India

•2h

The Toyota Innova Crysta only comes with a diesel engine, so that rules it out straightaway since you want a petrol manual.The Hyundai Creta is available with a petrol-manual combination, but that’s the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. While it’s smooth and refined, it won’t feel like a meaningful upgrade in performance over your Honda Elevate. It’s more of a lateral move than a step up.The Skoda Kushaq, on the other hand, especially with the 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol and 6-speed manual, will feel noticeably stronger and more engaging to drive. The turbo motor delivers a nice punch in the mid-range, and the manual gearbox is slick, making it a more rewarding driver’s car compared to the Elevate.However, if you’re not in a hurry, it may be worth waiting for the upcoming Renault Duster. It is expected to come with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol paired with a 6-speed manual, and that could well be the most powerful manual petrol SUV in this segment. If performance is a priority, that’s one to keep an eye on.

Renault Duster

Toyota Innova Crysta

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kushaq

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Autocar India

•2h

Being 6ft tall, you will naturally push the driver’s seat quite far back, so rear legroom becomes important, especially with a family of five. With a budget of around Rs 12 lakh, you’re realistically looking at well-equipped compact SUVs or sub-4m sedans. They aren’t huge inside, so choosing the roomiest option in the segment is key.Our first pick would be the Maruti Suzuki Brezza (automatic). It’s an easy car for a new driver to live with. The high seating position and good all-round visibility make it simple to judge the car’s edges, which really helps beginners. The automatic gearbox is smooth and removes the stress of gear changes in traffic. Rear legroom will be a bit tight if you push the seat all the way back, but in most situations it’s manageable. It's tough and reliable and comes with six airbags.Another good option is the Honda Amaze. While it doesn’t offer the high seating stance of the Brezza, it has a very comfortable driving position. The 1.2 petrol CVT is smooth and responsive, which builds confidence for a new driver. For a sub-4m sedan, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, and the seats are comfortable. An added advantage is that the Amaze is roughly Rs 2 lakh more affordable than the Brezza, giving you better value within your budget.Between the two, if you prefer the SUV stance and visibility, go Brezza. If you want more space for the money and a smooth, easy drive, the Amaze makes a lot of sense.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Honda Amaze

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Autocar India

•3h

Since you are coming from a Volkswagen Virtus, you will naturally appreciate the Volkswagen Taigun or Skoda Kushaq, as both SUVs carry the same DNA of solid build quality and excellent driving dynamics. Between the two, the Kushaq, which has just been updated with fresher looks, more features and a stronger aircon, would be the better option.You can opt for the 1.0 TSI variant with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is well-suited for city driving. It’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV in the segment, but considering your monthly running of around 200km, that shouldn’t matter too much.However, do note that the back seat of the Kushaq (and Taigun) isn’t the most spacious. If you are looking for better rear seat comfort and slightly better efficiency, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol with the CVT automatic is another good option to consider.

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

Volkswagen Taigun

Volkswagen Virtus

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Autocar India

•3h

The ideal upgrade for you would be the Kia Carens Clavis. It has all the positives from the Maruti Ertiga but in a much more premium package. The engine is more powerful, it is extremely practical, and despite being a 5+2 seater, it is easy to drive in the city. The third row space is also usable for adults, especially in city drives. On the highways, too, it offers a comfortable ride and a decent amount of room in the third row with all three rows up. Being a Kia car, the equipment list is quite comprehensive, and you wouldn't miss many features with this MPV.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is also good, but it is a bit too large for the city, and the third row space isn't as good or usable as the Kia's. The Hyundai Alcazar struggles with third-row room while carrying over the underpinnings of the Clavis. The Tata Safari isn't easy to use in the city, courtesy of its size and cramped third-row space, and the Toyota Innova HyCross, in its petrol-only guise, is quite inefficient and has to sacrifice a whole bunch of features too, unless you spend upwards of Rs 30 lakh and get the strong-hybrid version.The Carens Clavis will tick all the necessary boxes and at a reasonable price point, making it the best pick for you.

Kia Carens Clavis

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Hyundai Alcazar

Tata Safari

Toyota Innova HyCross

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