Which offers better driving comfort—the Thar Roxx or the Scorpio N? Is it worth waiting for the Scorpio N facelift? Also, which engine is better for these SUVs: petrol or diesel?

autocar.india

•1d

With a budget of under Rs 5 lakhs, you will only be able to get pre-owned examples of the first-gen Thar. And while it is a very appealing SUV, it is not the best choice for daily driving, especially if comfort is a priority. It is a rugged off-roader; however, the first-gen's ride is bouncy, entry-exit isn't very easy, and heavy steering and crude nature will become tiring for daily use. The side-facing rear seat is also neither safe nor comfortable, and overall, it is better suited as a lifestyle or weekend vehicle rather than a daily commuter.Since you have a Rs 5 lakh budget and you want something with good road presence, you could consider an SUV car which is compact and easy to drive. A Maruti Brezza or Ford EcoSport could be good options for daily driving.

Mahindra Thar

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•3h

Between your picks, the Hyundai Creta fits your needs better. Its rear seat is wider than the Kushaq's, the IVT is seamless and very relaxing to drive in the city, and Hyundai has a great reputation for after-sales service. The AC is also strong, and the build quality is solid.The Skoda Kushaq is the better choice for highway use. Its turbo-petrol engine offers stronger performance for quick overtakes, the 8-speed automatic feels more responsive than the Hyundai's IVT, and it is more engaging to drive. Its AC performance has also improved significantly with the recent facelift, but the cabin is not as roomy as the Creta's.Overall, the Hyundai car mentioned above is the better fit for your needs.

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•2h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma. With a budget of around Rs 7 lakh and your usage pattern and family focus, the Baleno strikes the best balance. It is a proven, reliable and efficient hatchback with a comfortable ride and low running costs, making it ideal for your 500km monthly running and occasional 1,000km highway trips. The Baleno is also more spacious than the other cars on your shortlist, has a well-sorted suspension, and Maruti's extensive service network is a big advantage for a first-time owner. The Dzire LXi is a good alternative if you specifically want a sedan car, but the Baleno's passenger compartment is roomier, and it offers better value overall.The Tata Tiago is a solid option too, but the Baleno's stronger ownership experience and wider service reach give it the edge. The Hyundai Exter and Grand i10 Nios are good choices as well, but they are smaller than the Baleno. Overall, the Baleno is the best fit for your needs.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Tata Tiago

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios