Which is the best car in terms of safety, reliability, driveability, and fuel efficiency? The options I am considering are the Thar, Taigun, and Kushaq. Also, is it okay to go for a diesel car?

autocar.india

•1d

Yes, the Skoda Slavia or Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI manual is a perfectly sensible first car, even with limited driving experience. Both cars are well-balanced sedans with good visibility, predictable handling and a forgiving nature, which makes them easy to live with. The 1.0 TSI engine is punchy enough for highway driving but not intimidating, and the manual gearbox is light and easy to operate.The main adjustment will be the lower seating position compared to an SUV like the Mahindra KUV100, which can initially make judging the car's extremities a bit trickier, especially in tight parking situations. However, both cars are not excessively large, and with practice, you will quickly get used to their dimensions. Parking sensors and a rear camera, which are available on higher variants, will also help build confidence. If you are genuinely concerned about parking and manoeuvrability, you could consider the Skoda Kylaq or Volkswagen Taigun / Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI instead. However, if you spend time practising, the Slavia or Virtus will not be difficult to get used to.

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Slavia

Skoda Kylaq

Volkswagen Virtus

Volkswagen Taigun

autocar.india

•1d

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

•1d

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