Autocar India
•3w

I am confused about buying an SUV. I have checked the GLC, but it does not give me a proper SUV feel. The Q5 is due for an upgrade, while the X3 petrol feels underpowered, and the rear seat is not very comfortable. I currently drive a C-Class and now want an SUV that is primarily suited for highway driving. What would you recommend?

Verified
•3h

Most SUVs in this category are based on their sedan counterparts and thus will feel very car-like from behind the wheel. They all offer a higher seating position, AWD and a more practical liftback boot when compared to the sedans, however, which is enough for most buyers. If you want a tougher feeling SUV in this price range, check out the Land Rover Discovery Sport. It's a bit older than the rest now, but in true Land Rover style, it delivers a solid and commanding feel from the driver's seat. It also offers the flexibility of a third row of seats, and should you ever venture off the tarmac, it has the best AWD system and off-road traction control system in the segment. Recent updates have also brought in JLR's latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, which helps mask the SUV's age well, and both its engines - petrol and diesel - are quite strong. Most of all, it's relatively more affordable than the rest, too.

VehicleLand Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover Discovery Sport
•9h

Own a Fortuner for Highway usage and a Windsor Pro for city daily use. Looking for a weekend car and considering either the M2 G87 or the M340i. Budget is up to 1.4cr max. Open to any other better suggestion. The use case will be in Bangalore and the surrounding areas.

Verified
•4h

Pick the BMW M2 Coupe. As a pure weekend toy around Bengaluru, it feels special every single drive - compact size for tight roads, rear-drive agility for the Nandi Hills twisties, and an engine-gearbox combo that rewards good drivers. You already have the Fortuner and the Windsor for space and chores, so the M2’s two-door body style should not be a problem. That said, the ride is firm, and the ground clearance is low, so tall speed breakers and steep ramps need care, and the rear seats are for short hops only.The 3 Series M340i is the easier car to live with and quicker in low-grip situations thanks to its all-wheel traction, and it rides a bit more comfortably over broken patches. But as a third car used mainly for fun, why not go all out? The M2 is the pick among these two. If you want a bit more flair, there's also the M440i convertible, which gives up very little in terms of dynamics and performance, but gives you the added dimension of open-top motoring.

VehicleBMW M2 Coupe
VehicleToyota Fortuner
VehicleMG Windsor
VehicleBMW 3 Series
•9h

I want to purchase an SUV, and my budget is 15 lakhs maximum. My daily drive is around 10-15 kms in the city, and occasionally I go out of the city, like once in a quarter, and that too, maximum up to 300 kms. The vehicle should give decent mileage. It should be safe as well. Kindly suggest a few options.

Verified
•4h

Go for the Hyundai Venue. Given your limited usage, there's no need to spend extra for the diesel engine, and either of the petrol engines should be sufficient. The 1.2-litre engine is perfect for your largely city use, with sufficient power and a light clutch and gear shift. However, for your highway trips, it might feel underpowered, and in that case, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is a better bet, and even comes with a DCT automatic option. However, this engine isn't as fuel-efficient as the 1.2.Being one of the newest SUVs in the compact segment, the Venue comes with the latest tech, high-quality interiors, good space and good comfort too. With your budget of Rs 15 lakh, you can go up to the HX8 variant, which has a lot of features and tech. This includes safety features, and you'll be reassured by the fact that it has scored 5 stars in Bharat NCAP's crash tests. The only downside is that it's not particularly exciting to drive compared to some rivals.Speaking of which, alternatives include the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO, which have also scored 5-star NCAP ratings, but aren't as fuel-efficient as the Venue. Or conversely, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Fronx, which are more fuel efficient, but haven't yet been tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. Overall, we think the Venue is the best bet for you.

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleTata Nexon
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
•8h

Hi, I learned to drive as a teen and have been driving my dad’s Maruti Alto for years now. I also drive a Maruti Dzire. I want my next car to be at least a bit fun and engaging to drive. I’m based in Kolkata and planning to buy a new car with a budget of around Rs. 16 lakh. Currently, I’m looking at: Kia Seltos Manual (as it comes within this budget), Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI, and Kia Sonet Turbo DCT. However, I’m not completely convinced about the Seltos at this price point, mostly because I’m not a big fan of its shiny front grille. Considering my budget, preference for a fun driving experience, mostly city usage, and one or two highway trips a month, which one would you recommend?

Verified
•5h

The Skoda Kylaq has the most enthusiastic driving character of the three. Its turbo-petrol engine feels punchy, the steering is well judged, and the overall chassis feels more eager and involving than the Seltos or Sonet. The torque-converter automatic gearbox is also very well calibrated, making it both enjoyable on open roads and effortless in city traffic. Given your usage, it is worth stretching to the automatic rather than opting for the manual.The Kia Sonet Turbo DCT would be the second choice. The turbo-petrol engine is lively and the DCT adds to the fun factor, while the feature list is impressive. However, rear-seat space and ride quality aren't quite as accommodating as the Skoda's.The Kia Seltos Manual is the more mature and spacious option, but if you're already unconvinced by its styling, there's little reason to force the issue. It is a great family SUV, but it doesn't feel as engaging to drive as the Kylaq.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleKia Sonet
Skoda Kylaq
Skoda Kylaq
•11h

I am looking to buy a car for city commuting, and my daily running will be around 30-50km. I don't like the design of the new i20 unveiled globally. Will the same car be launched in India, or will it be different? Also, can you let me know if there is any news on when it will be launched in India?

Verified
•5h

Hyundai has globally unveiled the next-generation i20 with a completely new design, larger screens and a more tech-focused cabin. However, the company has not yet confirmed whether this model will make its way to India.Even if it does, it is unlikely to arrive before 2027. With buyers increasingly gravitating towards compact SUVs, premium hatchbacks are no longer the priority they once were, which could influence Hyundai's plans for the Indian market.For that reason, if your requirement is a car for city commuting today, it doesn't make much sense to postpone your purchase. The current Hyundai i20 iVT remains one of the best city automatics in its price bracket. The CVT gearbox is exceptionally smooth in traffic, the cabin feels premium, and the car is comfortable enough for occasional highway trips as well.

VehicleHyundai i20
•2d

I have a monthly office commute of 1,500km. Currently, I travel to the office by bike, but due to safety reasons, I am planning to buy a car. My route involves 40% city traffic, 40% tarmac roads through villages, and 20% undeveloped, hilly, rocky roads. There will also be weekend city trips with a family of five and 5-7 long trips annually. Please suggest a car that will be suitable for these conditions. My budget is below Rs. 10 lakh. I prefer a manual transmission as I believe it returns better mileage.

Verified
•5h

Consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 petrol manual. Your 20% undeveloped hilly-rocky stretch and village roads need ground clearance and tough suspension, and the Fronx's 190mm clearance and compliant ride handle that abuse without scraping. It is still compact and light to steer in city traffic, and the rear seat plus decent boot make weekend trips with five doable, with some space for luggage. It stays under Rs. 10 lakh in useful mid-trims, and the manual will give you good mileage on your 1,500 km a month run.One thing worth noting is that with five on board and bags, the 1.2 naturally aspirated engine will want downshifts on steep climbs and quick highway passes. The turbo feels stronger but may stretch your budget.Overall, the Fronx is a solid choice in this price range.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx