Autocar India
5w

Currently, I own a 2018 Toyota Innova Crysta manual. It is very comfortable on long journeys, comparable to any car. My commute is almost entirely on highways (around 80%), but I feel the steering is a little heavy in city driving. I would like to buy another new car with a torque converter (TC) or DCT automatic gearbox in the mid-range, below 15 lakh, and I am an enthusiastic driver. Which car would you recommend for my usage?

Verified
5w
The Skoda Kylaq Automatic would be the recommendation for your requirements. Since around 80% of your driving is on highways and you describe yourself as an enthusiastic driver, the Kylaq stands out as one of the most enjoyable SUVs available under Rs 15 lakh. Its turbo-petrol engine and torque-converter automatic gearbox work exceptionally well together, offering strong performance, smooth shifts and excellent highway cruising ability. It also feels more composed and confidence-inspiring at higher speeds than most rivals in the segment.
Coming from an Innova Crysta, you will also appreciate the lighter steering in city conditions, making everyday driving less tiring while retaining a fun-to-drive character on open roads.
While there are feature-rich alternatives in the segment, few can match the Kylaq's blend of performance, handling and driving engagement at this price point.
Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Kylaq

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3d

Hi, we live in Thane, and my commute is around 12km on alternate days. Our budget is 20-25 lakh, and we're looking for an automatic car. We are open to both petrol and EV options. Could you suggest the best cars based on reliability, comfort, running costs/fuel efficiency and after-sales service? Thanks!

Verified
2d

With a 12km alternate-day commute in Thane, your usage is predominantly city-based with relatively low annual running. In this scenario, a petrol automatic makes the most sense from a reliability and ownership-cost perspective, as the fuel savings from an electric car would take a long time to justify the higher upfront cost.In your Rs 20-25lakh budget, the Kia Seltos IVT is the most balanced recommendation. It is a comfortable, well-equipped midsize SUV with a smooth and reliable automatic transmission, good ride quality for city driving and a strong after-sales network in Thane. The IVT gearbox is particularly well-suited to stop-start traffic and is known for its reliability and low maintenance requirements.If you are open to a slightly smaller car, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI with the 6-speed automatic is also worth considering. It offers a more engaging driving experience, a robust and proven engine and a transmission that is both reliable and relatively efficient. However, the Kia car remains the more premium and spacious option.On the EV front, the MG Windsor is the most sensible recommendation if you are genuinely keen on going electric. It is spacious, comfortable and well-suited to city use. However, given your low running, the financial case for an EV is weak.Overall, the Seltos IVT strikes the best balance between reliability, comfort, running costs and after-sales support for your usage pattern.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleMG Windsor

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Posted on: 11 Jun 2026