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Marisetty Venkata VIdyadhar

•3d

I own a Ford EcoSport Titanium diesel manual transmission 2015 model. I would like to upgrade to a new automatic petrol car. Please suggest a car that has very good build quality and has a 5-star safety rating. I stay in Hyderabad and need to go through bumper-to-bumper traffic. I have heard of DCT/DSG heating problems in heavy traffic, so I am considering a torque converter, CVT, or wet-clutch DCT. I am not sure if this is the correct decision, but I need a good, durable, and efficient automatic transmission that is smooth in slow-moving traffic. My usage is 70% city and 30% highway, so highway performance, stability, and good handling are also important. I am also looking for a car I can keep for 10-15 years, so durability and relevant features are important. I am not looking for very high-end tech, but I do want useful safety and comfort features. I also considered a 7 seater so that I can use the third row for luggage room, or occasionally, when my family members grow after a kid's marriage, maybe we would use the third row seating for a city outing. However, I am also fond of good boot space. So, not able to decide here. My budget is 25 lakh. Can you please suggest a car that is strong, safe, robust, and reliable in the above budget?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1m
Go for the updated Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the new 8-speed automatic. It has a five-star crash rating, a robust build, and a smooth 8-speed torque-converter automatic, along with good stability and handling for your 70:30 city–highway mix.
Your bumper-to-bumper driving will benefit from the torque-converter’s low-speed smoothness, avoiding the DCT/DSG heat concerns you mentioned. It is a five-star safety-rated car with six airbags, ESC and ISOFIX mounts for long-term peace of mind. Highway stability is confident at triple-digit speeds, while 188mm of ground clearance and a 385-litre boot keep it practical. For 10-15 years of ownership, the 1.0 TSI engine is tried and tested, and the automatic is a safer bet than dual-clutch units. Do opt for the maximum extended warranty available.
The one thing you give up is advanced driver assistance. The Kushaq doesn’t offer ADAS features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keep assist, so keep that in mind.
If you genuinely need a third row, consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO instead. It is also a five-star safety-rated vehicle and uses a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. However, fuel efficiency from the petrol engine in the city will be lower, and its larger size means it is not as easy to drive in traffic.
During the test drive, crawl at 5-10kph with the AC on to judge smoothness from the gearbox, and also do an 80-100kph highway run.
Skoda Kushaq

Skoda Kushaq

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Skoda Kushaq

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.66 Lakh

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra

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from ₹16.14 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

PR

Praneeth

•6d

I need some help in choosing my first car. I live in Hyderabad, in the IT area. My usage might be 60:40 city and highway. I’m looking for a top petrol automatic variant. I have evaluated the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Tata Sierra, and narrowed it down to the Kia Seltos GTX(A) DCT variant. Recently, I saw the new Renault Duster and Skoda Kushaq as well. Can you suggest what I should do?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

Since you have evaluated the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and the Tata Sierra, it would be wise to check out the others in your shortlist too, namely the Renault Duster and the Skoda Kushaq. Checking out your options is always wise, especially when the purchase is of high value.If interior space and features are a key criterion, then the Duster and Kushaq aren't really better off than the Seltos. However, where the Duster and the Kushaq are really good is if you enjoy driving, as both SUVs have responsive engines and provide an entertaining handling feel with good road grip and body control around corners.

VehicleRenault Duster
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleTata Sierra
NI

Nipen

•3d

If I have to choose between the Honda Elevate AT, Skoda Kushaq 1.5, and Kia Seltos IVT for a family of four, with most of the driving being within city limits (around 40 km daily), which one would be the best option in terms of long-term benefits and lower maintenance costs?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•22h

Go for the Honda Elevate CVT, which seems like the best fit among these three for your needs. It's not quite as spacious as the Kia Seltos, but for a family of four, there's more than enough space. And it's not as exhilarating as the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI to drive, but it's still quite enjoyable and far more fuel efficient for your usage of roughly 40km per day in the city. While all three cars have decent warranties, with the ability to extend them for a fee, but Honda offers a unique 'Anytime Warranty' which lets you extend in increments of 1-year/20,000km for up to 10 years. Plus, Honda is known for its reliability and rock-solid after-sales experience, which should give you the best overall long-term experience. The downside is that the Elevate is a bit plain and not quite as well equipped as the others, but then it is also considerably more affordable. Your next best bet is the Kia Seltos, but be prepared to shell out a bit more money for spec.

VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VR

Vikas Rohilla

•6d

My budget is ₹23 lakh. I am confused between the Skoda Kushaq facelift 1.0-litre Monte Carlo, Skoda Kushaq facelift 1.5-litre Monte Carlo, and Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus 1.0-litre TSI. My running is 1,500 to 2,000 km per month with a 70:30 city-to-highway ratio. I need performance, stability, good suspension, and peace of mind with good drivability. Can you suggest which of the three will be value for money?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

If you are not constrained by budget, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo is the one to buy. It offers the most performance and has the power to excite. The DSG gearbox is also quick when you drive enthusiastically. Like the other Skodas, handling is fun, and high-speed stability is confident. Ride comfort is on the firmer side, though, and of the three options, it is actually the Kylaq that has the most comfortable ride quality.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleSkoda Kylaq

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Posted on: 30 Mar 2026