Autocar India
7w

Currently using an XUV500 manual. Looking for a mid-size or full-size SUV in automatic form under Rs 18-20 lakh. Need auto AC, central locking, power windows, and a reverse camera. The car should be easy to drive in Mumbai traffic and should offer strong performance like the XUV500. Please suggest.

Verified
7w
Get the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic. It fits within Rs. 18-20 lakh, is compact enough to be easy in Mumbai traffic, and the turbo-petrol with the smooth automatic has the kind of mid-range shove that makes quick gaps, and flyover overtakes feel natural after an XUV500. You also get auto AC, central locking, power windows and a reverse camera in the Ambition/Style trims.
What makes it work in the city is the clean, creep-friendly automatic and light steering, without the heat worries some dual-clutch setups can have in bumper-to-bumper. On the highway, it feels stable and confident, and the 1.0 turbo pulls stronger than most 1.5 NA rivals, so you won’t feel shortchanged when you need to get a move on.
It isn’t as wide or roomy as your old XUV500, and fully loaded hill climbs won’t feel as effortless as a big diesel, but for daily Mumbai use with regular weekend runs, it strikes a good balance within your budget.
If you want even more punch, consider the Renault Duster. Its wet-clutch DCT is smoother than the dry-clutch units found in cars such as the Kia Seltos, and it is less prone to overheating in stop-and-go traffic. On the downside, fuel efficiency is not particularly impressive, and rear seat space is more restricted than in the Skoda Kushaq.
Skoda Kushaq

Skoda Kushaq

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

6w

using kushaq 1.0 AT from 4 years. its faster than most cars on road when overtaking. Best part is hill climbing. 4-5 hours continuous hill drive done effortlessly with amazing handling . Never makes me miss ford ecosport my previous car. Only that can be liitle better is DCT gearbox i am just guessing. cons - lag that is there when you hard press pedal when it is in 5-20 speed. once it between 30 -50 and hard press accelerator it will fly , does not matter if its incline. Also the hill hold on incline is useful , when you leave brake pedal , the car does not move backward even an inch , it will move forward only. if i want to replace this car i will have to go for kodiaq or mini. until then this is the best.

6w

Get XUV 7XO

6w

I am driving Scorpio N diesel AT 4wd and experience has been awesome so far. The suspension is great giving great highway experience with minimum body roll even while cornering at good speeds. Earlier had a linea and I didn't expect such good driving dynamics from a body on frame SUV like Scorpio N. I get around 15 kmpl mileage on highways. My brother has XUV 500 AX5 AT diesel and able to get upto 17kmpl on highways. Torque converter is one of the best automatic mechanism and my vote is for Mahindra

Want to sell your car?

Sell your car at the right price, without the stress.

More questions on similar cars

1d

I have a 2017 Hyundai i20 Asta diesel. My average daily running is 30 to 50 km. My vehicle is in good condition, although it requires regular maintenance and some repairs. I occasionally drive on highways and hilly roads (Jammu to Srinagar, Kashmir). Should I replace my vehicle or continue using it? If I should replace it, please suggest a suitable option. My budget is around Rs. 25 lakh.

Verified
21h

With a 2017 i20 diesel Asta that is still running fine, the decision to upgrade should be driven by ownership costs and reliability rather than age. At 30-50 km a day with occasional highway and hilly road use, your diesel is still well suited to your usage, but if maintenance and repairs are starting to add up, it may be time to consider a change.With a budget of Rs. 25 lakh, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI is a strong recommendation. It offers a punchy turbo petrol engine that is well suited to hilly terrain, a solid build and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. The Skoda car is also a good size upgrade from the i20, offering more space and ground clearance without being unwieldy.If you are looking for something more comfort-oriented, the Tata Sierra is worth considering. It offers a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride and a premium feel, making it a great long-distance tourer. The turbo petrol engine is strong, but it does not have the same long-term ownership track record as the Skoda.If you are happy with your i20 and maintenance costs are still manageable, there is no urgent need to upgrade. But if repairs are becoming frequent, the Kushaq 1.5 TSI is the best fit for your usage and budget.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleTata Sierra

Popular discussions right now

Posted on: 29 May 2026