We have been using a 2019 Kia Seltos 1.4 DCT and are now planning to change our car. I am leaning towards a sedan, particularly the Volkswagen Virtus, for its performance, driving comfort and build quality. I have driven the Volkswagen Vento 1.0 TSI before, so I am familiar with the driving experience. However, the Virtus does not feel like a significant upgrade from our current car, especially because its interior seems dated compared with newer models. I have also considered the Toyota Camry, which looks beautiful and offers a more premium experience, but it is beyond our budget. We drive around 15,000km a year, with a mix of city commutes and highway trips. I want an engaging driving experience, good performance, comfortable long-distance cruising and a premium feel. A sedan is my first preference, but I am open to an SUV if it makes more sense. What would you recommend? Are there any cars that would feel like a genuine upgrade from the Seltos?

autocar.india

•1h

If you're set on the 1.5 TSI engine, the Volkswagen Virtus GT Chrome at Rs 21.5 lakh makes more sense if savings matter, while the facelifted Skoda Slavia Prestige is worth the extra Rs 1.2 lakh if you want its additional features. Unlike the 1.0 TSI versions, where the Slavia's new eight-speed torque converter automatic is a meaningful mechanical change from the older six-speed automatic, the 1.5 TSI versions retain the same basic engine and seven-speed DSG combination. So you're not paying extra for a different powertrain.The Slavia Prestige adds meaningful equipment, including a 360-degree camera, larger digital displays, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, and a rear-seat massage function. It also gets improved air-conditioning hardware. These are useful additions, particularly if you plan to keep the car for several years.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

autocar.india

•17h

For your 20,000-25,000 km annual running and frequent long-distance trips, the Citroen C5 Aircross is the more appealing choice for ride comfort and gearbox refinement, while the Jeep Meridian has a stronger long-term test record with Autocar India. The C5’s Aisin 8-speed automatic is smooth and well suited to relaxed touring, but there isn't enough comparable long-term evidence to confidently declare it more reliable than the Meridian’s ZF 9-speed. The country of origin alone doesn't determine durability.The Meridian’s gearbox can hesitate or hunt between gears at low speeds, as our long-term test noted, but the SUV completed more than 21,000km, including a demanding journey to Ladakh, without a mechanical fault. That is reassuring, though it cannot establish how either transmission will fare over 1-2 lakh kilometres.Since you're buying new, test the Meridian in slow traffic and during repeated overtaking manoeuvres, and drive the C5 over the same route.

Citroen C5 Aircross

Jeep Meridian

autocar.india

•18h

The Hyundai Verna 1.5 IVT will certainly feel more responsive than the Slavia, especially in stop-go conditions, and this is the ideal choice for a city commuter. However, give that 70 percent of your usage will be on the highway, we'd suggest you opt for the Verna 1.5 Turbo DCT for its stronger performance and effortless overtaking ability. Coming from a Slavia 1.0, the 1.5 Turbo will feel like a good replacement for you as far as performance goes, and its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will provide the convenience of an automatic that your wife is looking for.If you want to stick to a strong naturally aspirated petrol engine for better low-end performance as well as satisfactory highway effortlessness, consider the Honda City or Honda Elevate CVT. Honda's 1.5 feels much stronger that Hyundai's NA engine in the city and on the highway, with the only downside being refinement, where the Verna's petrol fares better.

Hyundai Verna

Honda City

Skoda Slavia

Honda Elevate