Hi, I want to buy a new car for a family of 5. Long drives will be once or twice a year. I am looking for longevity, low maintenance cost, a strong service network, and all necessary features. My budget is around ₹6.5 lakh on-road. Kindly suggest which brand and variant would be best for my requirements.

Autocar India

•9h

The Skoda Kushaq or Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Automatic would be the top recommendations here.Since your usage is predominantly on highways, the strengths of these two SUVs align very well with your requirements. Both feel stable and confidence-inspiring at higher speeds, offer comfortable ride quality and have strong safety credentials. Their turbo-petrol engines deliver a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, while the new 8-speed automatic transmission should further improve efficiency and drivability. They also represent a substantial upgrade over the Wagon R in terms of refinement, comfort and long-distance cruising ability.Another strong option is the Honda Elevate CVT. It may not feel as sporty or engaging to drive as the Skoda and Volkswagen twins, but it excels in comfort, reliability and ease of ownership. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and proven, while maintenance costs are likely to be among the lowest in the segment.

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

Honda Elevate

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Autocar India

•1d

In terms of an elevated seating position and ease of getting in and out, the Tata Punch is the best fit within your budget. Its doors open wide, and the seats are comfortable and set high, so you step into it rather than down into it. The drawbacks are that the engine isn’t the most refined, and Tata’s service experience can be hit or miss in some areas.Alternatively, the Hyundai Exter automatic is a good choice too. The high, chair-like seats and wide-opening doors make getting in and out easy. The seating position isn’t quite as high as the Punch’s, so it is worth trying both to see which works best for you. On the plus side, the engine is very refined, the AMT is one of the smoother-shifting units in the segment, and Hyundai has a strong reputation for after-sales service.If you want something that is even easier to live with on a tight budget, look at the Maruti Wagon R AMT. The tall-boy design is excellent for seniors. Just know that while it is a great city car, it is not particularly well-suited to highway driving.

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Autocar India

•4h

Yes, the electric Hyundai Creta will suit you quite nicely. The car has a very well-tuned electric drivetrain that is easy to drive. In the city, controls are light enough, and the ride is good. To support the additional weight of the battery, the Creta Electric’s suspension is stiffer than the ICE version’s, but it doesn’t translate into an uncomfortable ride. You can feel some firmness at low speeds, but road shocks are well in check, and what’s nice is that the stiffness has eliminated unnecessary (secondary) body movements, and even at highway speeds, the Creta Electric doesn’t lose its poise. So on your long trips, too, you will enjoy the driving experience. In true Hyundai fashion, the car is also well equipped and feels nice, and it feels nice and airy inside.

Hyundai Creta Electric