Autocar India
8w

Hi, I am planning to buy a long, low-slung sedan with strong build quality, low maintenance, a good service network, and, most importantly, a premium look with a unique, classy colour. My budget is 15-17 lakh. Please suggest the best engine option.

Verified
7w
The updated 2026 Honda City is a good pick for your needs, with a sharper exterior design, a comfortable interior, and Honda’s service network and upkeep costs remaining affordable in this segment. This sedan car also comes in some classy, deep shades, and the paint finish is excellent. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is smooth, efficient and proven, and it fits comfortably within your Rs. 15-17 lakh budget.
Two things to know before you decide. Even with the update, the City’s cabin can feel a bit dated compared to some rivals. It also does not have the outright punch of a turbo-petrol engine, so quick overtakes will not be as effortless.
If those are deal-breakers for you, then the Skoda Slavia or Volkswagen Virtus are stronger picks, though upkeep can be slightly more expensive. Overall, the City is a solid choice.
Honda City

Honda City

7w

What about a Verna?

7w

I agree with this 👍

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1d

I currently own a 2018 Honda City SV Edge Edition 1.5 i-VTEC Petrol Manual and am looking to switch to a CNG car. My priorities are value for money, a refined engine, low running costs, and low maintenance. I initially considered the Tata Nexon Smart Plus S CNG, but I have ruled it out due to my poor experience with Tata's service and showroom experience. I have now shortlisted the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S CNG and Maruti Suzuki Victoris LXI CNG. Which of these two would be the better choice for my requirements?

Verified
21h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Victoris CNG. Both the Victoris and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder are essentially the same car underneath, sharing the same engine, platform and CNG system. The key difference is that the Victoris is priced more competitively, which makes it the better value proposition. Also, the Victoris features an underbody CNG tank, giving it a much larger boot space, adding to the practicality. However, you don't get a spare wheel in the Victoris. In terms of refinement, running costs and maintenance, there is no meaningful difference between the two. Toyota’s service network is strong, but Maruti’s is even wider and more accessible, which further strengthens the ownership case. Since you are coming from a Honda City and prioritising low running costs and reliability, the Victoris CNG is the more sensible and value-driven choice. The only reason to pick the Hyryder would be a strong preference for the Toyota badge or a particularly good local dealer relationship. Otherwise, the Victoris CNG is the smarter buy.

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1w

Comparing VW Virtus Highline Plus 1.0 TSI Automatic with the Tata Safari Pure X turbo petrol manual. I understand segments are different. I am not confused about which car to buy. I need advice about "Should I push for the Tata Safari as I'll get a big SUV with just 2 lakhs extra" User case: I have a Tata Tiago, which I'm going to keep as 2nd car. Daily running is 15km with moderate traffic (Manual is not a problem) and monthly 1 highway trip of 200-300 kms. Family of 4 adults and a kid. Looking for best value proposition, longterm ownership, Family comfort with driving pleasure.

Verified
2d

Given your usage and priorities, the Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus 1.0 TSI automatic is the better fit. Your daily running is low, and the occasional highway trips do not justify the additional size and complexity of the Tata Safari. The Virtus offers a more refined driving experience, better fuel efficiency and a more manageable ownership proposition over the long term. It is also a more comfortable car for a family of four plus a child, with a spacious rear seat and a large boot. The Safari Pure X turbo petrol manual is a good value proposition for those who need the extra space and road presence, but it is not the best choice for your usage pattern. The manual gearbox will become tiresome in traffic, and the larger size will make it less convenient to live with on a daily basis. The Virtus is the more sensible and enjoyable choice for your needs. You can expect the Volkswagen Virtus mileage to be around 9 to 12 kpl in the city and 15 to 18 kpl on the highway.

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Popular discussions right now

2d

Hey, We are planning to buy a sub-4-metre SUV, and our main requirement is good suspension for Bengaluru’s pothole-filled roads, especially as my wife is pregnant. We have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Tata Nexon. Which one would you recommend for our requirements? I was also considering a larger SUV like the Honda Elevate, but a well-equipped variant costs around Rs. 18 lakh on-road, which is beyond my budget. Could you suggest some good options in both categories? I can stretch my budget up to around Rs. 15 lakh on-road if required.

Verified
17h

Given your priorities, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the best fit. It has the most comfortable ride in the segment, with a suspension that deals with broken roads and potholes better than the Brezza or Nexon. The wide rear seat and good cabin space will also make a difference for your wife and family. The Brezza is the more reliable long-term ownership proposition, but its ride is not as plush as the 3XO. The Nexon is a good all-rounder, but the 3XO has the edge on ride comfort and rear seat space.On the Honda Elevate, it is a solid, reliable SUV with a comfortable ride, but at Rs 18 lakh on-road for the well-equipped variants, it is not worth stretching your budget for. The 3XO gives you a better ride and more features for less money.Overall, the 3XO is the best balance of ride comfort, space and value for your requirements. Go for the petrol automatic variant for the smoothest city driving experience.

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Posted on: 18 Jun 2026