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Tanvir

•3d

Hi, I have a VW Virtus bought in early 2023, and now I am looking for a replacement. My preference is for an SUV. I'll primarily use it for city driving, and my monthly usage would be around 200 km. The car must have a good safety rating, comfort and mileage.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d
Since you are coming from a Volkswagen Virtus, you will naturally appreciate the Volkswagen Taigun or Skoda Kushaq, as both SUVs carry the same DNA of solid build quality and excellent driving dynamics. Between the two, the Kushaq, which has just been updated with fresher looks, more features and a stronger aircon, would be the better option.
You can opt for the 1.0 TSI variant with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is well-suited for city driving. It’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV in the segment, but considering your monthly running of around 200km, that shouldn’t matter too much.
However, do note that the back seat of the Kushaq (and Taigun) isn’t the most spacious. If you are looking for better rear seat comfort and slightly better efficiency, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol with the CVT automatic is another good option to consider.
Skoda Kushaq

Skoda Kushaq

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda Kushaq

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.63 Lakh

Kia Seltos

Kia

Seltos

from ₹13.01 Lakh

Volkswagen Taigun

Volkswagen

Taigun

from ₹12.54 Lakh

Volkswagen Virtus

Volkswagen

Virtus

from ₹12.44 Lakh

SU

Suhas

•2h

200 kms a month. Any old car will do.

VH

Vijay Halli

•11m

Are you selling the Virtus ?

VH

Vijay Halli

•12m

Selling your Virtus?

DA

Darsh

•15h

If you're considering the Kushaq, the version equipped with the 1.0 TSI engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission is the recommended option. It's generally considered to offer better mileage compared to what you can expect from the Taigun.

Latest questions people are discussing

MK

Mahendra kumar

•1w

I’m confused between the 2026 Tata Sierra and the 2026 Volkswagen Kushaq. My everyday commute won’t exceed 20 km in city traffic, and my monthly highway riding will be up to 200 km. I’m looking for a reliable and trouble-free automatic with long-term reliability. Please help me choose the best vehicle.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

Since you are looking for reliability and a trouble-free ownership, we would recommend the Skoda Kushaq over the Tata Sierra. The Sierra is an all-new car; thus, its reliability remains to be seen, though indications are good. The Kushaq is also a bit smaller than the Sierra, and this will help you in your city driving. For fewer highway rides, too, the Kushaq will offer up a good ride and handling balance and a secure feel on the highway.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleTata Sierra
SI

Sitaram

•3d

I tried looking for the Mahindra Thar Roxx MX3 Petrol AT, but my parents refused because it hurts their backs, as both are 60+, and the Thar has noticeable body roll. I am now considering the Volkswagen Virtus 1.0L engine as an alternative. My core requirements are strong safety, a reliable vehicle, fun to drive, and good performance on a mix of highways, mountain roads, and bad roads, with very good power. My budget is below ₹18 lakh on road. Please suggest how I should go about this.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

For your aged parents, the Mahindra Thar Roxx can indeed be uncomfortable. Getting in and out requires effort because of the high step-in height, and since it’s based on a body-on-frame chassis, the ride tends to be bumpy. There is noticeable body roll as well, which can make senior passengers uneasy, especially on rough roads.The Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI is a sensible alternative within your ₹18 lakh on-road budget. It offers strong safety credentials, solid build quality and is genuinely fun to drive. The 1.0 turbo-petrol has good low- and mid-range punch, making it enjoyable both on highways and mountain roads. It’s stable at high speeds and feels planted in corners.On bad roads, you will need to be a bit careful, as it’s still a sedan, but the ground clearance is decent enough for most situations if driven sensibly. If your usage is a mix of highways, hills and occasional rough patches, and you want a safer, more comfortable and still engaging option, the Virtus is a well-balanced way to go.

VehicleMahindra Thar Roxx
VehicleVolkswagen Virtus
SA

Sachin

•2d

I want to buy a new car. My budget is ₹12-17 lakh. Usage will be 60% city and 40% highway, with a monthly running of 1,500-2,500 km. I live in Chandigarh, Panchkula. I prefer a 4-cylinder and want good cabin insulation, safety, refinement, and reliability. Only petrol. I prefer an SUV, but am comfortable with a sedan as well. Please recommend a suitable car.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

The Kia Seltos in its HTK trim would be a good option for you. It gets a smooth 4-cylinder petrol engine with excellent refinement and the CVT gearbox makes it effortless for city use and convenient enough on the highway.The cabin insulation is very good, it gets high levels of active and passive safety measures and being a Kia car, there is good reliability too. Add to that the well-equipped cabin and a roomy rear seat, and the Seltos comes off as a strong choice. The bold design might be a concern, but you will get used to it, and it does stand out.

VehicleKia Seltos

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Posted on: 3 Mar 2026