Autocar India
3d

Hello, I currently own a 2016 Maruti Suzuki Baleno and am planning to buy an SUV-type car. My annual running is around 8,000-10,000 km, mostly on highways. My budget is up to Rs 15 lakh, although I can increase it if there is a significantly better option available. I can also wait for a few months if more suitable options are expected. I would preferably like to buy from traditional Indian car manufacturers. Which SUV would you recommend?

Verified
8m
With 8,000-10,000 km a year and mostly highway driving, a diesel SUV makes the most sense. The Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is the best fit here. It is a genuinely good highway car with strong performance, good stability and a comfortable ride. The diesel engine is fairly efficient and well suited to long-distance driving, and Mahindra’s service reach is strong. The 3XO is also one of the most spacious compact SUVs, with a wide rear seat that makes it a comfortable five-seater.
If you are willing to stretch your budget, the Kia Seltos diesel is worth considering. It is a larger SUV with a more premium cabin and better long-distance comfort. It is the better car overall, but it comes at a slightly higher price.
Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO

3m

Get the venue or sonet diesel instead or get the base models of creta diesel if you prefer the extra space but yes the performance and mileage of venue would be slightly better than creta with the diesel engine

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2d

I’m planning to buy my first car and have a budget of around Rs 13-15 lakh ex-showroom. I also plan to register it under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, and I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I want something classy and elegant, with good comfort and a premium-looking interior. Leather or leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, though neither is essential. At the same time, I do not want a car focused solely on comfort. I enjoy driving and would like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips are also important. In short, I am looking for a safe, automatic, classy and comfortable family car that is also enjoyable to drive, within Rs 13-15 lakh ex-showroom. What would you recommend?

Verified
1h

Based on your requirements, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the best fit. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family comfort. The Skoda Kushaq has a 5-star Global NCAP rating, which addresses your top priority. The 1.0 TSI engine is punchy, and the 8-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and reliable, making it enjoyable on highways and easy to live with. This Skoda car also has a premium interior with a classy design, good rear-seat comfort and a decent boot for family trips. It is not the most spacious car in the segment, but it is adequate for a family of four and the driving experience more than makes up for it.At your budget, you will get a lower-trim model, but it will have all the basics. We would, however, recommend you increase your budget slightly; if not, you can opt for the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic, which is a good alternative. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs, has a 5-star safety rating and is also enjoyable to drive. The only drawback is that the boot is smaller than the Kushaq's.Overall, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the best all-rounder for your requirements. It is safe, classy, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable to drive.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO

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