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Prasanna Joshi

•3d

I am 68 years old and still drive on highways. My annual running is less than 12,000km. I am not used to all the fancy devices in new cars. Over the last 45 years, I have always owned a petrol sedan. Now, I am looking for an SUV with a large boot and the solid feel of a German car. My current car is in excellent condition, but being a sedan, comfort on highways is a problem. If I do buy a new car, it will be my last. Considering the foreseeable future, an electric option would be preferable.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•14m
After driving your Vento for over 15 years, it’s easy to see why you value the solid, planted feel of a German car. Given your age, highway usage and preference for a large boot and higher seating, moving to a German SUV is a very logical next (and final) step.
The Volkswagen Taigun remains the most straightforward upgrade. The 2026 facelift, which will be unveiled on April 9th, brings refreshed interiors and the new 8‑speed torque‑converter automatic for the 1.0 TSI, while the 1.5 TSI with DSG still delivers that strong, confident performance you’re used to. It will feel familiar enough coming from a Vento, but with better access, visibility and luggage space.
If you’re willing to stretch the budget, the newly launched Volkswagen Tayron R‑Line is the one that truly feels like a “last car”. It’s a larger, three‑row SUV positioned above the Tiguan, with a big 850‑litre boot (with the third row folded), a powerful 2.0 TSI engine, 7‑speed DSG and all‑wheel drive for outstanding high‑speed stability and safety. The cabin is modern and feature-packed, and the driving manners are very much in line with what you like about your current VW.
You mentioned electric as a preference, but given your running (under 12,000 km a year) and the state of charging infrastructure and costs, a refined turbo‑petrol like the Taigun or Tayron remains the more practical and stress‑free solution for the next 10-15 years.
Volkswagen Taigun

Volkswagen Taigun

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Volkswagen Taigun

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from ₹12.54 Lakh

Volkswagen Tayron

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from ₹55.84 Lakh

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AC

Achal

•1d

Hi, I prefer a 5-seater or maybe a 6-seater SUV/MUV within a budget of up to ₹25 lakh. It will be driven by a driver. The passenger seat in the back row should be spacious with plenty of legroom. There will be limited city running, with maybe 1-2 outstation trips per month within a range of 300-400km. Please advise. I currently have a Honda City.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•3h

Consider the Hyundai Alcazar Signature 1.5 Petrol DCT 6 seat. It offers very comfortable and supportive captain’s chairs in the middle row, with winged headrests, manual under-thigh support extensions and even a ventilation function. Furthermore, they can slide and recline for more space, and the front passenger seat can be moved forward using the powered Boss mode function.Other niceties in the second row include a folding table, window sunshades and a wireless charger. For your usage, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is a good fit with refined performance, while the DCT is also generally smooth in operation.What you miss out on is a usable third row. If that is important, then the Kia Carens Clavis offers a similar experience, but its second-row captain’s chairs aren’t as plush and lack ventilation.On the test drive, sit in the left rear for 20 minutes. Check thigh support, recline comfort and second-row slide range.

VehicleHyundai Alcazar
VehicleKia Carens Clavis
GD

Gagan Deep

•1d

I want to buy a petrol SUV/car. My budget is around 13 lakh. My priorities are mileage and safety.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•4h

Consider the Hyundai Venue 1.2-litre MT in the HX6 trim. It has recently received a full five-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP and comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol offers sufficient performance, along with good refinement and efficiency. The official claimed fuel efficiency is 18kpl, and you should get reasonably close to that on a steady highway cruise.Alternatively, if you are looking for a larger car, consider the Kia Seltos HTE with the 1.5-litre NA engine and manual combination, which also offers good efficiency for its size.On the test drive, check if the pick-up from the engine is satisfactory and whether the cabin feels comfortable for longer journeys.

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleKia Seltos
AK

Ajay Kandari

•1d

My budget is 14 lakhs, and running is 100km per week (50% highway and 50% Traffic). I prefer feature and performance equally. I am confused which SUV or hatchback with a naturally aspirated engine and low maintenance to opt for? Please suggest a low-maintenance turbo engine option, if any. Kindly provide the best options.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•4h

Go for the Hyundai Venue 1.2-litre MT in HX6T trim. It has the naturally aspirated engine and low maintenance you are looking for, and is very well-equipped for its segment. Your 5,200 km/year running suits a simple NA engine; you avoid turbo complexity while still getting adequate performance for a 50:50 city/highway mix. For everyday use, the NA engine is silent and refined, with good throttle response. The new Venue’s cabin also looks and feels premium, and the space has improved compared to the previous generation.The one thing you give up is outright punch. Quick overtakes above 80kph may need a downshift, whereas small turbo engines feel stronger here. If you find pick-up lacking, then try the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, which has a lot more power and will make highway journeys easier.On the test drive, check second-gear crawl over speed breakers, in-gear pick-up and highway cruising ability.

VehicleHyundai Venue

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Posted on: 2 Apr 2026