With an on-road budget of ₹22 lakh, I want to buy an SUV in the next 4-5 months that is fun and punchy with reasonable fuel efficiency. I don’t want a Maruti car because the hybrids compromise boot space, and the others aren’t engaging to drive. My main requirements are good rear seat space and an enjoyable driving experience. The MG Hector and Tata Sierra have some variants that fit the bill, but they’re gas guzzlers. Apart from those, are there any other models that fit the bill?

autocar.india

•14h

With a monthly running of just 100-200 km, fuel type is not a major concern, so the focus should be on a well-equipped, safe and comfortable SUV that feels special to own. At a budget of Rs 28 lakh, the Kia Seltos GTX+ or X-Line is the most balanced recommendation. This Kia Car offers a strong feature list, a premium cabin, good safety credentials and a genuinely attractive design. The Seltos also feels like a proper upgrade car, with a well-finished interior and a wide dealer network for hassle-free ownership.If you want something that feels a bit more spacious and premium, the Tata Sierra is worth considering. This Tata Car has a more distinctive design, a very spacious cabin and a genuinely premium feel inside. The only caveat is that the turbo petrol engine is still relatively new, so it does not have the same long-term ownership track record as the Seltos.Overall, the Seltos GTX+ or X-Line is the safer, more proven choice, while the Sierra is the more distinctive and premium-feeling option. Both are strong recommendations for your requirements.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

autocar.india

•1d

The EPC light and stalling on your Taigun are understandably concerning, especially at 70,000km. The EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning is a generic fault indicator, so the underlying cause could range from a simple sensor issue to something more complex like a fuel system or throttle body problem. The fact that the car is stalling suggests it is not a minor glitch and needs proper diagnosis.The bigger concern here is the dealer response. Volkswagen’s service experience can be inconsistent, and if your authorised dealer is not resolving the issue, it is worth escalating the matter to Volkswagen India customer care and requesting a more thorough investigation or a different service centre. At 70,000km, the car is still relatively young, and this should be fixable.

Volkswagen Taigun

autocar.india

•1d

With your annual running of around 8,000km and a commute that is mostly short city trips, a BS6 diesel is not the right choice. Modern BS6 diesels use a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that needs regular long runs at steady speeds to regenerate properly. Your pattern of short, low-speed trips with only occasional long drives increases the risk of DPF issues over time. Petrol cars, hybrid or EV would be a better fit.Given your budget of Rs. 25 lakh and your desire for a technologically advanced car with all the bells and whistles, the Kia Seltos is the most sensible upgrade from your Tata Zest. It is a genuinely premium midsize SUV with a strong feature list, a comfortable cabin and a good balance between city usability and highway capability. It also has a proven ownership track record and affordable maintenance.If you want something a bit more driver-focused, the Skoda Kushaq is worth considering. It is a more engaging car to drive, but it does not feel as premium or as feature-rich as the Seltos.Overall, the Seltos is the best fit for your requirements. It is a significant upgrade from your Zest, it is technologically advanced, it is reliable and it will be easy to live with over the long term.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq