Autocar India

•1h

Your concern is completely valid, but the Hyundai Venue turbo petrol DCT is not as risky as it is often made out to be. The DCT used in the Hyundai Venue N Line has been in service for several years across multiple Hyundai models.Yes, DCT gearboxes can experience overheating in extremely dense, bumper-to-bumper traffic, but this is now quite rare. It was more common in earlier versions, but over the years, Hyundai has made multiple improvements to the gearbox software and cooling. The current DCT is much more mature and stable. Importantly, it also has built-in safety systems. If the gearbox temperature rises too much, the car gives a warning and limits performance to protect the hardware. From a long term ownership perspective of 10 to 15 years, the Hyundai turbo DCT is dependable enough and should not be a deal breaker.

Hyundai Venue

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Autocar India

•2h

We understand your doubts about the long-term reliability and service experience of the Tata Safari, especially since Tata Motors’ reputation in this area has taken a bit of a beating in recent years. That said, the company is making a strong push to improve the overall ownership experience.While it’s still a little early to comment definitively on how the Safari petrol will hold up over many years, we don’t expect it to be problematic to own. The new Tata petrol engine is a very modern unit manufactured at the company’s all-new engine facility at its Sanand plant, known for its higher quality standards.On the whole, you can go ahead with the Tata Safari petrol with confidence. It’s spacious, very smooth, and nice to drive, making it a strong choice for family use.

Tata Safari

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Autocar India

•3h

Of the three cars on your shortlist, the Kia Seltos IVT is the one we'd recommend. By virtue of being the largest and roomiest, it will feel like the biggest update from your Ford EcoSport. The Seltos IVT is well-suited to your city-centric usage. The engine isn't big on power, but the gearbox masks any power deficit. Performance is fine for city driving, with the highlight of the package being smooth and seamless power delivery.

Kia New Seltos

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Autocar India

•3h

The Honda Elevate and Skoda Kushaq are good options for your usage. Given that you use a Honda Amaze, there will be a comfort factor in sticking to the Honda brand with the Elevate. The Elevate is a well-engineered product with a robust suspension being one of the highlights. Top versions also get camera-based ADAS, which provides an additional layer of safety, especially on highway drives. Where the Elevate will leave you a bit wanting is in the powertrain. The engine is strong and likes to rev, but doesn't have the mid-range punch of a turbo-petrol. Further, the Elevate's CVT feels basic for this class of SUV. The Skoda Kushaq doesn't have the same sense of space as the Elevate. However, the Kushaq has stronger turbo-petrol engines and better gearboxes. The 1-litre turbo feels punchy enough while the more powerful 1.5-litre turbo delivers exciting performance. If you enjoy driving, you'll also love the Kushaq's keen handling. The updated Kushaq that launches soon also promises enhanced AC cooling, which was an issue on the original model.In essence, the Elevate is a safer, more familiar choice, while the Kushaq will be a more exciting choice for you.

Honda Elevate

Skoda Kushaq

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Autocar India

•4h

That’s serious running, 150km a day, six days a week and clocking 200,000km on your Mahindra XUV300 diesel is a strong testament to how durable that 1.5-litre engine is. A consistent 20kpl with that usage is impressive too.Given your positive experience, it’s only logical to look at the Mahindra XUV 3XO. It’s a significantly improved product over the XUV300 in terms of features, interiors and overall polish. But it continues with the same tried-and-tested 1.5-litre diesel engine. That motor has already proven itself in your hands. The 6-speed AMT is also carried over. It’s functional and robust, but it’s not the smoothest automatic around. Mahindra hasn’t offered the torque converter automatic with the diesel (that’s available only on the petrol TGDi).The Hyundai Venue diesel automatic, on the other hand, uses a 6-speed torque converter. It is noticeably smoother than the 3XO’s AMT, especially in stop-and-go traffic, and feels more refined in everyday driving. The Venue’s infotainment system also feels slightly more polished and user-friendly. In terms of engine reliability, Hyundai’s 1.5-litre diesel has a good reputation and is widely used across its lineup, so durability should not be a concern. Mileage figures in the real world are also broadly comparable to what you’d expect from the Mahindra.That said, you already have first-hand proof of how tough and long-lasting Mahindra’s 1.5 diesel is. If long-term durability and familiarity matter most to you, the 3XO is the safer bet. If you want a smoother automatic experience and a slightly more refined overall feel for your high daily usage, the Venue is worth serious consideration.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Hyundai Venue

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