Audi Q3

Autocar India

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For a good petrol SUV in the Rs 40-50 lakh range, check out the Skoda Kodiaq. It comes in 5 and 7-seat guises and features a premium, high-quality and practical interior. Quality has taken a step up in this new-gen model compared to the outgoing Kodiaq, and fit and finish are now on par with luxury cars. It may look large on the outside, but it's actually quite easy to manoeuvre, and moreover, its 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine is smooth and refined.Alternatively, you can check out the Audi Q3. It's not as large as the Skoda, but since you plan to use it primarily in the city, and if you don't have a need for the added space, it could be beneficial. It has better badge value too, which should help resale value compared to the Skoda, and though it uses the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, its smaller size means fuel efficiency should be a bit better, as well as performance.

Skoda Kodiaq

Audi Q3

Autocar India

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In this price range, you always have to choose badge versus value, as there are some exceptional executive sedans and SUVs available for the same price as entry-level cars with luxury badges on them. If you're after a luxury badge specifically, we recommend the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine, which is excellent value for money, or if you want an SUV, the Audi Q3, which is a little dated now. But offers the best overall package of performance, practicality and comfort. However, for the same money, the Toyota Camry offers far more space comfort and mileage thanks to its strong hybrid powertrain, for similar money. And similarly, the Skoda Kodiaq or Volkswagen Tayron offer far greater space, practicality and power than a similarly priced luxury-branded SUV. However, these big, seven-seat SUVs with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines are quite thirsty and could burn a hole in your pocket at the fuel pumps. However, if you're accustomed to the running costs of an Innova Crysta 2.7 petrol, then these won't be too far off. Of all these, we recommend the Toyota Camry hybrid for its all-encompassing offering of comfort, luxury, space and mileage at this price.

Toyota Camry

Audi Q3

Skoda Kodiaq

Volkswagen Tayron

Autocar India

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All the cars you have shortlisted, being sedans, have similar ground clearance, and for all practical purposes, the Audi A4 is no worse off than the other two. In fact, in our testing, it was the Mercedes-Benz A-Class limousine that required the most care over speed breakers. If ground clearance is a high priority, consider an SUV like the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3 or BMW X1. However, if you want to stick with a sedan, the Audi A4 is the most value for money. Not only is it larger and more spacious than the others, it also has the most comfortable suspension. What's more, its 190hp, 2.0-litre turbo petrol is larger and more powerful than the engines on offer in the 2 Series and A-Class, and the most refined among them too. Given your budget, however, you could even consider an Audi A6; check if your local Audi dealer is offering any discounts, and it could fit within the outer limits of your budget.

Audi Q3

Audi A4

Audi A6

BMW X1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Autocar India

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Yes, the Hyundai Verna facelift is coming in the second week of March, but it will get only cosmetic changes. There will be no changes in the engine, which means there is no hybrid coming anytime soon.As things stand, there isn’t an ICE car below Rs 40 lakh that is significantly quicker than the Verna, which does 0-100kph in a brisk 8.8 seconds. If outright performance is what you’re after, one car worth stretching for is the Audi Q3. While its list price is around Rs 50 lakh, attractive discounts are often available, bringing it much closer to your Rs 40 lakh budget.The Q3 uses a 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine producing a healthy 190hp, and that’s enough for a 0-100kph time of 7.3 seconds - comfortably quicker than the Verna. Beyond straight-line speed, the Q3, being a compact luxury SUV, plays in a different league altogether in terms of interior quality, badge value and overall experience. Perhaps it makes the best upgrade for you if you can extend your budget a bit.

Audi Q3

Autocar India

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The Skoda Kodiaq is more spacious and feels more modern than the Audi Q3, and it comes with all the equipment a luxury car buyer would want, including wireless Apple and Android connectivity, which the Q3 doesn’t have.However, although the Q3 feels dated, especially on the inside, it has a certain old-school charm and superb cabin quality, with ride quality in particular being exceptional. The rear seats are quite cramped, but if you drive yourself, the compact dimensions of the Q3 will be a boon in Mumbai traffic. Yes, the Kodiaq gives you more car for the money, but the Audi Q3 has stronger badge value and is nicer to drive.

Skoda Kodiaq

Audi Q3

Autocar India

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The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d feels more modern, with striking styling and rich interiors, compared to the Q3, which now feels dated. However, the Audi Q3 is overall a better choice for your daily commute because the 2-litre TFSI petrol is very smooth, the ride is better than the GLA’s, and the cabin is a bit more spacious too.One downside is that Audi cars don’t have as good resale value as Mercedes-Benz cars, but that is compensated for by the great deals you get on Audis today. You can bargain hard with both the Mumbai dealers for a good price.

Audi Q3

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Autocar India

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You will not find many used BMW and Audi cars (hatchbacks) in India because very few were ever sold.BMW did offer the 1 Series hatchback for a short time, but the numbers were still limited.Instead, it’s better to explore their small SUVs like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1. If you are open to Mercedes-Benz cars, you can also check the A-Class or B-Class hatchbacks, though these too are rare, or consider the Mercedes GLA. When buying a premium used car, though, make sure you buy from the brand itself, as they all have an approved used program. You can also buy one from a very reputable reseller, and if things go wrong, it can be very expensive to fix.

Mercedes-Benz A-class Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Audi Q3

BMW X1

Autocar India

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We'd recommend you narrow down your options to the Mercedes GLA 220d and Q3, both of which have strong powertrains and are a touch nicer to drive than the BMW X1.Between the two, the Mercedes-Benz car has a more well-appointed cabin and a spacious interior. The Audi Q3's cabin is also high on quality, although it lacks flair. Where the Q3 shines is the ride comfort. Go for the Mercedes if you are willing to pick a diesel engine - you will appreciate the 220d's effortless performance on the highway.However, if you need a petrol, the Audi Q3's turbo petrol is far superior to what Mercedes and BMW offer, hence it gets our vote.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

BMW X1

Audi Q3

Autocar India

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The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line is enjoyable to drive but is undoubtedly expensive. Regular maintenance should not be a problem, but the availability of parts could be an issue in case of accident repairs. Expensive imported cars also typically do not retain their value unless there is special market interest.As an alternative, consider the Skoda Kodiaq, which is essentially the same car underneath but offers more features and a generally plusher interior. Parts availability will also be better for the Kodiaq.If driving experience is a priority, the Audi Q3 is also worth considering. It may not be cutting-edge inside, but it is engaging to drive with a strong petrol engine. With the next-generation Q3 expected in India next year, you could push for big discounts on the current model.

Audi Q3

Volkswagen Tiguan

Skoda Kodiaq