CVT cars in India (16)

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We would suggest going ahead with the Kia Seltos HTK(O) IVT. Given that you have already driven it and liked its cabin, it should make for a more satisfying daily companion. This Kia car feels more premium inside than both the Honda Elevate and the Hyundai Bayon, which is something you are likely to appreciate given your predominantly city usage. The naturally aspirated petrol engine and IVT combination should also work well in Mumbai traffic. This Honda car is a good alternative, particularly for its spacious cabin and refined engine, but its interiors do feel less premium.

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate

Hyundai Bayon

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You are spot on in your observation about the high engine noise during hard acceleration on the Honda City CVT. That is a function of its CVT gearbox and the notorious 'rubberband effect' in which the revs rise sharply without a correspondingly quick increase in road speed. The CVT gearbox does have its advantages, with a smoother drive experience in city and low-speed conditions, but it's not the exciting choice.The Volkswagen Virtus is the superior driving car, thanks to its turbocharged engines and torque converter automatic and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, depending on the engine you opt for. The Virtus is due for an update in the weeks to come, which will see the move to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission for the 1.0 TSI engine. We've experienced the same engine and gearbox combination on the Skoda Slavia and found it to have uplifted the overall drive experience. In terms of cabin insulation, ride comfort, and even highway stability, the Virtus does feel superior to the Honda City. Fuel economy, however, is entirely dependent on your driving style. Drive with enthusiasm, and you'll see fuel economy dip quickly, which is something true for all turbo-petrol engines.While both the Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus are sound products, the City does have the more proven track record for reliability. That being said, there are no fundamental areas of concern on the Virtus. The upcoming update will also address the mediocre cooling, which has been a bugbear for the product since launch.To us, the Volkswagen Virtus is the car that will put a bigger smile on your face.

Honda City

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

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Go for the Honda Elevate V CVT. Since the car will primarily be used by your parents and rear seat comfort matters, the Elevate makes more sense. It offers generous legroom and headroom and is comfortable for two adults in the back. The Duster has a stronger turbo petrol engine and a more engaging performance character, but rear seat space is one of its weaker areas. The Elevate’s naturally aspirated engine and CVT won’t be as exciting when driven enthusiastically, but its predictable handling and smooth gearbox make it easy to live with.

Honda Elevate

Renault Duster

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For a first family car, we would lean towards the Honda Amaze VX CVT. Its CVT is noticeably smoother than the Dzire’s AMT, especially in stop start traffic, and the more relaxed transmission makes it easier to live with. The Amaze also has a larger 416 litre boot, which is useful for family trips.The Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi+ AMT counters with more features, including a 360 degree camera, sunroof and TPMS, along with better fuel efficiency. However, its AMT has noticeable pauses between gear shifts, whereas the Amaze’s CVT feels more seamless.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

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Based on your preferences, we'd advise you to narrow down your choice between the Honda Elevate 1.5 CVT and Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI AT. The Honda Elevate will be a bit easier to drive for your wife, who is a new driver, given its higher seating position and more responsive naturally aspirated petrol engine without any turbo lag. Its CVT (automatic) is seamless, and its engine delivers strong performance to keep you entertained. Overall, the Elevate is a comfortable, practical, no-nonsense SUV with excellent ride comfort. Given Honda's reputation for reliability, you can look forward to a trouble-free ownership experience.The Skoda Slavia, being a sedan, will feel a bit nicer to drive given its low centre of gravity and relatively less body roll. The 1.0 TSI will also feel more effortless while making quick overtakes on the highway. Its 179mm ground clearance and large boot make it a very practical car for long family drives.In the initial year/s of its launch, some owners reported EPC errors, possibly due to poor fuel quality. However, the Slavia has been on the market for over four years now, and complaints of the same issue are extremely rare, indicating that it may have been resolved. If you loved the Slavia for what it offers, go for it. It'll leave you smiling every time you get behind the wheel.

Honda Elevate

Skoda Slavia