Skoda cars in India (9)

autocar.india

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Go for the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI manual. As a driving enthusiast, this is exactly the kind of car you should be looking for. The 1.5 TSI is a genuinely strong engine with excellent performance, and the manual gearbox makes it a far more engaging car to drive than the Elevate. The fact that it is a rare find in the used market only adds to its appeal.The car itself sounds very clean. Full service history at authorised Skoda workshops, an active AMC, extended warranty till 2029 and zero depreciation insurance all point to a well-maintained example. The only thing to check is the price. Rs 12 lakh is on the higher side for a second-owner 2023 Ambition (entry-level), despite the upgrades and warranty. Remember, the 1.5 TSI MT was discontinued because of low demand, and finding a buyer in the used car market isn't going to be easy unless, of course, a driving enthusiast like you shows interest. Realistically, if you can get the price down below Rs 11 lakh, it could be worth opting for. Else, the Elevate seems like the more sensible option.

Skoda Slavia

Honda Elevate

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Unfortunately, there aren't too many options in the sub-40 lakh space as of now. However, Kia will soon launch the Sorento, which is a three-row SUV, expected to come with a hybrid and a diesel powertrain. It's expected to be easy to drive, feature-packed, and have a sophisticated interior. Alternatively, if you can up your budget by a few lakhs, you could get the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge variant. Besides having excellent driving dynamics and a solid build, it also gets a powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which you are likely to enjoy particularly on your weekend highway drives.

Skoda Kodiaq

Kia Sorento

autocar.india

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With a monthly running of around 1,000 km, an EV can make sense, but only if you have a predictable usage pattern and access to home charging. The bigger question is whether it makes sense to exchange your Slavia, which is a relatively new and well-rounded car. The Slavia offers a great driving experience, good comfort and is a proven product. The XEV 9S is a very different proposition – it is a large, premium electric SUV with a very different ownership and usage profile.The BaaS (Battery as a Service) scheme on the XEV 9S is attractive because it reduces the upfront cost, but it also means you are paying a monthly subscription for the battery, which only makes sense if you are committed to long-term EV ownership and your usage pattern justifies it. The Sierra EV does not currently offer a BaaS scheme.Our advice would be to hold on to the Slavia for now. It is still a very capable car and you are unlikely to recover its value in a trade-in so soon after purchase. If you are keen on an EV, wait for a few more years until your Slavia has served its purpose and the EV market has matured further. If you are set on an EV today, the XEV 9S with BaaS is a good option.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Skoda Slavia

Tata Sierra EV

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Go for the Honda City SV petrol manual. With your annual running of 8,000km, petrol is the right choice, and the City is one of the most reliable and hassle-free cars you can buy. It is also a car that is known to last well beyond 7-9 years with proper maintenance, which fits your ownership plan. The SV variant gives you the essentials within your budget, and the City’s strong resale value and Honda's wide service network make it a sensible long-term investment.The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are both excellent to drive, but the City is the safer long-term bet. Skoda and Volkswagen have improved their ownership experience, but Honda still has the edge when it comes to reliability and peace of mind over a long ownership period. On the SUV side, the Seltos and Grand Vitara are both good cars, but at your budget you will be looking at base variants, and neither will have as much resale as the City.Since your wife prefers a sedan and you are looking for a car that will last without hassle, the Honda City SV is the best option.

Honda City

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

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Go for the XUV 3XO MX2 Pro automatic. As a new driver with a family of five, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the more practical and comfortable choice. It has a wider rear seat, which makes a big difference for three passengers, and the cabin feels more spacious overall. The 1.2 turbo petrol engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and easy to drive, and the car feels stable and confident on the highway.The Skoda Kylaq is a good driver's car, but the narrower rear seat and the need to add an aftermarket infotainment system make it less appealing for family use. The missing features on the 3XO, like cruise control and LED lights, are not deal-breakers at this price point. Overall, the Mahindra car offers a better balance of space, comfort and value for a family of five.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq