Skoda cars in India (9)

Since you are a driving enthusiast and are looking for a mid-size SUV with good driving dynamics, we would recommend the new Skoda Kushaq. Skoda recently unveiled the facelift and will also be announcing prices this month. The Kushaq is one of the more driver-focused mid-size SUVs with very good handling manners. It will feature two engines as before, a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI. 

If the bigger engine is out of budget, the 1.0-litre is also quite peppy and fun to drive, with good grip and cornering. Another SUV worth waiting for would be the Renault Duster, which is launching on the 17th of this month. 

It gets a powerful turbo-petrol engine, and Renault has developed a good chunk of it at MMRT (Madras Motor Race Track) in Chennai and assures us that the handling would be exciting. If you aren't in a hurry, we advise you to wait till we get our hands on the Duster and even the updated Kushaq for a definitive verdict.

Since your running is quite high and that too in the city, a strong hybrid powertrain would be a good option to consider. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder are mid-size SUVs with a strong hybrid powertrain and are excellent in the city. The battery and motor provide enough power for everyday driving, and they offer good ride comfort too. 

That said, if you do not prefer a strong-hybrid SUV, the new updated Skoda Kushaq will be launching soon. It gets the same engine as before, but the 1.0-litre TSI motor will not get an 8-speed automatic instead. If you are a keen driver and enjoy getting behind the wheel, the Kushaq would be a better choice. 

We would recommend that you wait for the launch. The Tata Harrier just got a new petrol engine, which is refined, but it's a bit too big for the city and isn't as polished as the Kushaq. 

The Skoda Kushaq and Kia Seltos are mid-sized SUVs, but take very different approaches.

The Skoda Kushaq is more driver-oriented. It's got punchy turbo-petrol engines, and the performance is backed by fun handling. On the flipside, the Kushaq isn't as roomy as some rivals and misses some equipment too. 

The Kia Seltos scores for space, comfort and wow features. It's got pleasant engines, but the driving experience isn't as engaging. 

In essence, the Kushaq is the more entertaining package for keen drivers, while the Kia Seltos is the better-rounded product that will appeal to the entire family. 

If the driving experience is the top priority, the Skoda Kushaq will be the right pick for you. It's got punchy turbo-petrol engines, and handling is very enjoyable. The updated Kushaq launches next month and packs in a few more features, and also stronger air conditioning. While Skoda has not announced prices as yet, you should get a fully-loaded 1.0 TSI with a manual gearbox within your budget. 

Of the other options, the Honda Elevate is also worth considering. Engine performance and handling are good, but refinement isn't great for this segment. 

The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 is great, but it might be too large for your requirements. Also, fuel economy is lower than the alternatives on your list. The Hyundai Creta is a practical pick, and the 1.5 petrol engine and manual gearbox are easygoing, but unexciting. 

All modern cars today, if maintained well, are engineered to last 10 years or more. Over that period, you should budget for both scheduled services and some wear-and-tear replacements. Given your usage pattern with limited annual running and long idle periods, the way the powertrain behaves when used sparingly becomes more important. Since most of your trips are short and local in Kasaragod, outright performance is less critical than smooth and reliable operation.

Between the Skoda Kylaq Prestige Plus (1.0 TSI with 6-speed torque converter) and the Hyundai Venue HX8 (1.0 Turbo with 7-speed DCT), both should serve you well if maintained properly. However, purely from a mechanical durability standpoint, a conventional torque converter automatic, like the one in the Kylaq, is generally more tolerant of stop-go driving and long-term ownership than a dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

DCTs offer quicker shifts and better efficiency, but they are more complex and can be sensitive to heat and crawling traffic. This is something your sister is likely to encounter in town driving. Over a 10-year horizon, especially with intermittent usage and possible long idle periods, the simpler torque converter setup is typically the safer bet.

That said, both cars use small turbo-petrol engines. Modern turbo engines are reliable, but they are inherently more complex than naturally aspirated (NA) engines. It is due to additional components like the turbocharger and intercooler. If absolute long-term peace of mind is your priority, you could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, which comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired to a 6-speed torque converter. An NA engine is mechanically simpler and, in theory, better suited to low annual running and long ownership.

As for the Tata Punch EV, it is an excellent value for money as an EV. However, in your specific case, it may not make complete sense. Your annual usage appears limited, so you won’t significantly benefit from the lower running costs of an EV. 

Additionally, the Punch EV is compact with a smaller boot, which may restrict practicality during family visits. Long idle periods are also not ideal for EVs unless the battery state of charge is managed carefully.

If you like the Skoda Kylaq AT, go ahead. It’s a very good car to drive, feels solid, and is the most engaging of the three. Low running will naturally minimise wear and tear, and modern turbo-petrol engines are perfectly fine for city use as long as they’re maintained properly. Don’t overthink the naturally aspirated vs turbo debate purely from a reliability standpoint - upkeep matters more.
The Honda Elevate CVT and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are bigger and more spacious, and both are sensible, comfortable choices. The Elevate’s naturally aspirated engine is smooth and predictable, and the Grand Vitara scores well on efficiency. However, neither feels as enjoyable or as tight to drive as the Kylaq.
Given your priorities - long-term ownership, decent safety, good NVH and low running - the Kylaq fits well if driving feel matters to you. If space and a more relaxed nature matter more, then the Elevate would be the calmer choice. But purely from the heart-and-head balance, the Kylaq is the one we would pick.