Skoda cars in India (9)

autocar.india

•20m

Go for the Skoda Kodiaq or Volkswagen Tayron, which are sister models from different brands. They are among the best driver’s SUVs in the segment, with strong performance, excellent handling and a genuinely premium feel. The ride is well judged, the cabin is spacious enough for four adults plus a child seat, and the boot is large enough to comfortably accommodate a stroller and a couple of suitcases. If you stretch your budget, you can get the 7-seat versions with greater space flexibility and more features, but the five-seat versions are closer to your budget with the same performance and handling. Bear in mind, however, that they are still on the expensive side and fuel economy will not be great.A bit easier on the pocket will be the Jeep Compass, which is more affordable and comes with a diesel engine. It's also quite a lot of fun to drive, but doesn't score as well on the reliability stakes. Finally, another option is the outgoing Audi Q3, remaining stocks of which should be available with some good discounts given the launch of the new model is right around the corner. It's a bit smaller than the VW and Skoda, but even more fun to drive, with the same 2.0 TFSI engine. And though it's the outgoing generation, it remains a premium and luxurious SUV that feels worth the money.For your needs, though, the Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tayron are the best bet. Choosing between them is down to preference, but the Tayron has a sportier design for the exterior and interior, while the Kodiaq has more of a luxurious vibe.

Volkswagen Tayron

Skoda Kodiaq

Jeep Compass

autocar.india

•1d

With your usage of around 450 km a month, predominantly in city traffic, the priority should be a compact SUV with a smooth automatic gearbox, good fuel efficiency and easy manoeuvrability. The Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus automatic is the better choice here. It uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is smoother and more reliable in stop-start traffic than the AMT gearbox in the Tata Punch. The Kylaq also offers a more refined driving experience, better performance and a more premium feel overall.

Skoda Kylaq

Tata Punch

autocar.india

•1d

The Kia Seltos is a very good all-rounder, but for a 5-foot-tall driver, the Skoda Kushaq is actually the better choice. The Kushaq has a more upright seating position, a lower dashboard and a more compact bonnet, which makes it much easier to judge the car's extremities and improves overall visibility. The Seltos has a higher dashboard and a longer bonnet, which can make it harder for shorter drivers to judge the front of the car, even with the seat height adjusted.The Kushaq is also slightly narrower and easier to manoeuvre in city traffic, which is important for your primary usage. The Seltos does feel more premium inside and offers a slightly more spacious rear seat, but from a driver's perspective, the Kushaq is the more confidence-inspiring car.Go for the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic. It uses an 8-speed torque converter automatic, which is smooth and well-suited to city driving. The Seltos IVT is also a good gearbox, but the overall ergonomics of the Kushaq give it the edge for your specific requirement.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq