Volkswagen Tayron variants

autocar.india

•5w

Of the four, the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line is the one to consider if space is a priority. It is the largest here and will suit frequent family travel best, particularly if you regularly carry rear-seat passengers and luggage. The petrol engine is smooth, though it needs to be worked hard for its best performance. Also, the R-Line’s larger wheels and lower-profile tyres can make the ride feel firm and occasionally crashy over broken roads.The BMW X1 LWB is a very capable city SUV. It has light controls, sharp handling for its size, generous rear-seat space and is superbly priced. However, its 1.5-litre petrol engine is not particularly strong once fully loaded. This BMW car is adequate for normal use, but does not offer the relaxed overtaking performance you may want on regular highway trips, and the interior doesn’t feel premium enough.The Mini Countryman is arguably the most distinctive choice. It feels well built, has a genuinely interesting interior and is enjoyable to drive, but it is not the most natural long-distance companion here. Rear-seat comfort and the overall ride quality are not quite as convincing as the Tayron or X1 for regular road trips.If you like driving and head out of town every few months, we suggest you wait for the new-generation Audi Q3. This Audi car comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system should give it the strongest combination of effortless performance, highway confidence and all-weather capability in this group. The new Q3 is due to launch in India on October 16 and is expected to bring a much more modern, technology-heavy cabin. It is also expected to be the most expensive of the lot, with pricing likely in the Rs 55 lakh to Rs 60 lakh range, ex-showroom. My pick would be the Q3 if you can stretch the budget and are willing to wait. Otherwise, choose the Tayron R-Line if rear-seat space and family-road-trip usability matter most, or the X1 if most of your driving is in the city

Volkswagen Tayron

BMW X1 LWB

Mini Countryman

Audi Q3 (2022-2026)

autocar.india

•15w

Pick the Innova HyCross Hybrid ZX(O). If you have family on board often and spend lots of time in city traffic, the hybrid car will cut your fuel bills noticeably, and the automatic transmission feels calm and smooth. It is also simply easier for parents and kids - more space, a comfier second row with captain seats, and a softer ride on bad roads. Keep it 6-8 years, and Toyota’s resale and hassle-free upkeep matter.The Tayron R-Line only makes more sense if you’re mostly four or five, you drive yourself, and you value a sharper, more fun feel on highways. It will feel livelier and more premium from the driver’s seat, but you’ll stop for fuel more, and you give up the HyCross’s people-carrying ease.One catch with the HyCross: it does not feel as exciting to drive as the Tayron, and the engine can sound a bit busy when you floor it.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Volkswagen Tayron

autocar.india

•21w

Go for the BMW 520d Luxury Line with 50,000 km; for your joint-family highway runs, it gives the roomiest rear seat, best long-distance comfort, and relaxed diesel torque. It will feel like a fitting upgrade to your Laura TDIs, and sadly there are no more diesel executive sedans available now, so it's something worth getting while you still can. While the Kodiaq and Tayron are capable in their own right, they can't quite replicate the same solidity of a previous-generation 5-series and given its intended use as a long-distance family car, the fuel bills of these large petrol SUVs will be astronomical. Of the other used cars, the X1 is simply too small and the Mercedes-Benz car simply won't feel as premium or roomy as the 5 Series; notably in the rear seat. 50,000km is not a huge amount for a used car, provided it has been well taken care of, and the 5-series' boot is large and well shaped too.

Skoda Kodiaq

Volkswagen Tayron

BMW X1