Volkswagen Virtus vs Honda Elevate

I am looking to upgrade from my current car, a Hyundai Aura 1.2 Petrol, as I find it a little boring to drive. I drive around 8,000 to 10,000 km a year, out of which 1,500 to 2,000 km are road trips. My budget is under Rs 25 lakh. I have shortlisted the Volkswagen Virtus, Honda Elevate, and the Renault Duster. I wanted to know whether I should buy a car now or wait for the E20 fuel-related issues to settle. Also considering the facelifts for the Elevate and Virtus are expected soon, so I am wondering if it would be better to wait for those. One more question is should I buy one of these brand-new cars, or would it be wiser to consider a pre-owned car from a higher segment within the same budget? Thank you!

Hi everyone, I need some advice on which car to buy in the Rs. 20 lakh budget range. My driving will be around 40% city and 60% highway. The usage will not be very high with mostly regular city drives and occasional long highway trips. I am currently confused between Honda Elevate and Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 GT Sports DSG. I am looking for something comfortable, reliable, fun to drive, and suitable for long-term ownership. Should I go with one of these two, or are there any other good options in this price range? I would really appreciate your suggestions and ownership experiences.

I've been driving a Maruti Ritz Diesel (190 Nm) for the last 5 years and am looking for an upgrade. My usage is 70% highway and 30% city, with a monthly running of only 500-750 km. I live in Bangalore and primarily use the car for weekend drives and highway trips. Cars tested: Honda Elevate MT/CVT: Reliable and comfortable, but the CVT felt dull, and I feel the naturally aspirated engine may not be exciting enough for highway driving. Kia Seltos Turbo DCT & Diesel AT: Feature-loaded, spacious, and family-friendly. The turbo-petrol feels quick, while the diesel AT feels effortless, but I am concerned about long-term DCT reliability and diesel DPF issues. Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT: I loved the driving experience, stability, and engine performance. However, the cabin feels smaller compared to the Seltos. Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 DSG: I could not properly test its performance due to heavy city traffic. Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI: This was the most confidence-inspiring car I drove, but my family is not keen on buying a sedan. Current concerns: My low annual running makes me question whether a diesel is the right choice due to DPF-related concerns. I am worried about the long-term reliability of turbo-petrol engines, DSG/DCT gearboxes, ethanol-blended fuel compatibility, and fuel economy. Naturally aspirated petrol engines seem more reliable, but I am concerned they may feel underpowered after driving a torquey diesel for years. Budget: Rs. 15-22 lakh on-road (Bangalore). The car will be purchased through my company lease program, so tax benefits will apply. Currently, my shortlist includes: Kia Seltos Turbo Petrol / Diesel AT Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI AT (Highline or Topline) Considering my usage pattern and long-term ownership plans, which engine and powertrain would you recommend for the least-regret ownership experience?