Upcoming Volkswagen cars in India (3)

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The Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 TSI DSG is worth considering if you want an engaging sedan with strong performance and good highway manners. However, since you already drive a Seltos 1.4 DCT, the Virtus may not feel like a substantial upgrade in cabin quality or features, even though it offers a different driving experience. The Toyota Camry would feel like a bigger step up in refinement and premiumness, but if it is beyond budget, stretching for it may not make sense.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth a serious look if you're open to an SUV. It will feel more like a genuine upgrade in cabin space, features, comfort and performance, with a more substantial family-car feel. It is enjoyable to drive, has good ride comfort, and if you do a lot of highway driving, you can also consider the diesel automatic, which is refined for a diesel and delivers strong performance.

Volkswagen Virtus

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Toyota Camry

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If you're set on the 1.5 TSI engine, the Volkswagen Virtus GT Chrome at Rs 21.5 lakh makes more sense if savings matter, while the facelifted Skoda Slavia Prestige is worth the extra Rs 1.2 lakh if you want its additional features. Unlike the 1.0 TSI versions, where the Slavia's new eight-speed torque converter automatic is a meaningful mechanical change from the older six-speed automatic, the 1.5 TSI versions retain the same basic engine and seven-speed DSG combination. So you're not paying extra for a different powertrain.The Slavia Prestige adds meaningful equipment, including a 360-degree camera, larger digital displays, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, and a rear-seat massage function. It also gets improved air-conditioning hardware. These are useful additions, particularly if you plan to keep the car for several years.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

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The Tata Sierra diesel automatic is worth considering if you are coming from a Fiat Punto and value that European driving feel. The Sierra’s diesel engine and automatic gearbox is well-matched, and the car has a solid, planted feel on the road that is reminiscent of older European cars. It also rides well and feels robust, which is something you will appreciate coming from a Punto. You can also consider the Kia Seltos, the diesel engine is stronger and more refined and the ride is quite planted. It may not be a European product but its built in a manner that does feel closest to one. If you really want to stick with a European car then consider something like a Skoda Kushaq or a Volkswagen Taigun. They are petrol driven but offer the most authentic European driving experience in the segment.

Tata Sierra

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

Kia Seltos

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With your 80 per cent NCR driving and a family of three, the 1.0-litre Virtus or Slavia makes more sense for everyday use, but waiting for the Virtus facelift is worth considering if you aren't in a hurry. The current cars are good to drive, and a discount of Rs. 1-1.5 lakh makes the outgoing version attractive.However AC concern is worth taking seriously, especially in NCR summers. The facelifted Slavia now gets a variable-displacement compressor, intended to improve AC performance. The Virtus facelift is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, and a similar AC upgrade is likely, but its final specification should be confirmed when it launches.As for the 1.5 TSI, the extra performance is enjoyable on highways, but the 1.0 TSI is sufficiently punchy for daily NCR use. The 1.5's DSG also adds complexity and cost, so it isn't essential for your driving pattern.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

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As a first time buyer with no experience of driving, consider getting something smaller and more affordable to learn, practice and then upgrade to a car which you can keep and enjoy for 10-12 years. You could consider a sub-10 lakh hatchback first that'll be relatively easy to maintain/repair while you master the art of driving.If you still want to go ahead with the Volkswagen Taigun Topline MT, it is a solidly built, fun-to-drive car. The updated version gets an upgraded air-con which performs very well. Moreover, it is quite spacious yet relatively more compact than similarly priced midsize SUVs, so maneuvering and parking will be quite easy.The Hyundai Creta SX MT and Kia Seltos HTX MT are both excellent alternatives. They offer an airier cabin experience and are backed by their respective service networks, which are wider than VW's. Their 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol manual versions are more responsive in the city, as there is no dull zone before the boost comes in (turbo lag), as you will experience with the 1.0 Taigun; and their manual gearbox and clutch are smoother and effort-free compared to the Taigun's.That said, if your heart is on the Taigun 1.0 MT, go for it, but we'll also recommend you explore the option of buying a relatively smaller, cheaper car to learn and practice driving before spending on the Taigun.

Volkswagen Taigun

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos