Citroen Aircross

autocar.india

•2w

Go for the Kia Carens Clavis - your budget will get you a mid-spec HTE EX, which is well equipped with all the essentials, seats 7, and has a genuinely usable third row. About the Hyundai Stargazer, there is no official India launch confirmation, so we wouldn't advise waiting for it. In fact, the Stargazer shares its K2 platform and 1.5 NA powertrain with the Clavis, so you're not really missing out.One thing to note about the Clavis: while the 1.5 NA is a refined and efficient engine, it may feel underpowered when the vehicle is fully loaded. If you are frequently travelling on highways with a full load, the 1.5 turbo will make overtaking a lot easier. The turbo-petrol also brings with it the option of a DCT, should you want one.If you were eyeing the Citroen Aircross automatic for more space and power, it does give you that and usually still fits within your budget. However, Citroen's dealer network is thin, and resale values are weak, so only pick it if you have a strong nearby dealer and plan to keep the car for a long time.

Kia Carens Clavis

Citroen Aircross

autocar.india

•15w

We have not heard of any confirmed facelift for the Citroen Aircross X in June, so that seems unlikely for now. Based on your needs, the Citroen Aircross X 1.2 turbo automatic would suit you better than the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder for long highway trips.The Citroen Aircross offers a noticeably more comfortable back seat. It’s wide, has good thigh support, and the backrest angle is spot-on for long journeys. Ride quality is supple even on uneven surfaces, and the car stays planted at highway speeds, so rear passengers don’t get tossed around. The 1.2‑litre turbo engine has enough punch for easy overtakes, and the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly. As a five-seater, the boot is also generous, which makes it ideal for road trips.The only real drawback is Citroen’s inconsistent sales and service network. Before buying, gauge how proactive your local dealer is. If they’re indifferent during the sales process, expect even less enthusiasm during service visits. If that’s the case, it’s best to walk away.Opt for the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder only if you prioritise Toyota’s bulletproof reliability and after-sales support. But for your stated priorities, which are highway comfort and rear-seat space, the Citroen Aircross remains the more enjoyable and relaxed choice.

Citroen Aircross

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

autocar.india

•14w

Go for the Citroen Aircross if comfort and space are your priority; otherwise, pick the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder for a more well-rounded ownership experience. The Citroen has a more spacious rear seat, better cushioning and a softer ride, which makes it noticeably more comfortable over long drives and bad roads. If you are often travelling with family or prioritise back seat comfort, this is the car that will feel better day to day.The Hyryder takes a different approach. It is not as spacious or plush at the rear, but it feels more complete overall, with better features, refinement and a stronger ownership experience thanks to Toyota’s reliability and service support. It is the easiest car to live with long-term.

Citroen Aircross

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

autocar.india

•20w

If you are looking for something with similar performance to the Citroen Basalt/Aircross, you should consider the Volkswagen Taigun or the Skoda Kushaq with the 1.0 TSI and torque converter automatic. The facelifted Kushaq now gets an 8-speed automatic replacing the old 6-speed unit, and the Taigun will get the same when it is facelifted later this year.The 1.0 TSI makes a healthy 115hp and 178Nm, which delivers better performance than the naturally aspirated engine in the Elevate and is on par with the Basalt. The 6-speed torque converter automatic was also smooth-shifting and very convenient to use, and we expect the 8-speed to be more of the same. With 80 percent of your driving in heavy Bengaluru traffic, this transmission will be a boon.Prices for the facelifted Kushaq will be announced later this month, and we expect our first drive reviews to drop around the same time. Before you decide, take a test drive, of course.

Citroen Basalt

Citroen Aircross

Volkswagen Taigun

autocar.india

•31w

The Citroen Aircross X is a comfortable car which will not tire you after a 60km highway drive every day. The ride quality is exceptional, and the punchy 1.2 turbo petrol makes overtaking quite easy. We assume you will be opting for the automatic variant, which is quite smooth and responsive.Our only concern is the Citroen’s dealer network, which is quite poor, so you will have to be careful of this. See how responsive and proactive your dealer is. If the dealer doesn’t get back to you in a timely way and needs constant follow ups to close the deal, walk away. A dealer who is not bothered to sell you a car will be less inclined to service it.

Citroen Aircross