Skoda Kushaq

That is a difficult balance to achieve, but two cars come close to your requirements, the Volkswagen Taigun GT 1.5 turbo and the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSi. 

Both use the same engine, and their performance is on par with the Hyundai Creta 1.5 turbo, which already offers strong performance. The advantage of the VW and Skoda engines is cylinder deactivation, which helps significantly on the highway. 

When the engine is under low load, it can shut down two of the four cylinders to save fuel and improve efficiency. Both cars are well-equipped, too. We would suggest waiting for the facelift versions, which are expected very soon.

Between Rs 15-20 lakh, the best choice for your needs would be the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI with the automatic DSG gearbox. 

Being a mid-size SUV, the Kushaq gets plenty of practicality, but the highlight is its powertrain that has a 150hp turbo-petrol engine and a 7-speed DSG gearbox that is quick to shift. 

Also, the handling manners and chassis tuning make it enjoyable on long trips and around twisty roads. The feature list is also impressive, and you get a lot of kit for the money. The sound system is worth a mention too, and the overall build quality is excellent. The Kushaq would be the right choice and a great replacement for the Nissan Magnite. 

As per your requirements, you should choose between the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun. Both midsize SUVs offer decent ride comfort, good high-speed stability and both come with powerful 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines. 

You'll also appreciate both SUVs' driving dynamics. Both are mechanically identical and differ only in terms of exterior and interior design. Dealers will also be offering sizeable year-end discounts on both.  

Since you prefer performance and like to drive, the Volkswagen Taigun or Skoda Kushaq will be a better choice. 

While we are yet to sample the Sierra on the road, it isn't the sort of SUV to be designed for spirited driving. An even better option compared to these would be the Skoda Slavia or Volkswagen Virtus. 

They are sedans, but still get good ground clearance and are superb to drive. The 1.5 TSI engine offers excellent performance, and they are well-equipped and practical too. 

Given your budget, and that you are a performance enthusiast, you should check out the Tata Sierra with the new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It comes with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, which means there should be less of the rubber band effect that you might have gotten with a CVT auto. 

The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 petrol is another good option, although there is a facelift due in the second half of next year, which will bring many new features. While an EV is also a good option, the Tata Harrier EV will be slightly out of your budget, and the Tata Sierra EV will only be launched in 2026.

You might want to consider the Kia Syros - a quirky, boxy compact SUV, with high-quality interiors and a surprisingly spacious cabin. It's a 60:40 split seats slide and fold too, adding flexibility, and its rear windows roll fully down, which is a positive for your pet. If you want something that's larger and more premium, you may want to check out the Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun, both of which are nicer to drive, especially for your outstation trip.