[itsbaman]

With 15 lacs of budget, you should definitely go for a new car. For an enthusiast, nothing better than a Skoda /VW and with budget of 15 lacs, mid variants of Kushaq/Slavia/Virtus/Taigun are good options. You can also get a Kylaq instead of Kushaq/Taigun (if you want to go for an SUV) and save some money, which you can invest in extended warranties and maintenance packages.
If safety is non-negotiable to you, Maruti, Toyota (as all Toyotas under 15 lacs are essentially Marutis), Hyundai and Kia are out of the question.

[Utopian]

I think a lot of good cars would make it to your consideration list with this budget. Assuming you would need more space, a decent auto box and highway capabilities, recommending the following:

1. Kyalq-the new kind on the town-AT mid variants
2. Fronx-1L-Peace of mind and fun to drive
3. 3XO-M&M mature kid-fun to drive in the Turbo petrol guise

[Abhinav V]

Originally Posted by OpenRoads

After reading your post I am left with more questions than answers. Let me deal with one point at a time.

Safety is non negotiable and yet you have driven a Alto happily for 6 good years.

Hehehe. That's the biggest irony of my life
Many a times, I have driven like I have got nine lives and never did I feel once that I drive a car with 0 safety rating

Power: With great power comes great expenses. While you will be transitioning out of Alto's bliss please remember most of the cars discussed would give you 10~12KMpL mileage.

I am used to seeing single digit KMPL in Alto as well. In the city traffic, the best I have gotten from my Alto is 13 KPL and the worst being 7.
Mentally I am prepared to deal with rise in fuel expenses.

Please educate me on this:
Modern day 1 L turbo petrols are extremely capable and fast too. As I witnessed VW Virtus bagging a new record for covering the most distance in 24 hours.
I just took Virtus as an example here, there are other 1L turbo petrols too that are equally badass.

However, in my case, Alto K10 too has the same engine capacity and if I consider a turbo petrol, my inner self constantly pokes me for spending more money and getting the same sized engine.

Should I overpower my inner voice and examine more 1L turbo petrols or go for a bigger engine with lesser power figures and possibly get it remapped to extract more juice?

[07CR]

Originally Posted by Abhinav V

However, in my case, Alto K10 too has the same engine capacity and if I consider a turbo petrol, my inner self constantly pokes me for spending more money and getting the same sized engine.

Should I overpower my inner voice and examine more 1L turbo petrols or go for a bigger engine with lesser power figures and possibly get it remapped to extract more juice?

Look at it this way. My Ecoboost is also a 1.0 litre turbo petrol. Can easily keep up with 2.4 litre Crysta's and 2.7 litre Fortuner's on the highways. Except the engine size, all other things in a turbo petrol would be vastly different compared to K10.

[SRS]

Originally Posted by Abhinav V

Kindly share your suggestions to help me upgrade from my current ride.

Considering your budget, a new car seems to be the way to go unless you want to get a much more premium second-hand option.

There is no car which meets all your requirements perfectly, but when considering a new option within your budget, the only car which I feel comes close is the Mahindra XUV 3XO, it has no shortage of power in any of its engines, offers decent handling, is pretty tough, has a solid safety rating and is quite reliable albeit not as much as a Honda or Toyota though. The Skoda Kylaq is the next best option and can be considered for a new car.

When considering pre-owned models, you do get a better selection with many more cars fitting your requirements. Options like the S-Cross, City, Innova, EcoSport, higher-end cars like Compass, Fortuner or even luxury cars can be had in this budget.

However, I wouldn't recommend the luxury cars, as although they are old, their maintenance and other related costs are still in the luxury category!

For a reliable, rock-solid car, a Crysta or a Fortuner would be the best bet. For a relatively newer model, the Compass can also be considered. For a budget buy, the EcoSport meets most of your requirements.

[OpenRoads]

Originally Posted by Abhinav V

Should I overpower my inner voice and examine more 1L turbo petrols or go for a bigger engine with lesser power figures and possibly get it remapped to extract more juice?

I personally like NA engines big or small and don't mind the low power figures because after all the calculations it boils down to 85~100 km speed limit on highways and 50~60 km speed limit within city. I am usually not in a hurry to reach anywhere. Bloomer uncle mentally

On the other hand a turbo engine always seems to be at pressure/stressed making the small engine work hard. It does deliver the power figures to give you that joy when you overtake but then are you willing to sit still for a min or so every time you start the engine or change oil every 5k.

Both have it's pros and cons. If you are young decide based on your heart. You will have plenty of time for the brain later.

[amit_purohit20]

Your requirement of a powerful car means a good capable engine, but then you want an automatic gearbox. To feel the power and at the same time be drivable only two types of automatic gearbox satisfy your need i.e. DCT and a TC gearbox.

The DCT is still unreliable considering the data points we have from Indian market. CVT will be no fun for your requirements. That means the only reliable and fun to drive gearbox for your vehicle is a proven Torque converter gearbox.

Now that we have derived a Torque converter gearbox is reliable and reasonably fun to drive, we need a good engine mated to it. Considering that you would not want to go for a diesel fuel option, I would suggest that you go for a turbo petrol engine over a non-turbo engine. We have limited options with non-turbo and powerful engines.

Now that you have derived a non-turbo petrol engine is good for you, why not go for a higher capacity turbo petrol engine rather than a 1-liter engine. You already have stated that you are ok with less fuel efficiency so a 1.2-liter turbo engine would be better than a 1-liter turbo engine to avoid turbo lag.

As you would want a spacious car with a bigger boot and passenger space and preferably a 5-star safety rating considering that you drive on highways it would be better to go with a SUV with 5-star safety rating.

From all the above derivation and sticking to your 15-lakh price limit the only best car I can recommend is Mahindra XUV 3XO. It has a peppy 1.2-liter turbo engine with good amount of torque and power, mated to a reliable gearbox made from AISIN Japan. It's like MJD engine, same gearbox is being used by many vehicles and its proven.

Now comes the reliability. Do not take reliability as a digital 0 or 1 decision. Yes, Mahindra may not be reliable as some of its foreign competitors but it's not that bad too. Especially considering that the 3XO has been in market for quite some time. Service centers are not up to the mark like a Hyundai or Maruti but then the vehicle is not breaking like yester years often that you cannot live with the service. Dealerships are plenty available if you like to roam pan India.

I have lived with a Tata (Vista) and a Mahindra (XUV 5OO and then XUV 700) throughout my life and was never disappointed to an extent that I would not go for them again.
Other than Toyota I haven't heard of Maruti and Hyundai vehicles being bullet proof either.

Personally, I would rate Mahindra 3XO the best vehicle in the below 15 lakh categories considering, performance, gearbox, suspension, safety, space, reasonably kitted and overall, an all-rounder.

[avdhesh15]

I would suggest checking the following:
New: Brezza, Fronx
Used: City/ Elevate, Verna/ Seltos/ Creta
Should check all your boxes.

[IshaanIan]

There are two things that stand out to me most amongst your requirements; the need for power and the need for reliability. Unfortunately there are fewer and fewer new and recently used cars that give both. If you want power, a VAG tsi is the way to go, if you want reliability, an XL6, S-Cross and several other Japanese products would fit the bill but feel slow at the same time. The only blend I can think of is the Honda City Hybrid. You will have to up your budget but the E-CVT drivetrain is unlike any other traditional auto box mated to a fuel efficiency orientated 1.5 petrol mill. It gives you instant and crisp response.

Otherwise may as well take your chances on a Kushaq/Virtus/Slavia/Taigun/Kylaq or accept high parts costs and go for a used CBU/CKD like the CRV or Civic.

[Arfaz47]

Brother, buy a used F30 320d and go YOLO mode. Nothing much to worry about.

[L8ButV8]

For your requirements, I would suggest three used cars. would suggest that you go for pieces that have full company service records & are <50k km.

(1) 2017-19 Corolla Altis.
(2) 2019-22 Honda City
(3) Updated Honda Civic

These are all extremely safe choices from a reliability POV. If you have appetite for a little more risk, look at the 2014 Camry (not hybrid). It is a fantastic car, lasts long, and is absolutely incredible to drive/be driven in.

[autohead]

Do check Grand Vitara (Delta/Zeta) or Toyota Hyryder (S/G), both tick almost all check boxes;

Ride and handling
Economy
Safety (6 airbags + 4 star ncap)
Comfortable seats and refined ride
Reliability and ease of maintenance.
Choice of Petrol, CNG, Hybrid power trains.
Fairly well equipped.


All other cars in the segment have one compromise or other, only these twins are most well rounded. Newer versions are coming with 6 airbags as standard so check with your dealer beforehand.

[NinerWhiskey]

Originally Posted by Abhinav V

4. Toughness:
5. Safety rating:

If you are very, very serious about pointer number-4, Please do not consider any car with plastic cladding. This will be an eyesore once the plastic loses its color eventually and you can't repair/repaint the plastic trim like regular bumpers.

With consideration of 6 airbags,
I would recommend you the following-

Power:

• Hyundai Verna SX CVT (Recommended#1)

• Honda City V CVT

Built for multi driver Daily car:

• Honda Amaze VX CVT (Recommended#2)

• Hyundai i20 Asta (O) CVT

• Tata Altroz DCA (XZ+ OS)

[Elevate2024]

In your budget and your requirements, below are my suggestions:

New:
1. Kylaq - fun to drive turbo engine, may have to consider reliability aspects
2. City/Elevate - great reliability and practicality but the CVT will not be too fun to drive due to rubber band effect, a manual would be more fun to drive
3. 3XO - fun to drive turbo engine, it does not have decent boot space though and if its not a consideration, go for it
4. Syros - meets most of the requirements, might be a bit above budget for a TC

Old:
1. Innova -only drawback might be the size if your mother would be comfortable with it
2. Hyundai Tucson - meets all boxes might be difficult to source as only limited units sold
3. Hyundai Kona - same as above plus would be easy on the pocket
4. Ecosport - perfect size, fun to drive and will be the most affordable option of the lot

[ash22]

Go for Altroz Diesel

1. Power: YES
2. Handling: YES
3. Reliability: 80% YES ( Tata service centre can be tuff to manage occasionally ..)
4. Toughness: YES
5. Safety rating: YES

If you prefer Manual since your usage are mostly Highways and less city. This is one of underrated cars which have a Powerful diesel engine and a fun to drive and with in a small-foot-print.

Check out Prassy's Altroz Diesel Ownership Reports here (Prassy's 1st Small Tata | 2021 Altroz XZ+ 1.5L Diesel | Ownership Review | 75,000 km update)