[pnp2022]

Bought a Tucson Diesel AWD after reading comments on this thread!! Driven 700 kms in the 1 week of ownership. No regrets.

Cars that I test drove and was considering before this thread helped me finalise my decision.

1. Tata Safari - The test drive was good, but the showroom experience was pathetic. KHT motors, Whitefield, Bangalore were simply not interested in selling the car. No call-backs after the test drive. And, also, when i called them to check on waiting period and colors, they said they will get back and never got back.

2. Toyota fortuner - You simply cannot go wrong with this car. But, lack of modern bells and whistles, meant i couldn't convince myself to spend Rs 48L for this. I felt that in 3 years time i will be deeply regretting my decision if I went with this.

3. Tucson Petrol - as mentioned in other threads, felt very underpowered for the cost. Was not a highway vehicle.

So, decide on the Diesel. (I already have a Kona EV for my city and short distance drives.)

[aseem23]

Originally Posted by pnp2022

Bought a Tucson Diesel AWD after reading comments on this thread!! Driven 700 kms in the 1 week of ownership. No regrets.

Congratulations, and welcome to the club! Wishing you many more happy miles with the car. Probably the best car in the segment.

[ron178]

The search resumes

The lookout for a new car was interrupted by other factors, but a newspaper ad for the new Harrier this week restarted the discussion. We discussed and discarded it over concerns over quality control and reliability. A shame because it has so much to offer. But not worth the risk when spending north of 30 big ones.

Then we scheduled test drives for the XUV700 and Scorpio-N for today. Coincidentally, today our Fortuner’s clutch happened to fail when it was across state borders, where the car is now spending time in a Toyota workshop. Maybe a sign that we need a replacement?

Here is how the Mahindra test drives went:

XUV700
+High-quality, modern interior
+fantastic performance. The 2.2L mHawk pulled very well from low RPMs, more so than even the Tucson from what I remember.
+modern features including many nice-to-haves like the panoramic roof, electric handbrake, surround camera and safety features like the blind spot cameras, lane support and - although I didn’t test it out - forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
+The rear seat was comfortable, with good legroom and ride quality.
+The boot with the third row folded down was large enough.
+Most of the controls were well thought-out, like the Mercedes-inspired seat adjustment.
-Some others were a little finnicky; attempting to cancel the turn signals would instead engage the lane change signal for the opposite direction. The brake pedal action was very weird and unlike anything I have driven before, probably an illusion but I could not investigate further.
-the useless occupant restraints for the second-row centre seat, inexcusable at the price point and inexplicable when Australia-spec XUV700s get three-point belts with adjustable head restraints. Heck, so does the loaner 2015 Crysta Toyota gave us.

Scorpio-N
+Confident driving position, great visibility
+Performance was effortless
+Speed was hard to notice, a 50 on the Scorpio was much less apparent than the same on the XUV700
+At moderate speeds, the ride quality was good from the driver’s seat. Floated over rumble strips in a way our Fortuner never could. Pleasantly surprised by ladder-frame standards.
-The interiors did not feel modern or special in any way. Except for the tan leatherette the ambience could pass as a heavily facelifted previous-gen Scorpio. Build quality of the interior too was above average at best.
-The rear seat was dull, thanks to the Hyryder-like dark seats and single pane sunroof.
-At lower speeds quite a few bumps and rumble strips filtered through into the cabin.
-Even weirder brake pedal. The top half had almost zero feedback, yet provided braking action. By the time the sudden ‘bite point’ arrived, braking was already quite aggressive, which led to a couple of jerky turns
-The boot was underwhelming. Like, really bad. Almost a deal-breaker. Even with the third row folded down, it was less than impressive. Since we would pick a captain seat version whenever available, removing the third row is not an option.

Overall, between the two I was more impressed by the XUV700. You could potentially put a much more premium badge and get away with it and that is something we are looking for in a family car. AWD or even 2WD is more than sufficient - we’re thinking now that maybe it’s best not to combine the highway cruiser with the off-roader (a small unexciting pre-owned 4x4 might be on the cards for the future to keep permanently where the Fortuner would earlier do duty).

The Scorpio-N lacks the finesse that we are used to from the Octavia and F30. It’s a very good successor to the old Scorpio and as good as it gets when it comes to being both a 4x4 and family car simultaneously, but doesn’t seem to do the latter particularly well, which is expected because that is where the XUV700 is supposed to shine.

In the bigger picture - we would still very much want the Toyota Innova Hycross. We have been very pleased with the Toyota ownership experience for over a decade, and the idea of achieving that kind of fuel efficiency with a petrol engine is the best of both worlds. The car is nice to look at. The interiors are very good, if not as impressive as the XUV700’s. It drives very well and is well-appointed with modern features. It has a large boot even with the third row up and offers captain seats.

The small issues like the useless ottomans and basic entertainment system are liveable, and maybe we might get a not-top variant (thank goodness they all get six airbags now). The major downside? The waiting period. Personally I think it is worth the wait, because we can can afford to since the Fortuner is not going immediately. But my father is dead-set on completing the deal soon.

The Tucson, we have decided, is simply too expensive for what it offers. Even the late mid-thirties (top variant OTR) would have been a done deal because as a car there is little not to like about it.

We will enquire with the Suzuki dealer about the Invicto tomorrow but I still don’t have very high hopes.

[ron178]

Today my parents took delivery of a Toyota Innova Hycross ZX (without Toyota Safety Sense) in Pearl White paint.

Thanks to everyone for making informed recommendations in a sea of options. The Innova Hycross was the most popular recommendation by a large margin, which prompted us to stick with the booking and not settle for something else that we would get quicker (see last update), which was becoming very tempting because of the urgent need for replacement.

I could only spend a short time with the car and could not get any good pictures, but here are initial impressions anyway (the test drive was months ago so it all felt new again - blame Toyota's waiting period).

From the front passenger seat - and briefly the second row - it was a pleasant experience. For me, the thigh support issue from the test drive is more than fixed by extending the ottomans in a mid-position so my shins are just under the front seat. Occupants with shorter legs will probably be able to make full use of them. The nicely done interior lighting is noteworthy. The plastic quality and entertainment system could have been better, but otherwise no complaints so far. On the face of it is comfortable and feature-loaded, and a vast upgrade from the 1st-gen Fortuner it is replacing.

Could not check out the third row or get to drive the car but hope to have a more detailed and objective ownership report with proper pictures up by the end of the year when I will have time to do so.

The fuel consumption on the MID was 5.8L/100km after a highway drive, which is quite respectable considering we are used to single-digit numbers (in km/L) from its other petrol stablemate (Octavia 1.8).

Meanwhile here is a bad parting shot, the only image I have (please excuse the temporary registration and dealer name, which have been deleted for privacy).


P. S. how to change the MID fuel consumption unit from L/100km to km/L?

[shancz]

Congratulations ron178, well chosen
I had missed this thread but reading through I would've suggested the same.

Enjoy and do update when you can .

[ex-innova-guy]

Congratulations on your new car! This certainly will compliment your Octavia 1.8.

Originally Posted by ron178

P. S. how to change the MID fuel consumption unit from L/100km to km/L?

Watch the below video from 1:52. He starts to explain about changing the settings from there.

https://youtu.be/qiLx5VLZBko?si=2ej4xVgYy8W8Z7A2&t=113

[skrmv2]

I was on the lookout for a SUV (preferably petrol) which would do a 10k kms (60:40 / highway:city) every year. I am looking for a long term ownership (15 years)
Considering the following factors

• Driving Pleasure
• Safe
• Reliable
• Low cost of service and maintenance
• Premium feel
• Good mileage
• Value for Money

I test drove a few suv across segments and seem to like the following -
• Jeep Compass
• Tiguan

Need inputs on:
1. Are there other cars that I should check on (Tuscon is scheduled for weekend) other than these?
2. I am reading about DSG gearbox issue with Tiguan (though now they claim to have a wet clutch) and maintenance with Jeep - how much of it should i weight that in?

Appreciate feedback and guidance from senior members in the forum.

[Shreyans_Jain]

Originally Posted by skrmv2

I was on the lookout for a SUV (preferably petrol) which would do a 10k kms (60:40 / highway:city) every year. I am looking for a long term ownership (15 years)
Considering the following factors

• Driving Pleasure
• Safe
• Reliable
• Low cost of service and maintenance
• Premium feel
• Good mileage
• Value for Money

I test drove a few suv across segments and seem to like the following -
• Jeep Compass
• Tiguan

When your choice is between Compass and Tiguan, then things like low cost of service and maintenance and long term reliability are chucked out of the window. These are very good cars to drive and to sit in, but they will require (expensive) care every once in a while. You cannot go down this road and expect a City or Innova kind of ownership experience. This holds true for just about every car in this price range with the exception of Innova HyCross.

Alternatively, you can consider the BYD Atto3.

[skrmv2]

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

When your choice is between Compass and Tiguan, then things like low cost of service and maintenance and long term reliability are chucked out of the window.

I am not expecting the maintenance cost to zero; but reasonable 25/30k annually is what i can understand. But when i read reviews of German cars in this price bracket, after the first 4/5 years, the maintenance cost sky rockets. Innova was also considered, but i did not like it.

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

Alternatively, you can consider the BYD Atto3.

Thanks for the suggestion Shreyans; i am not looking at EV right now. I feel the infra for EV is still being built and would need some time.

[Shreyans_Jain]

Originally Posted by skrmv2

I am not expecting the maintenance cost to zero; but reasonable 25/30k annually is what i can understand. But when i read reviews of German cars in this price bracket, after the first 4/5 years, the maintenance cost sky rockets. Innova was also considered, but i did not like it.

Thanks for the suggestion Shreyans; i am not looking at EV right now. I feel the infra for EV is still being built and would need some time.

Well, it’s gonna have to be a compromise. Either on long term maintenance costs and peace of mind(go Jeep/VW/Skoda), or on feel good factor and driving pleasure(Innova HyCross), else make your peace with EV. Can’t have it all in one package!!

My Compass diesel manual, average service cost is about 35k, and basic things like clutch set, suspensions or injector related issues easily run into six figures.

[skrmv2]

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

Well, it’s gonna have to be a compromise. Either on long term maintenance costs and peace of mind(go Jeep/VW/Skoda), or on feel good factor and driving pleasure(Innova HyCross), else make your peace with EV. Can’t have it all in one package!!

My Compass diesel manual, average service cost is about 35k, and basic things like clutch set, suspensions or injector related issues easily run into six figures.

Let me provide some context. I am in my late forties and am planning on retiring. I love to drive and i go on long drives 500+ kms in one go with family. Since i typically keep my vehicle for 15 years, it forces me to look for something that i can maintain over a long run, is reliable and is fun to drive.

I want it all in one and that is causing all the dilemma

I am open for per-worshipped vehicle as well, but it's more of a hit/miss thing.

I am fine with making a higher initial payment, rather than having a heavy long term maintenance.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by skrmv2

I am not expecting the maintenance cost to zero; but reasonable 25/30k annually is what i can understand. But when i read reviews of German cars in this price bracket, after the first 4/5 years, the maintenance cost sky rockets. Innova was also considered, but i did not like it.
.

Just get the Tuscon. Absolute no brainer of a car. Especially when you go on to the review thread and see the kind of people/bhpians who have bought it.

[skrmv2]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Just get the Tuscon. Absolute no brainer of a car. Especially when you go on to the review thread and see the kind of people/bhpians who have bought it.

I have requested for a test drive over the weekend; hopefully it lives up to my expectation and i like it.

As i reflect back, one of the reasons causing this issue maybe related to my experience. I currently own a 13 year old Vento. The handling, mannerism and ride quality is amazing. Even now, it looks beautiful and works amazingly well. The servicing - has been a problem. I would not call it nightmare - but it was neither happy as well. I do not find the same drive and quality in cars that are 2 segments above. I test drove the Audi Q3 (- that i loved and my pocket refused to like) and Tiguan was the next that i could get closest to in terms of drive quality (though my pocket still refuses). I did TD the XUV, Harrier, Seltos, Carens, Scorpio-N - but it just doesn't feel anyway near the same - it may just be me

I hope the Tuscon does it. Will keep you posted.

[vikeva027]

Originally Posted by skrmv2

Need inputs on:
1. Are there other cars that I should check on (Tuscon is scheduled for weekend) other than these?
2. I am reading about DSG gearbox issue with Tiguan (though now they claim to have a wet clutch) and maintenance with Jeep - how much of it should i weight that in?

Appreciate feedback and guidance from senior members in the forum.

I am not a car expert but (what I've felt) the ride quality in Tiguan is far better than Jeep Compass. However, the interiors in Jeep Compass are much better and I didn't feel any body roll.

[Adityank]

I currently own a 2018/19 VW Passat and a 2012 Polo (more for sentimental reasons than practical).

I’ve been exploring buying a new car (which ideally won’t replace either of the existing ones), potentially an SUV which would make travelling out of town with my dogs more easy. The Passat currently ticks off daily driving duties and fun to drive car boxes.

Problems I’m facing so far
- Kodiaq: most practical for my life, but petrol only 🙄
- Tata Harrier / Safari: 33 lakhs on road for the top end models???
- VW Tiguan: rear seat is snug
- BMW X1: Don’t think it’s worth 65 lakhs (or am I wrong).
- GLA: again limited space
- Q3: petrol only again
- Taigun/Kushaq: limited space, and not enough features to make the shift
Not a big fan a Kia and Hyundai personally since safety is one of the primary considerations (had a massive accident in my VW in 2016 and walked away without a scratch thanks to their incredible build quality).

Don’t know if I’m missing any other options which give me ample space, are value for money in terms of pricing and won’t be a money suck to own and maintain.

This entire process has also made me question buying a new car (current car prices are exorbitant) and potentially think about buying a used car and maybe something fun to drive for me personally.


Also wondering if it’s just time to clean out the entire garage and start afresh. Swap the Passat with the upcoming VW ID4 (practical, spacious and electric) and buy maybe a used 328i to be a fun daily driving car.