[Ripcord09]

Skoda Kodiaq

What you'll like:

• A True "Value-Luxury" SUV! Classy styling, solid build & superb quality
• Cabin offers very good space, is high on practicality and offers lots of intelligent features
• Impressive kit (Canton 14-speaker ICE, panoramic sunroof, handsfree tailgate, 360-degree camera, tablet holders, auto parking, seat massaging...)
• 2.0L turbo-petrol engine mated to a smooth & quick 7-speed DSG automatic offers enjoyable performance at all speeds
• Excellent high speed stability coupled with safe handling & a sorted ride
• Massive boot with the 3rd seat row down. Boot is useable even with the 3rd seat up
• AWD will get the tourers out of tricky situations. Adventure travellers will love it
• 5-star safety rating & equipment (9 airbags + a host of electronic aids)

What you won't:

• Styling is classy & understated. Those desiring a butch, tough SUV should look elsewhere
• Diesel option is not available. Heavy users will miss the lower running costs. Diesels are still very popular amongst large SUVs in India
• Single digit fuel economy of the turbo-petrol AT in the city. Drops drastically if you drive aggressively
• We feel that the Sportline variant should’ve been offered with the ventilated seats, 360-degree camera & other L&K features
• 3rd row ingress & egress is difficult. Seats are strictly for children
• The DCC (adjustable dampers for comfort & sport modes) has been deleted!!! No ADAS suite for the Kodiaq either
• Skoda’s patchy long-term reliability track record

Review Link

Toyota Fortuner

What you'll like:

• Fantastic 2.8L diesel engine has gotten even better. More power, more responsive!
• Smooth and competent 6-speed automatic gearbox
• Contemporary styling & imposing street presence
• Tough build. Toyota body-on-frame UVs are known to have very long lives (400,000+ km is realistic)
• Smooth petrol also available, if you want more refinement and / or are from Delhi-NCR
• Features such as Quad-LED headlamps, powered tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, ventilated seats & more
• Impressive offroad capability (by big SUV standards) is superior to its direct competitors
• Top-notch safety kit. 7 airbags, ESP, TC, hill assist, ISOFIX & 3-point seatbelts for all
• Outstanding long term reliability. And you get great resale value as well
• Toyota's excellent after-sales quality, fuss-free ownership experiences, low service costs & up to 7 years of extended warranty coverage

What you won't:

• The already-expensive Fortuner has gotten even more expensive! Top variants cost 62-lakhs OTR
• Legender variant has some limitations (no petrol, no colour options)
• Firm & bumpy ride quality. Bad roads in the city are prominently felt inside
• Heavy steering at low speeds will bother you
• Lots of body roll. Go easy on the curves
• Missing sunroof, lumbar adjustment, auto-wipers, TPMS, adaptive parking guidelines etc.
• 6-speaker sound system is terrible for a 40-lakh rupee car!
• Cost-cutting evident in a couple of areas; some interior plastics, ICE audio quality, camera display…
• Fortuner's petrol variant is a guzzler. We've seen merely 6 – 7 kmpl on the AT
• No longer a full-time 4x4 like the 1st-gen car. Also, 4x4 carries a hefty premium

Review Link

MG Gloster

What you'll like:

• Huge & imposing size! Bigger than even the likes of the Fortuner
• Splendid long-distance mile muncher. The Gloster is built for expressway cruising. Just set the adaptive cruise control and let the Gloster waft along
• ADAS safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor and lane change assist are cool & work well
• Suspension is tuned for comfort. Gloster owners will enjoy its ride quality
• Spacious cabin with captain seats at the back and a usable third row too!
• Interior ambience is nicer vs the competitors which are utilitarian in comparison
• Loaded with features - panoramic sunroof, 12.3" touchscreen ICE, driver seat with massage function, 360 degree camera, three zone climate control, PM 2.5 air filter etc.
• 343-litre boot even with the 3rd-row seat being used

What you won't:

• Engine and gearbox tuning are shockingly terrible inside town. Turbo lag and the gearbox's reluctance to downshift make things awful in city traffic
• Massive size can be a handicap in urban India. Quite cumbersome in tight areas
• While the interior looks premium, you know it is not as well-built as a Toyota or Ford
• Top-end Savvy variant is optimistically priced at par with the well-established Fortuner & Endeavour
• Savvy variant doesn't get the 3-seater bench option for the middle row. Captain seats = 2 occupants
• 4,000 rpm redline is too early. Engine has a very narrow powerband
• Urban fuel economy is mediocre due to the power & fat kerb weight
• Twin-turbo diesel, 8-speed AT & gizmos bring a lot of complexity. Long-term reliability is unknown (unlike the Fortuner)

Review Link

Nissan X-Trail

What you'll like:

• Handsome-looking SUV with a perfect blend of conventional & modern styling
• 1.5L turbo-petrol with variable compression is refined and offers decent performance
• Smooth CVT combined with a light steering makes the X-Trail a good urban car
• 585 litres of boot space (3rd row folded) is accomodating enough for family holiday luggage
• 3rd-row of seats gives it an advantage over 5-seater competitors
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, paddle shifters, drive modes, fully digital instrument cluster, etc.
• 5-star Euro NCAP & ANCAP rating. Safety features such as 7 airbags, ESP and brake limited slip differential among others
• 210 mm of ground clearance is great for tackling bad roads

What you won't:

• Missing features in what’s pitted as a premium SUV – lacks leatherette seats, ADAS, a spare wheel, powered and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, connected car tech, hands-free tailgate, rear sunblinds, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, etc.
• 20-inch alloy wheels and shorter tyre sidewalls make the ride firm. Should’ve had smaller wheels as an option
• Since this is a direct import / CBU, the X-Trail will be expensive. Not many people would be willing to pay big money for a Nissan
• Single variant and single powertrain on offer. No turbo-diesel, no AWD
• Cramped 3rd row has very limited usability & is best for kids. This is more of a 5+2 seater SUV than a 7-seater
• Not as engaging to drive as the Kodiaq or Tiguan
• Nissan's tiny dealership network & poor after-sales service

Review Link

Jeep Meridian

What you'll like:

• Handsome unmistakably-Jeep styling & loads of character
• Robust build quality. Feels very solid, just as a Jeep should
• Classy cabin now boasts a versatile 5+2 seating configuration and better accommodation when compared to the Compass
• Competent 2.0L diesel. Good driveability in the city, quick on the open road
• Mature suspension setup, nicely-tuned EPS & rock-solid stability
• Capable AWD available, with 214 mm of ground clearance
• Feature packed: electric front seats (driver memory), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, powered tailgate, LED projector headlights…
• Topnotch safety kit: Strong all-disc brakes, a plethora of electronic aids & 6 airbags
• Diesel AT now available without the AWD as well, thereby making it more accessible for urban dwellers (Compass Diesel AT only available with AWD, 5-lakhs more OTR)

What you won't:

• Cabin has limited width, can feel snug for larger passengers. 5th passenger (in the 2nd row) will feel unwelcome
• 3rd row is strictly for children and small adults
• Should’ve had more power for the price. Same 2.0L diesel available in SUVs from a segment below
• No petrol engine in a market that is moving to petrols in a big way. Delhiites will be disappointed
• 9-speed Automatic gearbox is competent, but not brilliant
• We’d have liked to see front parking sensors, paddle shifters, gearbox ‘sport’ mode, a sliding middle row, more connected tech features (it’s very basic currently)
• At low speeds, the firm ride quality always keeps you aware of the road quality you’re driving on
• Jeep India’s dealer & service network coverage is still limited
• Just the higher Limited & Limited (O) variants at launch. Not sure when lesser variants will follow

Review Link

Isuzu MU-X

Launch Discussion

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line

First Look

Mercedes-Benz GLA

What you'll like:

• Good looking mini-SUV with a solid build quality
• Premium interiors, sorted ergonomics and supportive seats
• Diesel engine is fast (0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds) and fuel-efficient too (18.9 km/l - ARAI)
• 8-speed DCT is smooth and quick. 4Matic AWD system will help you get out of some tricky situations
• AMG Line is fun to drive! Good handling, well-calibrated steering & excellent high-speed manners
• Loaded with features such as 360-degree camera, driver assistance, latest-gen MBUX, hands-free tailgate & lots more
• 5-star NCAP rating, top-notch safety kit & a suite of electronic aids to keep you safe

What you won't:

• Pricey! Top-end GLA 220d 4Matic AMG line would be ~65L on-road in Delhi
• Suspension has a firm edge to it. Also, the AMG line's 19-inch wheels further stiffen the ride quality
• Petrol engine only offered in a single variant and no AWD
• Back seat is more suitable for 2 healthy adults and a child. Not 3 healthy adults
• 425-litre boot - although adequate - is the smallest in the segment
• Missing features such as cooled seats, rear sunshade, head-up display, Level 2 ADAS, full-size spare tyre (has a space saver tyre) etc.
• Heavier adults will find the front seats too snug

Review Link (Mercedes-Benz GLA Facelift Review)

BMW X1

What you'll like:

• Solid build & top-notch quality, inside out. Looks smart too
• Modern and well-appointed interior feels good
• Refined and competent diesel engine mated to a smooth, responsive 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Excellent high-speed stability coupled with sorted handling and a precise steering. Mature ride quality at speed
• Accommodating 476-litre boot and multiple storage spaces in the cabin
• Loaded with features such as adaptive headlamps, electric front seats with extendable seat bases and massage function, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, sliding & reclining rear seats, handsfree tailgate, panoramic sunroof, driving modes, etc.
• 5-star NCAP rating, top-notch safety kit and some ADAS features
• BMW's relatively strong reliability record along with decent after-sales service and maintenance packages

What you won't:

• Expensive! On-road price ranges between 57 - 64 lakhs
• 18-inch wheels give the ride a firm edge on bad roads at low speeds. It's totally liveable though
• The 3-cylinder 134 BHP petrol engine is a misfit in this segment
• Diesel motor offers just 148 BHP, which is even lesser than the older car. At this price, 190 - 200 BHP is a must! Furthermore, Diesel is available just in the M Sport variant (no AWD)
• No physical buttons for the climate control and idling start / stop systems is a useability failure
• Aggressively tuned idling start / stop system. Even if you slow down and stop at a traffic junction for a second, the engine switches off
• Back seat is more suitable for 2 healthy adults and a child. Not 3 healthy adults
• Missing features such as ventilated seats, head-up display, full-size spare tyre (has a space saver tyre), 360-degree camera, rear sunshade etc.

Review Link (BMW X1 Review)

Audi Q3

What you'll like:

• Evolved sporty styling, matched with solid build quality
• Increased cabin space, practicality and boot capacity (530 litres)
• Incredibly fun-to-drive 2.0L turbo-petrol with a quick 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
• Quattro all-wheel drive provides loads of grip & will help you get out of tricky situations (sand, mud etc.)
• Good road manners with sorted ride quality
• Well-equipped (panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, virtual cockpit & more)
• 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and equipment

What you won't:

• Efficient & punchy 2.0 turbo-diesel is no longer available. Heavy users will miss its low running costs
• Lower power output than the Kodiaq & Tiguan. We would've preferred a higher state of tune on a more premium Audi
• Pricey! On-road price ranges between 53 - 65 lakhs
• No cheaper FWD entry-level variant available. Period
• Should’ve gotten adaptive dampers, at least on the top-end variant
• Cabin is best suited for 4 adults, not 5
• Missing features like a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, driving assist tech, auto-hold, connected car gizmos etc.

Review Link (2022 Audi Q3 Review)

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[vattyboy]

Will go for Fortuner for it's

- Big butch Suv look and road presence.
- Toyota's Reliability.
- Pocket friendly service cost and spare parts.
- Great resale value.

[GTO]

Might be 4-5 lakhs too expensive, but that's the same with the last car I test-drove (Camry Hybrid which I absolutely loved). I'm not price sensitive, will spend extra for the car I love, hold onto cars for a long time and will only buy something I love. My vote is for the Kodiaq. Big size, superb cabin, loaded with kit, turbo-petrol engine + DSG + European suspension and AWD.

The competition is either too old (Fortuner, Meridian, Gloster) or too small (luxury crossovers).

My 2nd closest choice would be the next-gen Fortuner which is going to be softer, better to drive and have a hybrid petrol. I believe it's evolving the same way that the Innova Hycross did over the Innova Crysta.

Voted for the Skoda Kodiaq.

[Samurai]

I am surprised Tucson didn't even make the list. In my 18 months ownership of Tucson AWD, I have had zero issues, despite driving on all kinds of bad roads.

I vote for Tucson, I guess I have to pick others from the poll.

[SilverSmoke]

Voted Kodiaq.

Though I love previous generation TSI more with neater & classier cabin plus DCC, still given a choice in current scenario - it's the best deal of the pack. vRS version will be icing on the cake.

[Shreyans_Jain]

Hard to believe, but the Jeep Meridian is by far the most VFM pick of this lot.

I’d rather wait out for the upcoming new Fortuner than pick any one from this lot. The current Fortuner is too old, while the new Kodiaq is basically asking 10L rupees more for a car lesser than the one it replaces. If 50L has to be spent today, my money is on the BYD Sealion.

[mgastor2022grey]

I voted for the Jeep Meridian. Reasons? Plenty:

1) The Engine + Gearbox combo: This is simply a match made in heaven. I just love the diesel + MT combo. No other car in this segment, with a stick shift, feel so 'car like' to drive. Just love it.

2) Looks: I prefer this car over the likes of X-Trail, X1, Fortuner, MU-X, Gloster, etc.. There are some good looking ones like the GLA, Q3 and Kodiaq, but they miss out on other features as well.

3) VFM: This car mainly scores on this. Cheaper than the competition. I would anyday pick this car over X1 and X-Trail.

If not this car, then my pick would be for the Q3. There is no point in spending for a Kodiaq I feel, as it loses out on the DCC. I loved that on the olden gen. So, Q3 it is!

[It's Magic]

Voted for Skoda Kodiaq

From the given list, picking a few like the MG Gloster or Nissan X-Trail would be risky from a long term perspective. Although the Jeep Meridian is a good option but I hardly see them on our roads. I will also avoid luxury brands like Audi, BMW, or Mercedes due to long term maintenance costs. The Toyota Fortuner is a good all rounder car, but it looks dated now and needs a facelift to make it attractive again. I do not like the design of Isuzu and hence, will not pick it up.

This leaves me with either the Skoda Kodiaq or VW Tiguan R-Line. Out of these two, I think the Skoda Kodiaq makes more sense. It looks better and has more features.

[Sensible_Speed]

Voted Tiguan R-line. It seems to be a smaller car than the Kodiaq, but just as posh. I find the understated looks more to my liking that the Skoda, though the latter is a very handsome and mature design too. The LEDs in the grill is a little off-putting.

The Tiguan just feels different and that's why I chose it.

[somersault]

Voted Skoda Kodiaq.

I have been driving the last gen 2.0 TSI for few months now. The engine + gearbox + chassis combination alone deserves the vote. The new car goes 0-100 in 7.7 seconds (0.1 sec faster than previous gen). The car offers pure luxury, silent cabin, fast engine and confidence to drive at high speed. Automatic 4X4 is very helpful to get good traction in difficult terrain.

Yes there are few cons like low FE, service cost etc. But if I am spending 60L on road then does that even matter?

[TorqueLord]

If I had to put my money where my mouth is, I would pick the Q3 for my requirements. It's at a perfect size for a city like Mumbai, the 2.0 TSI is a workhorse of an engine, and the Quattro grip is addictive. Sure there are some features that are missing (memory seats mainly, not too fussed about 360 degree camera), but it is a hoot to drive. I test drove the X1 petrol as well, and the acceleration didn't feel too different from the Slavia 1.0 to be candid.

[anshu1101]

Voted for Other.

I'd wait to see how the new Fortuner is. The Fortuner has always been one of my favourites amidst this lot of cars. From grapevine, the new one is expected to be much better in terms of the ride quality (the biggest sore point in the current gen Fortuner), better interiors and the option of a diesel hybrid (more powerful and efficient) along with the option of a petrol motor.

If I had to choose from this list of cars, it would be the Kodiaq.

[dkaile]

Voted for Other - Toyota Innova Hycross (petrol only variant)

For a car costing 60 Lacs on-road, the Skoda brand does NOT command that appeal. It did, only till the time it was offering 'Value Luxury'. And with it's added dimensions, it is now more of a MUV rather than a SUV. Adding salt to injury, is the deletion of DCC and lack of ADAS in 2025! If I would rather buy a MUV with these deleted features, I would go for total peace of mind and a brand like Toyota. And for that matter Toyota Innova Hycross - petrol only top model - GXO - at 24.5 Lacs on road. I would rather have 2x Hycross'es in my garage than a single Kodiaq MUV, in this amount of money and petrol only engines. And I would even be getting a 360 degree camera system, which is highly stupid of Skoda, to have skipped in the new Sportline variant. Loved it's Alcantara though, although not a fan of the interior color on the L&K!

Cheers...

[sunikkat]

Though expensive than what was expected, I would still vote for Kodiaq as it’s a better one among the lot. However if I have to buy a SUV now with that budget, I might go with Q3 for the brand value and being more fun to drive, though it’s not practical as Kodiaq.

Fortuner is too crude for my liking, Meridian / Compass have lethargic engines, Tucson doesn’t feel premium or handle well as others and X1 is too pricey with underpowered engine. Also I wouldn’t want to put my money on a VW CBU.