Rs 16 lakh: Sub 4m compact automatic SUV to replace my VW Polo GT TSI

I am okay with either a petrol or diesel car, but not electric. I also own an old Mahindra Scorpio 4WD.

BHPian DrivingNirvana recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi fellow BHPians,

I am in the market to replace my 6.5 years old VW Polo GT TSI. My other car is a 6 years old Mahindra Scorpio 4WD. The requirements for the replacement car as I have listed down are:

1. It has to be an automatic transmission since the wife will also drive it.
2. Powerful engine (I am spoilt by the GT TSI)
3. Must be a sub 4m car, a compact SUV or a hatchback with good GC since in this part of the country the roads are full of potholes, especially in monsoon
4. Can be petrol or a diesel
5. Safety kit and features
6. Budget is a maximum of Rs 16 lakh on road
7. Good service centre network. Generally, I am not posted in the metro or tier 1 cities of India.
8. I was trying to avoid getting a car with a sunroof as I work in a thermal power plant; the atmosphere here is always filled with ash/dust particles. But I am not having this criterion as a strict one since I am seeing that almost all the cars' top models these days come with a sunroof.
9. No VW group cars. The nearest service centre is around 350km from my location.

Now, the buyer's dilemma begins. The cars I have shortlisted and considered along with their pros/cons are mentioned below:

Hyundai Venue

I almost booked the Venue 1.0 turbo DCT S(O). But, various nightmarish stories regarding DCT reliability were running at the back of my mind. Though my GT TSI DQ200 7-speed DSG box did not break down in these 6 years, I am not sure whether I can live with that fear of uncertainty in my mind again. Also, the looks of the Venue are not getting a green signal from the home ministry. Though I haven't persuaded her since I am not sure about getting this car.

Otherwise, the S(O) variant was fulfilling all my needs. It is not having a sunroof also. It does have a rear wash and wipes. At 12.8 lacs on the road, indeed it is a sweet deal.

Kia Sonet

I am inclined towards the diesel AT in the GTX+ variant. I am not considering the turbo petrol with DCT because in that case, I can always buy the Venue which will be having a better service network coverage and resale value.

Now regarding the diesel AT, I drove the car and loved it. My monthly travel will be around 800-1000 km on mainly typical rural Indian roads with some mix of highways. The confusion in this car comes from the fact of how wide is Kia's service coverage network and the DPF issues in BS6 engines.

Mahindra XUV 3OO

I am considering the diesel AMT here. I am concerned about the lack of rear AC vents and the infamous AMT jerkiness. Also, I am already having a Mahindra in my garage. (This is not a logical argument, I agree)

Tata Nexon

Same issue as of XUV. There is no proper auto box. Only AMT is available. I am hell confused. Please give your valuable opinions so that I can make an informed decision. I am also open to comments suggesting a car which I haven't considered yet. Thank you all in advance.

By the way, I am not considering the Maruti cars because their engines don't excite me (no offence to the present/prospective owners):

Update:

1. I drive around 60 km daily for 4 days a week
2. Not feasible to install a charging unit at home, since I live in a company-owned township
3. Yes I have a diesel, but in this part of the country having an electric vehicle is not practical due to lack of infrastructure and other rural environmental issues.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

There are two issues with most cars: no proper automatic (AMT and DCT are not the best IMO) and potential issues with BS 6 Diesel engines.

My suggestion is to buy a car with conventional AT like TC or CVT. Don’t compromise on AT as it’s something you will have to deal with all the time. Engine risks should be fine if push comes to shove.

Here's what BHPian Rajeevraj had to say on the matter:

Any particular reason to replace the GT TSI? None of the shortlisted cars will give the pure driving pleasure of the TSI+DSG Combo. Especially the AMTs would be a strict no-no. Will be a nightmare compared to the TSI+DSG combo.

The Venue seems an ok choice from the shortlist assuming there is a strong reason to upgrade

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

No mainstream car is going to come close to the driving experience of your Polo. Let’s be clear. Your car is only 6 years old. Give it some love, and it will serve you well for another 3 years. The automotive scene should be very different with all kinds of hybrid and EV options to choose from.

That being said, your best option for a new car today is the Kia Sonet diesel AT. DPF issues are something all buyers must learn to live with now.

You have a budget of 16L. Consider adding another 2 and go for the Mahindra Thar. Diesel or petrol, your choice. Sub 4m, automatic, powerful, safe, high GC, and Mahindra service is everywhere. Meets all of your requirements. It is very easy to drive around, women love it. And it is MAD fun.

Here's what BHPian baarish84 had to say on the matter:

Here are my 2 cents, considering your preference list (have recommended all petrol).

• Mahindra XUV 300 facelift (expected in 2-3 months) - powerful engine, will hopefully come with proper TC
• Kia Sonet DCT - Considering your low running, DPF issue will trouble you in diesel. Hence recommended petrol.
• Nissan Kicks 1.3 turbo CVT - Drivers car with sorted handling, hydraulic steering; Suspension will easily take care of those craters. No latest gizmos though.
• Maruti Brezza AT - all-rounder and safe choice (although may not be a fun drive)

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.