Since most of our drives would be in the city, the ride comfort or ride quality on broken city roads is my no.1 priority.

BHPian TheWall recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello,

Need some advice on buying a new car. My driving is 98% in the city and I hardly go on highway trips. We are a family of 4(2adults+2kids). So we need a spacious comfortable car.

Since most of our drives would be in the city, the ride comfort or ride quality on broken city roads is my no.1 priority. I can compromise on performance.

Within a budget of 15 lakhs, which car in the current market offers the best ride comfort while going through roughest of the roughest patches.

Thanks,

TheWall.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

• Kia Carens: Awesome ride quality, lots of space, great spread of engines. This should be your no.1 choice.
• MG Hector, as Shreyans said. Comfortable low speed ride quality. Wafts over bad roads.
• 5th-gen City: Can't go wrong with this all-rounder. But the Carens & Hector are above it for your purpose.

Don't go for the Nexon. It rides firm and can get bumpy on bad roads.

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

Most Hyundai cars have excellent low speed ride quality. As an added bonus, Hyundai steering feedback is poor (which is a good thing for your requirement). Meaning, when you go over a bad patch of road, the steering will not vibrate/shake/move around much.

Whatever car you buy:

• Reduce tyre pressure to 30 PSI (ignore what the manufacturer says).
• Make sure wheel alignment is perfect. Ride quality will be poor if wheel alignment is badly done..
• Change tyres every 4 years (ignore the kms done).

Here's an older thread on the same topic.

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

Look no further than the Renault Duster. I know it is almost at the end of its lifecycle but there is no other car in this budget/segment which comes even close to the Duster when it comes to ride quality - period! Moreover, you can get some good discounts as well, if you negotiate hard. The only other option I can think of, within your budget, is the Tata Nexon.

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

The car with the beat low speed ride quality the the MG Hector. It’s soft and pillowy, nicely complimented by large and comfortable seats. It is the ideal car for the requirements you describe.

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

I would say other than suspension one thing I personally would consider if vehicle is used is 98% city drive is a proper automatic. (No AMT, iVT BS).

Since you mention broken city roads I would recommend a cSUV.

I would suggest wait for 6 speed automatic Brezza.(If you would be able to stretch the budget maybe a bit, you might be lucky if MS price it aggressively).

Two reasons why i wont recommend the Duster:

• I am a Terrano 110 ps diesel owner, but wont recommend the turbo petrol for city drive constant gear shifing is a hassle. Low end is not good, but highway it is a beauty.
  (turbo petrols also it is the same, highlighted in the review). Automatic might be an option though.
• Duster is done, no more new launches. So risky buying a phased out model ( if one plans on keeping it for long).

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Jeep's new compact SUV is expected to be based on the STLA Small platform, which also underpins the Citroen C3.

The first image of what is believed to be the upcoming Jeep compact SUV has surfaced online. It is expected to be unveiled by the end of this year.

The spy image showcases a heavily camouflaged test mule of the new model. The car appears to have a rectangular radiator grille and a split headlamp set up.

Reports suggest that the new SUV will use Stellantis' STLA Small platform, which also underpins the Citroen C3. It is expected to measure around 4 meters in length and could be offered with multiple powertrain options, including a fully-electric version. All-wheel drive will also be part of the package.

It has also been reported that the SUV is being jointly developed by engineers in Italy and India, which suggests that the product will be targeted at Indian and European markets.

Source: Cochespias

I believe that there will be people on the road who will make mistakes, not everybody knows how to operate their vehicle properly.

BHPian thehelmetguy recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Last year, my family bought a Tata Nexon. It was our first car and I had childlike excitement, I literally left no stone unturned while researching about the car and made sure it meets our requirements before finalizing it. Back then I didn't even know how to drive, but I was thrilled by the idea of having a new car and was truly happy when it finally arrived. I felt grateful to have such a beautiful piece of machinery in my garage and whenever I passed by my car, I used to admire it. Little did I know it was the beginning of a new journey.

I wanted to become a good driver, because I knew very well that "Driving is a responsibility and not a right". I enrolled myself at a driving school but I couldn't learn anything other than the location of ABC pedals and gears and a bit of steering control, but I still got my driver's license. I was in no way ready for the Indian roads and the idea of driving a brand new car was still very intimidating. I wanted to drive but I didn't know what to do.

I told my girlfriend about the same, she is my partner in every crime and she didn't know anything about driving either. But I am very relaxed when I am with her, I am less worried and far more confident. So slowly we started practicing a lot, we used to drive early mornings and in the underground parking lot. Finally I got a hang of my car and I felt confident enough to start hitting the roads in peak traffic hours. Now I could sense the control I had on my car and I could really appreciate its driving dynamics. In the coming few days, we explored the entire city, I was truly happy and used to grin like a child whenever I used to drive. All these beautiful experiences were created by my Nexon so I wanted to treat my car well. I made it a point to follow every driving rule and remember every route that I drive on, as I said earlier I wanted to become a "Good Driver".

The incident:

A month back on April 25,2022. Something happened that literally shook me. It was a Sunday evening, and I was driving with my girlfriend on one of the beautiful roads of my city averaging at a speed of 60km/hr. All of a sudden a biker with a female pillion decided to go across the road so as to take a cut without even seeing the rear view mirror. The biker was a young lad and I don't know why he decided to take such a risk when the speed of traffic was very high. It was an extremely insensible move and I knew it could result in something bad. The biker was going across from left to right and I was in the rightmost lane. Whenever something like this happens with me, I give the other person a chance to correct their mistake. I believe that there will be people on the road who will make mistakes, not everybody knows how to operate their vehicle properly. Everybody will learn someday. Also, I was very well aware about what would happen if he gets hit by a car at such a speed.

So it was a similar situation that day. I slowed down my vehicle and honked allowing him to pass. And then the worst possible thing that could have happened that day happened with me. The biker could have easily made the cut but I don't know again what got into his head that he stopped his bike in front of my car. And now I had to come to a complete stop on a high speed road. Seconds later, a truck came and hit the backside of my car. We were not hurt as both of us were wearing seat belts and thanks to the build quality of the car, we felt nothing more than a bump but the backside of the car was damaged. Both the truck driver and the biker ran away from the spot.

Everything happened so quick that I didn't even have the chance to process it. A traffic cop was standing near us, he saw everything but did nothing. All he said was go to the nearest police station and report it. When asked if he could call someone there and explain to them the incident or give us his contact number because he was an eye witness of the accident, he simply refused. We went to the station mentioned by him and they send us to another station saying the area where the accident happened doesn't come under their jurisdiction. I was in no position to drive, tears were rolling down my eyes, but still we went to the other station and there to my surprise they said the original station only had the jurisdiction (clearly lack of empathy on the part of the officers, I was with a female and just had an accident but they were least concerned). Now again I went to the police station where I had gone initially, finally I met a nice traffic cop. He listened to our story, and asked me what I wanted to do. I did not file a case because I couldn't see the value in it. He gave us a "Panchnama", MCR-Motor vehicle Collision Report and then we left the station.

On the journey back, I could not understand what had just happened. The simple question that came to my mind was "Why me?" I was at a controlled speed, in my lane, not doing anything stupid. Why it had to happen, my heart sank a little. There was no way I could avoid it. There was a probability that I could have saved my car if I had not slowed down but things could have taken a bad shape, I might have hit the biker because if somebody is coming across the road, there is simply no way to judge their speed and decide whether you will be able to pass the vehicle or not. If one is lucky, one might do it but if the luck runs out, a deadly accident is waiting.

I dropped my girlfriend, came home parked my vehicle and informed my parents. The next morning I took the car to authorized service center since it was a new car. It had zero dep insurance cover from HDFC ERGO so I only had to pay for the file charges and some consumables. My experience with Tata ASS was nice and the claim process was very smooth. The car was back in a few days and hardly any sign of damage was noticeable. Still whenever I think of that evening, it makes me sad.

So what did I learn from this accident ?

• Don't drive after an accident, call your friends, family, relatives or any other driver but don't drive yourself because the thoughts after the accident can seriously impair your judgement on the road. Get yourself back to safety first.
• Install a dash cam, a video footage can be really important in case of an accident.
• Keep a valid insurance otherwise the repair bills in an accident can seriously burn your pocket.
• Don't give up on driving, one doesn't give up on things they enjoy doing.

Since this is my first post, kindly correct me if I make any mistake unknowingly. Looking forward for future interactions. Till then drive safe, wear a seat belt and as "TheHelmetGuy" says wear a helmet when you are on a two wheeler.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The new compact SUV will be based on an updated version of the Amaze platform (PF2).

In early January, we had reported about Honda's plans to launch a compact SUV in the Indian market. Now, a new media report sheds some light on the brand's upcoming SUVs.

Honda has not one, but two SUVs lined up for India. The first model is a compact SUV that is expected to debut in 2023. The Japanese brand also has a mid-size SUV in the pipeline. It is likely to be launched by 2024.

Reports suggest that the new compact SUV will be based on an updated version of the Amaze platform (PF2). Codenamed: 3US, the design of the new model is almost ready and the engineering work is also ongoing.

It is said that the new model could be offered with the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines from the Amaze. The former is even said to get some form of hybridization.

The new compact SUV will replace the WR-V in Honda's lineup and will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and the Maruti Brezza.

The second offering will be a mid-size SUV (codenamed: 3RA). It is said to be based on the PF2S platform. The Hyundai Creta-rivalling model is expected to share its electronics and powertrains with the City.

Source: Autocar India

The more the I drive Skylar, the more I begin to appreciate the NVH and comfort offered by the EcoSport. It is truly a wonderful travel companion.

BHPian Shanksta recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Update: 1 Year/20,000 kms with the BS6 EcoSport:

It has been a little over a year since I bought Skylar home. By far this has been the most enjoyable year for me as far as driving and cars come into the picture.

Skylar achieved the 20,000 kms milestone in 354 days & 22 hours. This translates to an average of 56.5 kms a day, which is while I am still working from home. I am definitely adept at sneaking in those kilometres.

Got the 3rd/20k kms service done from Dhruvan Ford on 12-Mar-2022. The engine oil, air filter, oil filter and AC filter was replaced, I had opted for the express service and got the car back within the promised time of 2 hours. The total bill was ₹5650 which is very reasonable IMHO. The service experience as well was extremely good.

Attention to detail: Little markers added on the driver side seat ensure correct position while returning the car:

I am still pending to have the catalytic converter replaced under recall by Ford. The service center did not have the parts in stock and I was not willing to leave my car with them for a few days. Will update once I get this done.

Apart from this, Skylar has been a fill it, shut it & forget it experience till now. *Touchwood*

Did a quick trip to Pondy in February and none in March. These have been pretty lean months running wise and will be corrected April:

The more the I drive Skylar, the more I begin to appreciate the NVH and comfort offered by the EcoSport. It is truly a wonderful travel companion. Currently the odometer reads 21036 kms:

I consistently get about 800 kms between each tankful. Attaching below statistics for fuel consumption and cost of running:

On one of my random early morning drives to Mahabalipuram on ECR:

Cheers.

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My cousin was lazy enough to neglect taking insurance. Now he wants to salvage the car, repair it and use it.

BHPian dsuman recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The above pictures and my posts here and here shall give you a fair idea. The car is in a Vijayawada Police Station and the Police have cleared the vehicle to be taken away if required since there was no 3rd party involved.

Background: This is a Mahindra Quanto bought in May 2013. I used it for 8 years, 1,30,000 kms and sold it off to my cousin in September 2021. The car met with an accident on 31 March. My cousin and family are ok now. My cousin was lazy enough to neglect taking insurance. Now he wants to salvage the car, repair it and use it.

Since I am the go to person for automobiles in my family, my cousin reached out to me.

My suggestions and warnings:

• The A Pillar and roof are damaged. Not advisable to restore it. Sell the working parts to a garage.
• The shape cannot be restored to factory original. Hell we don't even know if the car will travel in straight line.
• We don't know what problems the engine and related components will show.
• Buy an old jeep body and put in the Quanto engine and gearbox and use it.
• Convert the Quanto to open top and use it just like a Jeep.

His rational is:

• Its his first car.
• He lost his mother in that car so he wants to keep it as a memory.
• His family will never allow him to buy any other car in his lifetime but he understands the importance of carrying his family in a 4 wheeler than multiple 2 wheelers.
• He treats the Quanto with extreme respect. He still believes and says "It was the Quanto which saved his family from death. If it had not been a high vehicle, all of them would have perished". If I had not sold him my Quanto he would have bought a Swift for which he had paid an advance and cancelled.
• He is a farmer and wants to at least use the car for carrying farm produce etc. He also owns a Tent House Supply Business so it can be put to use there as well.

I have told him it will be best we leave the car to rest In peace but he wants to bring it back to life.

So guys what are the possibilities assuming he will use it on rural roads and in his farmlands/Tent House Supplies.

Also the car is still on my name so once the car is restored can it be registered on my cousin's name albeit with modifications. I was contemplating canceling registration but now its a new dilemma for me.

Here's what BHPian Maverick5490 had to say on the matter:

Rather than a memory, it will be a grim reminder of what happened. The damage is way too much and not worth bringing the vehicle back to life.

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

I am sorry but having read about the accident from all your posts and your statement about him not even taking insurance, I feel that your cousin should ideally be banned from driving itself. Sounds like an extremely careless and negligent person from whatever I have read. Or atleast someone who does not fully appreciate what it means to drive a vehicle, share the road appropriately with other users and transport people responsibly. I mean is it not criminal to be roaming around without insurance?

As for restoring the Quanto, it looks to be impossible from the photos but you will be surprised what a good independent garage can do so perhaps if one is hell-bent on using it, take it to the most reputed independent garage in your part of the country and have them sort it out.

Here's what BHPian anjan_c2007 had to say on the matter:

Since you are based in Vijaywada there should be a Mahindra dealer there. Dealers have a good networking with other dealers for the same company especially in the vicinity. You can show photographs of the Quanto to the dealer and talk to him about resurrecting the machine. If he says it will be OK and if the budget suits your cousin the Quanto can be shifted to the Mahindra dealer's premises. He can be requested to source spares either from his dealership or from neighbouring dealers possibly including Chennai (where there are better chances to procure body panels and other spares). There could be a chance that a full spare body is also available though in some repairable condition. The Quanto can be surely brought back to life and since your cousin is too attached to it, let him explore all options.

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

Don't even go there! Whatever emerges will be unsafe and cost far more money.

Whatever you spend as a memory would be better spent in a charitable gesture in the name of your cousins mother - sponsoring a child or renovating a school. Those have perpetuity, the rebuilt Quanto might be dead on arrival.

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

9 year old vehicle with nearly 150,000 kms on the odometer. In a huge accident that was heavily and structurally damaged. With family member(s) brutally hit & lost in that accident. With a driver who oversped, didn't renew his insurance, didn't get his passengers to follow rules and wear seat belts.

That is a recipe for disaster. I have no idea on the financial hit your cousin is going to take to get this car back to a running state but he would probably get a used Quanto with an additional lakh thrown in over the repair cost (or a decent similar sized used car/van). Given his requirements are basic (/Farm work related), several other vehicles will suit his requirements. Please give him the right advice and do not let him put his and his family members again in trouble. As far as I can see, you rightfully can lead him on making safer decisions than just answering his immediate automobile queries.

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The TUV300 gave me an almost trouble free ownership experience in the last 6 years apart from initial niggles.

BHPian dieselburner recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Finally I let go my black TUV300 T8 Jan 2016 model last week. The ODO at time of selling stood proudly at 108000 kms.

The TUV300 gave me an almost trouble free ownership experience in the last 6 years apart from initial niggles. Its a definitely go anywhere vehicle with rear wheel drive & with MLD installed it gives extra assurance. With the TUV, I was able to complete my dream drive to Ladakh without a single problem.

Reasons for selling:

• From the past 2 months, the engine check light used to show up suddenly once a while, but never faced any mechanical issue. Thought to get it checked from MASS, went there & after thorough inspection it was found that there were multiple leakages in the engine bay & which can also be seen if given a proper look with naked eye.
• The SA told me that there is problem with the turbocharger & due to it there are these leakages & other problems which I faced like missing while driving, engine check light, oil light etc.
• The AC was also not working & it was found that the AC condenser has got a leakage.
• Total bill for the work mentioned was told approximately to be around 1lakh.
• The most expensive part was turbocharger which was around 75k for the part only.

Got it back from workshop on that day after getting the quote. SA advised not to drive at higher RPM & no long trips. It can be used for city driving only.

It doesn't make any sense for me to spend such hefty amount on repair as I was already planning to get a new ride, and with these problems, the itch to sell the TUV increased.

I researched about turbocharger repairing as well but from multiple discussions, it was concluded that getting it repaired is not advisable & it has to be replaced only. AC was however repaired from outside & it costed 1500 bucks only, it was necessary as whoever comes to buy will surely check the AC.

Was able to get 60% of the bill value through OLX, which I was quite happy with.

The TUV300 is a tough vehicle for sure, here's what I liked about it:

• Great road presence.
• Low maintenance & service cost.
• Powerful AC.
• Front 2 seats are comfortable.
• Go anywhere vehicle.

If the turbocharger problem has not popped up it would still be my ride for sometime.

Now I am looking for a diesel automatic SUV & can't decide one.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Since glovebox lights make your life convenient, it is a feature in the top model of almost all cars now.

BHPian KarDIY recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

DIY Install: Automatic glovebox light in TATA Nexon without cutting wires:

If you have ever tried taking out something from your glovebox specially in a dark place like parking or at night, you must have realized how hard it is to do that sometimes. Even the cabin light feels less.
Since glovebox lights make your life convenient, it is a feature in the top model of almost all cars now. But I have a TATA Nexon XM(S) and the glovebox light is not available in it. But the best part is, you can easily install a glovebox light on your own.

This glovebox really makes things convenient. And all the efforts to do this was worth it.

Tools required:

• Pry tools.
• Screwdriver set.
• Spanner set.
• Knife.
• Wires.
• Thimble.
• Pliers.
• Glove box light.
• Switch.
• Soldering kit.
• JST Terminals.

• Procedure:

• Using pry tools open the panel on the left side of left AC vent. Open it from bottom to top:

• There are 3 Phillips head screw, unscrew them and keep them aside safely. (Note: There is a bolt too but we don't need to open it):

This picture shows all the screws you will need to open in this DIY.

• Open the glovebox, there would be a 10 number bolt at the back of the glovebox. Open the bolt and keep it aside.
• There are two phillips screw on the top of the glovebox. Open them and keep them separately.
• Now remove the silver panel. Before you begin let me tell you this is the hardest part of this DIY as it has a lot of locks which you can see. We have to make sure the panel doesn't break. Start opening the panel from the left side. Check the lock in the picture and open it from there so that it will be a little easier for you to open the panel. Also before removing the panel completely, remove the wire connecting the buttons of infotainment system. With patience and determination you can open it:

• Under the panel, there are 4 phillips screws. Open them and keep them aside.
• Under the glovebox there are 4 phillips screws. Open them and keep them aside.
• There are 4 locks in the front under the panel. Disengage them using the pry tools.
• There are 2 locks on the left side of AC vent under the first panel. Disengage them.
• Now, pull the glovebox to disengage the locks on the either side of the glovebox.
• Use a hot knife to cut the space given for the glovebox light:

• Install the light from inside the glovebox. (You won't need to use any additional glue or anything because the locks will automatically fit themselves perfectly).
• Install the switch on the side. (It also has a locking mechanism so need to of glue).
• Take a small wire thimble and connect it to the wire using pliers. Connect this thimble to the light. (Pro tip: You can use head shrink tube to make sure the thimbles/wires don't touch each other):

• Take a little big thimble according to the size of the switch. Connect it to the wire using pliers and then plug it in the switch. (You can use heat shrink tube here too. Make sure you connect the wire according to the diagram. One wire directly connects from light to switch):

• Connect the other two wires to the two wires of one part of JST terminal. (Pro tip: You can solder the wire together and cover it with a heat shrink tube to have a strong bond).
• Extend the other part of JST terminal by soldering a wire to it.
• Now, for power source, there are two ways you can do this. You can either take it from the glove box or from the socket under the panel. I chose the second option.
• To open the panel, remove the weather strip along the panel. Pull the panel to remove it.
• This socket provides 12 V all the time even without key. Open the socket and check which port provides the 12V supply. To check this, you can take a light bulb. Insert the positive wire in the port and touch the negative wire to the body. When you have found the correct port, it will glow up:

• Insert the wire to the next port from the back. And insert it to the right port. For negative just unscrew a nearby bolt a little, place the wire under it and screw the bolt back.
• Insert the wire through the hole and pass it to the passenger side from the hole in the middle near the foot pedals. (Pro tip: Use cable ties to make sure the wire stays where it is supposed to stay).
• Connect the JST terminals.
• Put back the glovebox in its place so that the locks get engaged.
• Put back the screws and bolts on the back of the glove box and in the front under the panel.
• Connect the socket of the infotainment buttons. (Putting back panel along the button is hard and risky. So, this is better).
• Put back the panel back and start from under the switches.
• Screw back all the screws and bolts.

With this your glovebox light is good to go.

If you are someone who understands better by watching video or if you get stuck somewhere you can watch this video.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Budget is 8-10 lakhs on road with 90% city driving.

BHPian switz recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hey guys,

Planning to replace my Ecosport, and I have shortlisted the Tata Nexon & Kia Sonet. Budget is 8-10 lakhs on road with 90% city driving.

Could you guys help out with the Sonet usage experience, and help me decide between these two.

On the variant front, is the 1 lakh+ price diff  justified for the HTK, or should I buy the HTE and install a music system.

Thanks for the help.

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

Just to get the obvious fact out of the way, the Sonet is physically a smaller vehicle outside and more importantly inside. Normally family members tend to frown on such downsizing.

Of the two, the Nexon is the larger vehicle if that’s a consideration.

In terms of usage, the Sonet is quite a capable machine. I run the diesel automatic and it’s well suited for city traffic. It’s compact, powerful and easy to park and returns 13 km per liter of diesel.

Where the Sonet is even more capable is on the highway. Road manners are good, overtakes are easy and the vehicle is a stress free experience. Highway mileage is reputedly in the range of 18 if you drive it sensibly. If you don’t you will get a mileage of 14.5 like me - but you will wind up shattering any previous records that you held for interstate transits.

All the best with your choice.

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

I was in the same situation as you but after driving the diesel TC, i couldn't convince myself for an AMT. Both are capable cars and the Sonet is pretty good enough for city runs.l will recommend that you test drive both these highly competent vehicles and then decide which one floats your boat.

Or go with the Sonet.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

My two are vastly different, and are literally from different planets. But they charmingly complement and complete each other very well.

BHPian vigneshkumar31 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

One car do all?

The first and the obvious question before jumping into the rabbit hole of a two car garage is whether One car could indeed, do all?

Why pay insurance, and maintenance on two depreciating assets when a single set of wheels could roll into any role you want?

If we ponder about which kind of cars would be suitable ‘jack of all trades’, then all roads lead to the bulked up breed of compact SUVs.

They were born and have blossomed into bountiful numbers precisely because of their flexibility in donning multiple hats. Well, some pull it off better than the others, and some just try really hard and fail. But the segment as such has been raking in rewards for marques, fetching fat margins for dealers and giving great options for buyers. The segment has slowly stretched and spanned itself across wide price brackets generously from budget options to premium offerings.

If you need a well built, premium 5 seater with a sorted ride on highways and still won’t shy away from off the road excursion trails, the shining image of a Jeep Compass is what flashes in front of me.

In its cheapest 4x4 avatar, the Limited variant costs about 27.19 lacs ex showroom (as of March 2022). That’s steep, but it still ticks most boxes. In being versatile, such jack of all trades are obviously masters of none. There are compromises that we accept to live with when we settle for one. And that’s perhaps why this breed, for all its benefits, never has quite excited me. It’s a matter of perspective, you can see it as being neither here nor there, or , you could see it as having a bit of both.

That presents the case for a second car, or to swing back to the topic - the ideal two car garage, for the budget, for you.

This is a peppy question that gets many folks excited, because the combinations are as varied as your garage’s requirements.

You want to supplement a beater hatch with an expensive sedan? You want a city slicker to complement your highway tourer? Or you want to do a GTO and keep an old school jeep and a beastly Bimmer?

My two car garage:

In my pursuit to upgrade from my old Safari, I overlooked the option of settling for a single jack of all trades and ended up with two masters of one (Two for the price of one? err..Maybe?).

My two are vastly different, and are literally from different planets. But they charmingly complement and complete each other very well.

The Hyundai is the range topping variant loaded to the gills with a laundry list of features and tech, while the Gurkha is honest in purpose and a simpleton which loves to be off the road. Both will be fishes out of water in each others terrain and territories but that’s exactly what makes the combination click.

After a day of sand roading at the beach, the Gurkha pastes a wide grin from ear to ear, while the premium hatch makes the night drive with the sunroof open as breezy as the beats out of its Bose speakers. No need to be afraid of soiling the simple but practical interiors of the Gurkha, while the Hyundai’s dashboard looks like alien tech in direct contrast.

No combination is perfect and there are indeed compromises. But this feels just about right for me, for my budget. My son can enjoy the setting sun through the panoramic window of the Force, or choose star gazing through the sunroof of the Korean. And both the drivers at home, my wife and myself, each get our favourite. (And simple pleasures of running sequence plates).

What’s yours?

Let us know your two car garage,(real or dream) for your needs, at your budget.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

A fast sedan and a great SUV would be my ideal two-car garage. I currently have a 6-cylinder diesel sedan, a 4x4, a turbo-petrol limousine and a beater car. But I have parking space for 8 cars and in a dream world, would love to fill all of those spots up .

If not an SUV, a fast sedan and a sporty coupe would be my ideal two-car garage. Would love to buy one, but am test-driving so many cars that it would be totally unused. In the last 8 days, I've driven the Compass Diesel AT, Altroz DCT & updated ZS EV. My own cars are standing still, connected to trickle chargers.

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

For me the best combo was the Ford Ecosport diesel and a Tata Nano XTA. Perfect combo for city and highway drives. The AMT unit of Nano gave away sometime last year and had to switch (unwillingly) to a Kwid easy-r.

The Kwid itself is quite competent in its own right and I personally feel it is the spiritual successor to the Nano.

So right now my garage has an almost 8 year old Ecosport and a few months old Kwid.

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

We upgrade our car every 6-9 years but individual cars we intend to hold on to longer. What this means is our first car was a Hyundai Getz Prime and when it was 7 years old we got the i10. At that point, the idea was to build redundancy for convenience considering family priorities.

When the i10 was 6 years old we replaced the Getz (12th year was running) and this time we decided to go beyond the just redundancy and aim for purpose, hence the i10 was put for daily driver for errands around the city with its size advantage for sneaking around any nook and corner. The new addition was the Crysta, aimed for longer tours to aid with comfort and space. I did not have any off-road requirement hence an AWD / 4x4 feature was not looked at but had it been in recent time I may have considered one with panoramic sun roof.

The combination has served us really well over last few years and if I have to get the next upgrade (for the i10) it will be another small hatch only but certainly automatic (like our Crysta) and may be hybrid or electric based on market trend and sentiment. However Crysta upgrade, if and when that happens, must be something with equal or better space but also having excellent ADAS.

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

Well, I have never been a fan of SUVs and crossovers mainly for its high driving position and I don’t think I will ever buy one in near future. Unless one of these is indeed so good to meet my requirements and changes my decision.

With this my ideal 2 car garage is always a fun to drive fast sedan for highway and fun drives and a comfortable hatchback.

My current garage is an Octavia 2 TDI manual with quiet a few mods (including remap) and an i20 IVT. Now this combination serves me well.

The only common thing between both are that they are spacious in their rights. Otherwise they are polar - while i20 is calm, comfortable and convenient it is also equally boring. Octavia on the other hand being a manual is something I would not want to drive in Bangalore traffic, but out on highways it’s totally different - very few cars can match up the versatility.

Now I always like the idea of having a 4*4 or AWD, but my use case doesn’t warrant one - or atleast until now. And for me any SUV / crossover which is not AWD minimum is merely an imposter.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.