The Tharu XR is based on the MQB A0 platform, shared with the Taigun, Virtus, Kushaq and Slavia.

Volkswagen has unveiled a new compact SUV for the Chinese market called the Tharu XR. It is a slightly longer version of the Taigun sold in India.

The Tharu XR is based on the MQB A0 platform, shared with the Taigun and Kushaq. While the wheelbase is identical, the overall length has been extended by 134 mm. 

The exterior design of the Tharu XR looks similar to the Taigun. The front features sleek LED headlamps with an LED light bar. Thanks to the stretched rear overhang, the Tharu XR looks more pleasing to the eye than the Taigun.

The rear features smoked LED taillights connected by a transparent trim and a different rear bumper with contrasting silver trim. VW has yet to reveal the interior of the car, though.

Volkswagen will offer the Tharu XR with a range of 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines. 

The Taigun GT Line and GT Plus Sport are now part of the new Sport line trim.

Volkswagen has launched the Taigun GT Line and GT Plus Sport in India with prices starting at Rs 14.08 lakh (ex-showroom). Both variants are part of the new Sport line trim.

The Taigun GT Line and GT Plus Sport get several cosmetic enhancements on the outside. These include black exterior trim, a new grille flanked by smoked LED headlamps, black bumper inserts and black 17-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers.

Inside, the new variants get black leatherette upholstery with red stitching, gloss black dashboard trim, a black headliner and GT badging on the front headrests. The SUV also gets a Sport steering wheel with red stitching, aluminium pedals, black sun visors, grab handles and roof lamp housing.

The Taigun GT Line will be available with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 113 BHP and 178 Nm, while the GT Plus Sport gets the larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit that makes 148 BHP and 250 Nm. Both engines get a 6-speed manual as standard. The 1.0 TSI unit gets a 6-speed automatic option, while the 1.5 TSI gets a 7-speed DSG.

Volkswagen Taigun Sport line ex-showroom prices:

• GT Line 1.0L MT – Rs 14,08,400
• GT Line 1.0L AT – Rs 15,63,400
• GT Plus Sport 1.5L MT – Rs 18,53,900
• GT Plus Sport 1.5L DSG – Rs 19,73,900

I have test-driven SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Mahindra XUV700, Toyota Innova Hycross and BMW X1 but I am unable to decide.

BHPian sedanlover2021 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello, BHPians!

Please help me solve this conundrum.

TLDR: I'm looking to replace my slightly used VW Taigun GT with a larger and faster car for daily commutes in Bangalore traffic (75 kms to and fro). My wife shall continue to ride her Jeep Compass, so we need a bigger vehicle for family road trips (4 people, a golden retriever, a live-in nanny). Ideally, it wouldn't be a 7-seater (city traffic pain!). It should be fun to drive and offer some "speed thrills" when I want them.

Context:

I've test driven a bunch of cars but can't decide.

Tiguan: Very spacious 5-seater, fast, but the interior felt boring (same steering wheel in a 45-lakh car as a 23-lakh car?). It also lacks technology beyond the IQ headlights.

Tucson: Modern looks, loaded with creature comforts and tech, but only the diesel is enjoyable to drive. Worried about another diesel with the Jeep already in the garage, in case of NGT restrictions! The 2.0L petrol is underwhelming.

XUV 700 (petrol): A hoot to drive! The economy on that engine is terrible though. Also, I don't trust the ADAS and other offered tech's long-term reliability. I found the blind spot monitoring camera on the AX7L terrible. Can't justify spending nearly 35 lakhs on it mentally.

BMW 330 Li: My favorite. Magnificent engineering, luxurious, tech-filled, spacious, and a superb petrol engine. However, financially it's a stretch, even with BMW's finance plans. It's a "you-only-live-once" decision that might cause stress and isn't ideal for Bangalore's bad roads and flooding.

BMW X1 (petrol/diesel): Good city commuter in both engines, but not much bigger than the Jeep. Feels premium inside, but the on-road price (~60+ lakhs) is unjustified. Petrol makes more sense financially honestly!

Audi Q3: Powerful engine (same as Tiguan), but the interior doesn't justify the Bangalore on-road price. Limited tech compared to competitors and not very spacious either!

Innova Hycross: Disappointed with the build quality. The test drive vehicle (barely 1,500 km old) rattled everywhere. Cheap plastic abounds. Even the salesperson admitted it's not as sturdy as the Crysta. Worried about manoeuvrability in Bangalore traffic. A definite reject.

Not an EV guinea pig: I'm not ready to adopt an EV yet. I believe the technology will change significantly in the next decade, and I want to keep this car for at least 150,000 km.

Budget

Ideally 25-55 lakhs but can stretch if needed. However, the middle-class Indian in me will always be conflicted!

Help a fellow out! Open to suggestions in the used market as well.

Here's what BHPian tbppjpr had to say about the matter:

Which you are going to drive and park in Bangalore, right?

Bigger vehicle - won't it be a bigger pain with the bigger vehicle in the famous traffic of Bangalore?

Faster vehicle - won't it pinch you when you realize there is no space available to drive it faster, even if you find some space, there will be a speed limit of 60 km/hr max in the city area?

Here's what BHPian condor had to say about the matter:

Why not keep the Taigun and replace the Jeep with a 7 seater? It is small and suited for city use. And new.

Here's what BHPian sameerpatel90 had to say about the matter:

As per the mentioned budget - A less-driven X3/Volvo XC60 (Petrol/Diesel) could also be a good option for an upgrade (YOLO).

Why not the Toyota Innova Crysta 7-seater (Diesel) over Hycross (Petrol/Hybrid)?

If you would like to add another Jeep, I would suggest the Meridian only Diesel (it is an extended 5-seater with more luggage space, by folding the 3rd row).

Pocket friendly - Maruti XL6 (Petrol), as we get 2nd-row captain seats with some fancy features.

IMHO above mentioned is what I can suggest. I hope not to offend anybody here.

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

Go to Honda Autoterrace and get yourself a deal on a lightly used CRV diesel. You would end up saving a lot of money and also score a warranty too.

Here's what BHPian nikvint had to say about the matter:

75 km daily, needs diesel, family of 5 + dog, needs 7 seater. I would go with XUV 700 Diesel. You will get used to its minor imperfections. In case, you use the car for 10 years, NGT restrictions are not a deal breaker.

In the case of petrol, it should be Kodaiq if you are okay with FE and monthly petrol cost.

Crysta is the third option, but it is not available in AT now, so you have to find less used one in the market. But in that case, usage will be restricted by no. of years, if NGT is applied.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The MG feels like a car that won't last and I wish to replace it with a better, more reliable vehicle from the same segment.

BHPian kmrjt1 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear BHPians,

I am planning to replace my 1.2-year-old MG Astor (1.3L Turbo AT) with a car in the similar segment that has a peppier engine and have zeroed down to 2 choices:

• VW Taigun GT Plus Edge Matte Edition 1.5L TSI DSG
• Kia Seltos X-Line 1.5L T-GDI DCT

I already own a VW Tiguan (Dec 2022) 4-motion and it has never ever given me any problem till date The shifts with DQ 250 DSG gearbox in Tiguan are the smoothest and most seamless I have ever experienced and the ride/drive stability is out of this world. I love VW and hence, I am guessing the Taigun would be similar. I use my Tiguan mostly for weekend drives and when there are management visits at my workplace.

The Astor is used primarily for the city and around.

My reasons for replacement

1. Engine is a Turbo, but the initial lag is too prominent when you hit the pedal. Takes time compared to other turbos to pick up speed. This causes issues in overtaking and doesn't give me confidence.
2. The mileage I am getting is 5-6 kmpl, worse than my Tiguan which gives me 9-10 kmpl in the city. I use Shell V power petrol in all cars I use, hence, expect them to be in perfect condition internally.
3. Too many gimmicky features that don't work at times - the most notorious being the robot on the dash, very irritating. Sometimes, doesn't follow voice commands properly (Such as 'Hello Astor, increase fan speed' and sometimes it follows, other times it keeps saying 'Sorry'... very flawed implementation by MG). The Infotainment screen is slow 99% of the time and last week when I started booting my car from stop, it wouldn't start even when electronic components started and I could hear the initial cranking of the engine.

All in all, it feels like a car that won't last and I wish to get rid of it for a better, more reliable one in the same segment.

Any suggestion is greatly appreciated!

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

What you need is an EV. Take a test drive of the Nexon EV LR. It is punchier than even your Tiguan in urban conditions and costs next to nothing to run. Its cabin is plusher than the Taigun, feature set is more extensive and ride and handling are also as good in city driving. Also, Tata’s new infotainment screen and cameras are by far the best in the 20L rupee price range.

Here's what BHPian mgastor2022grey had to say about the matter:

Hey man, I was in the same boat for a couple of days. Check my thread.

BHPians suggested me not to replace my car as I would face a heavy depreciation hit. Also, I am having fun in a 1.5L NA CVT, so why not you in your 1.3L Turbo AT? I'd recommend you some changes:

• Start flooring the car. It will give you immense fun and will increase your confidence.
• Clean your car more often. When you have an intimate connection with your car, you will never feel like selling it. Worked for me!
• Test drive a Seltos. Understand the car. Then drive the Astor aggressively. You will find both the cars almost the same, with Astor lagging just a few secs away.

Don't sell the Astor man, it's such a great car! You should try changing your driving style to be a bit more aggressive, and get much more out of your steed!

Good Luck.

Here's what BHPian condor had to say about the matter:

The car is just 1.2 years old and should be under warranty. Have you tried to get it checked and repaired at MG?

You mentioned turbo lag.

• Compare with another Astor
• Ask for a replacement of the turbocharger.

Give it a shot.

Here's what BHPian tharian had to say about the matter:

For point 1, you can check if this engine has a remap from one of the tuners. You can get it tuned as per your requirements if the tuner has that option.

Point 2, the fuel efficiency may increase a bit with a remap, but it also depends on your driving habit.

The reason to go for a remap is because you feel the engine is not powerful enough more so because you are comparing it with a more powerful car and with a remap you can get the Astor somewhere close to it, with no hardware changes.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Did not look at Tata/Mahindra as I am not a fan of the products they sell (my personal opinion). As for the Korean twins, having burnt my fingers with an i20, I'm very skeptical of overall reliability and quality the brand provides.

BHPian Sreesh1009 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Need a car for my parents to travel as well as daily drive. Will be driven by me occasionally.

Current Vehicles

1. 2005 Santro Xing (1,28,000 kms)

Needs to be sold due to age and safety issues

2. 2014 Honda Amaze VX AT (1,08,000 kms)

In two minds about selling or keeping it as a second car. In need of new tyres as of now.

Requirements

• Must be comfortable and spacious (we're all in the 5'8-6 feet height range)
• Must be powerful enough for both the highway and city
• Strictly automatic
• Decent to good mileage.
• Must be reliable

Budget

Between 15-20L on road BLR

Cars considered

• VW Taigun: Dad liked the 1.0 AT, I loved the 1.5 DSG. The only concern being reliability of the DSG and fuel costs.

• Grand Vitara: Dad test drove the Non-Hybrid AT. I am not quite convinced about spending soo much for an underpowered 1.5L AT

• XL6: My dad liked this one due to the captain seats and overall space. I took a short test drive of the car and was quite shocked with how poor the braking is. Also the underwhelming performance of the 1.5L + AT combo makes me wonder how the car will perform during long drives

• Honda Elevate: While I did not test drive it but I loved the amount of space on offer as well as the general feel of the interiors. Would like to test drive and see how the CVT + NA Engine combo fares in comparison to the competition

Did not look at Tata/Mahindra as I am not a fan of the products they sell (my personal opinion). As for the Korean twins, having burnt my fingers with an i20, I'm very skeptical of overall reliability and quality the brand provides.

Dilemma:

1. Sell both cars and buy one car
2. Sell the Santro and keep the Amaze as a daily driver
3. Go for one of the Japanese cars in the list
4. Go for the Taigun and buy extended warranty to keep the DSG headache at bay for the time being.

Please help me out with your suggestions!

Here's what BHPian arnav17 had to say on the matter:

Since the Amaze too has seen a lot of running, I would personally recommend selling both and getting the Taigun. You loved the engine and it is a good all rounder, barring the DSG issues which I can't comment much on. To me, this seems like the safest option of the lot, and VFM.

Good luck on your purchase

Here's what BHPian ashivas89 had to say on the matter:

The Elevate is an excellent option. It is the car the GV/Hyryder NA twins should have been.

Don't let the CVT's rubber band effect fool you. This car can make swift progress especially evident when you check the mirrors after flooring it. It is faster than the Korean twins' NA engined variants and will easily smoke all Marutis. I have test driven all cars in this segment multiple times back to back. This car gets all the fundamentals right.

The last time I checked, a 1.5 turbo variant of any car in this segment is unavailable under 20L (OTR BLR) unless one is eligible for BH plates.

Considering the fact that your folks hang on to their cars for long, it would be wise to steer clear of turbo petrols/complex gearboxes.

Here's how I skinned the cat: Convinced dad to get himself a gen 5 City ZX CVT as his retirement wagon; got myself a Slavia DSG, thinking that we can swap occasionally if he feels the need for speed. That day has NEVER come so far.

Alternative take:

While you may have "burnt your fingers" with an i20, the 19 year old Santro in your garage is a clear testament to Hyundai getting thigs right for the most part (We have owned 5 of them in the past, they had their fair share of niggles, but no nightmatres, thankfully).

The Creta and the Seltos offer a whole lot of feel good for 20L. Take the cars for a spin with your folks. See what they think.

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

If your parents are going to be primary users of this car, it would be prudent to lean towards relatively fuss-free options. They'll likely neither care for the explosive 1.5 TSi motor nor the slick DSG, and it'll always be a sword hanging over the ownership experience (extended warranty doesn't mitigate being stranded or frequent ASC visits).

Buy for the primary users' use case and preferences, not yours.

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

I suggest avoiding turbo engines and complex gearboxes like DSG/DCT, especially if your parents will be driving the car frequently. Opting for a NA petrol engine with CVT/IVT, as recommended by others too, will be a good option.

Hyundai Creta and KIA Seltos with 1.5 NA IVT will be my first recommendations. Simple yet very efficient engine and gearbox combo. Plus they offer more than decent performance. Don’t worry about Koreans being not built to last. I drive a 2015 Creta and it has been a fuss free ownership from day 1. And it still feels as good as new when it comes to driving experience and overall quality.

As a second option, the Honda Elevate with the same configuration is worth considering, although it may lack the premium feel of the Korean models, which could be a deciding factor for you or your parents.

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

I have got a couple of suggestions for you:

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S Hybrid

If you can find one that can be delivered to you soon, the Hyryder Hybrid would be a frugal and reliable choice costing around 20.65 lakh on-road.

Honda Elevate ZX CVT

The Elevate meets most of your requirements and would be a good buy considering the overall package and price point at which it is offered more than the rock-solid Honda reliability.

If you want a 6 or 7-seater, the Kia Carens would be the best choice by far in this segment, in terms of power, space or features, do take a test drive and see how it goes.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed MT.

Volkswagen has launched a new special edition of the Taigun called the GT Edge Trail Edition. The SUV is priced at Rs 16.3 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be available in limited numbers.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition features a few cosmetic changes that differentiate it from the GT Edge Limited Edition that was introduced earlier this year. The SUV gets functional roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black & red brake calipers.

The GT Edge Trail Edition is available in three colour options: Carbon Steel Grey, Reflex Silver and Candy. The car gets special decals and ‘Trail’ badges as well.

Inside, the Trail Edition gets black seat upholstery with red stitching and the word ‘Trail’ embossed on the backrest. The car is equipped with features such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlamps, a rearview camera and TPMS. VW is also offering a dashcam with a 2-inch display.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. It produces 148 BHP and 250 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition will be powered by the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Volkswagen is gearing up to launch a new variant of the Taigun this month. The 'Taigun GT Edge Trail' Edition is likely to go on sale on November 2, 2023, and here are the details.

The Trail Edition features a more rugged-looking exterior. As per the leaked images, the SUV gets functional roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black and red brake calipers.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition will be offered in two exterior colours: Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Grey Matte, with unique exterior decals.

Inside, the Trail Edition gets black leatherette upholstery with Wild Cherry Red details and the word ‘Trail’ embossed into the backrest, aluminium pedals and red ambient lights.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition will be powered by the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. This unit puts out 148 BHP and 250 Nm and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.

Source: Carwale

Took me about 5 hours and achieved pro-like results

BHPian Yesterdaysnews recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

9 months and 22,000 km in, my white VW Taigun GT seemed like she wanted a good buff and polish. I’ve tried ceramic coating on my previous car, and wasn’t too impressed, as far as bang for buck is concerned.

I started making calls to my usual places and was quite taken aback by how much they wanted. Even for just polishing and waxing, everyone seemed to be pushing for 20,000 - 35,000 packages - 4 polishes a year. I think it makes no sense to buff and polish 4 times a year. Twice or so a year is more than enough!

For single services, 3M quoted 9,500, another centre 7500, someone said they’d come home and do it for 6k, myTVS asked for 4k but had horrid reviews…

I’ve always wanted to polish and detail myself, but was wary after reading threads here on TeamBHp with too much information which made detailing seem rather difficult. Elsewhere online was quite confusing as well - “you’ll burn your paint,” some said and others “you’ll take your clear coat off.” Yet others were recommending expensive Dual action polishers saying they are the easiest for novices, and rotary polishers were dangerous in the hands of a noob. I really didn’t want an expensive polishing machine as I’d be using it only 2 times or so a year.

I decided to take the plunge and try machine buffing and polishing on one panel, and if I burnt it, I figured I’d scratch a wall and claim insurance.

So I bought a 6-speed polish machine on Amazon for Rs 3,500 which came with 2 pads, including a woollen one.

And Turtle wax compound, hard shell polish and ceramic spray coating. Also a clay bar and a new set of micro-fiber cloths.

The Internet was screaming that a woollen pad was in the hands of a noob detailer a recipe for disaster - so I got a foam pad as well.

When everything arrived, I tested the machine on my coffee table with the foam pad. And I ended up scratching the table. I next tried it on my refrigerator while my wife was screaming blue bloody murder, and I scratched it.

I went to sleep in the guest bedroom as my wife was still screaming blue bloody murder over the coffee table and fridge, woke up this morning and decided to just go ahead on my car.

I first washed it, using my Karcher 120 bar washer. Then clayed the surface and got the machine ready.

Didn’t use the foam pad, instead the buffing pad that came with the machine.

Dabbed some compound and off I went on a panel. Started slow, and picked up speed. I was sure that I was going to scratch the panel. But after I was done, and wiped away with a cloth, nothing had happened to the panel and in fact, all the swirls and minor scratches were gone!

Boom! Finished compounding and buffing the entire car, and then wiped it with a cloth. All swirl marks are gone, and scratches are gone.

I had by now worn out the buffing pad and had to get on the wool pad. Was wary again, for everyone said it was really aggressive and would scratch the car, but my confidence was boosted by now and rubbing some hard shell polish on it and dabbing a panel, I went to work. Started slowly first working myself to full RPM.

Again, nothing adverse happened and the panel came out sparkling. In fact, the woollen pad was the easiest to work with!

Finished the entire car, and I then sprayed the Turtle wax ceramic spray and buffed it with a microfiber cloth.

I’ve given my previous cars to many a wax and polishing, and like mentioned previously even for an expensive ceramic coating with Ceramic Pro.

My results were equal if not better. The picture above of the sky reflecting off the bonnet.

Took me about 5 hours, I got a really good workout, drank much more water than I usually would, and achieved pro-like results, for a mere 6,000 - and except for the can of polish and one pad, everything remains for me to use again - which means about Rs 1,000 next time - 600 for polish and 400 for a pad.

Sometimes, we just gotta take the plunge!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I love the reliability of Honda cars and frankly the ADAS features available at this price point is really something that everyone should experience.

BHPian sajivkk recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have last week purchased City ZX CVT, Blue. I currently own a Isuzu Vcross, just sold my darling Civic (india original). I had a similar dilemma when I was choosing cars that I would primarily use within the city, needed automatic to deal with Delhi NCR traffic. Following are options I considered:

Elevate: I did not like the color combination in person, I loved it in pictures and reviews but in person it just did not feel good to me.

Creta: I did not like the current Create styling. Think Hyundai will bring a radically different design, hopefully like current Tucson, which will make the current Creta look aged very soon. The last gen Creta design was safe but was not odd-ball.

Kia Seltos: I hated the ride, I asked the dealership guy whether the tyre pressure was at extreme.

XUV 700: It offers a perceived quality factor that very few cars do at that price range. But since I own a Vcross getting another large car that was not a 4x4 was not something I thought was practical. Also, very important since I was planning for a Petrol Automatic, XUV 700 city mileage is a joke. I have heard really bad numbers from known.

VW / Skoda: Lets just say I will never again but a german car. From my experience only German car perceived quality attention is the main aspect they focus upon.

City: Tried City earlier, then again saw City when I went to see Elevate. Lets just say I loved the interior room, the good feel factor in it. NA engine is old tech, but there is just something with a Honda iVtec engine, just rev. I love the reliability of Honda cars and frankly the ADAS features available at this price point is really something that everyone should experience for that price point. Bought it. I think it is a great purchase, the car drives like a dream on delhi road, ADAS worked great on the weekend trip on expressways. great fuel economy, good feel good factor.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Other cars in this comparison include the Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Tata Harrier, MG Astor and Hector.

BHPian RahulNagaraj recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Honda Elevate

What you'll like:

• Smart styling with the right amount of muscle and clean lines
• Reliable and proven 1.5L i-VTEC engine is rev-happy & delivers adequate performance
• Pick between a slick 6-speed MT for some engagement or a super-smooth CVT Automatic for effortless urban commuting
• Superbly tuned suspension! Comfortable ride quality with sorted handling
• Clean interior design with good cabin space. Has a big 458L boot too
• Honda's proven reliability and after-sales service should ensure a fuss-free ownership experience
• Safety features include ADAS Level 2 tech, 6 airbags, hill start assist, lane watch assist, ISOFIX and ESP

What you won't:

• 1.5L NA offers satisfactory performance, but the competition offers way more powerful turbo-petrol and faster dual-clutch automatics
• CVT is great for urban commuting but out on the open roads, it's more suited to a sedate driving style
• No diesel or hybrid powertrains on offer. The competition offers both for those with high running. We can't figure out why the City's wonderful Hybrid system wasn't adapted for the Elevate
• Lots of missing features by current standards. You don't get auto wipers, ICE with a subwoofer, a 360-degree camera, a powered driver seat, ambient lighting and more
• Lacks the feeling of "contemporariness" or the "wow" factor, be it in styling, powertrain, features & technology
• The Honda Sensing ADAS system is intrusive at times on the highway; requires the driver to adapt to it and be comfortable using it

Review Link

Kia Seltos Facelift

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• Handsome, contemporary styling. Looks very sharp
• We find the Seltos to be well-priced for what it offers
• Nice, user-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality
• Loved the 1.5L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel
• Both the automatics - Diesel AT & Petrol DCT - are simply fantastic!
• Mature on-road behaviour, including at highway speeds. A+ brakes as well
• Unusually wide variant offering. Seems there is something for everyone
• Standard safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill start assist, TPMS, rear parking sensors, 3-point seatbelts for all, etc.
• Impressive kit (ADAS Level-2, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, HUD, front parking sensors, Bose sound system, wireless charger with cooling function, cooled seats, UV cut glass, & loads more)

What you won't:

• Turbo-petrol are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Firm suspension. Liveable, but bad roads will bother you
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – is the lowest in the segment
• Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread!
• You get bigger SUVs and crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV700)

Review Link

Hyundai Creta

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• We find the Hyundai Creta to be well-priced for what it offers
• User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good-quality parts
• Loved the 1.5L diesel. Will soon get the fast 1.5L turbo petrol too
• Smooth & competent automatic gearboxes available
• Sorted road manners & handling for a Hyundai, including on the highway. You will be surprised!
• The Creta's safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)
• Hyundai's competent after-sales service, fuss-free ownership & up to 5-years standard warranty

What you won't:

• Scored just 3 stars in the GNCAP crash tests
• Oddball love-it-or hate-it styling. We find the Creta's exterior design to be too weird & futuristic
• Firmer suspension isn't as cushy as the 1st-gen Creta
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Some misses (no auto wipers, 360-degree camera, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims)
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – is the lowest in the segment
• You get bigger SUVs and crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier)

Review Link

Volkswagen Taigun

What you'll like:

• Has its own fresh, European character and complements its cousin (the Skoda Kushaq) nicely in a segment dominated by Indian, Korean and Chinese SUVs
• Unmistakably VW styling matched with solid European build quality
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
• 148 BHP engine makes the Taigun one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment!
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• Safety features include up to 6 airbags, ESC (all variants), 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• Advantages over the Kushaq = design that stands out more, cabin 'feels' better, fabric seats are executed in a nicer manner...
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating

What you won't:

• No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre
• Narrow cabin width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
• Interior colour scheme and quality don't feel up to traditional VW standards. Some polarising details too (chrome outside, painted plastics inside...)
• Sure lacks the street cred/presence offered by some competitors
• VW’s after-sales service can be a hit or miss. Many VW owners find it expensive too
• Missing some now-expected features such as a subwoofer, driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric driver's seat adjustment & rear window blinds
• Turbo-petrol are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard
• Kushaq's 'clever' touches are missing = no spot on top of the dashboard to place a deity, no smartphone holders on the front seatbacks, no ticket clip on the windshield, no elastic band in the door pad to keep items in place, or even something as simple as the small reflective tapes on the door pads

Review Link

Skoda Kushaq

What you'll like:

• A breath of fresh (European) air in a sea of Korean, Chinese & Indian SUVs
• Classy exterior & interior styling matched with solid European build quality
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
• 148 BHP engine makes the Kushaq one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
• 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages available
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating

What you won't:

• No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre
• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability & breakdowns in India
• Narrow width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
• At 385 litres, boot space is lesser than its direct rivals (Creta & Seltos = 433L)
• Sure lacks the street cred/presence offered by some competitors
• Skoda’s notorious dealerships & after-sales horror stories
• Missing some now expected features such as driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric driver's seat adjustment & regular USB ports
• Turbo-petrol are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard

Review Link

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

What you'll like:

• A competent hybrid car for the mass market
• 20+ km/l FE in city driving conditions makes the Grand Vitara cheaper to run than a diesel!
• Lower emissions will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. And those who aren’t ready for an EV yet
• Toyota’s reliability & expertise in hybrid systems is very reassuring in the Maruti
• Seamless Hybrid system that makes driving a breeze. A car you will enjoy driving in traffic
• Maruti's AWD system provides impressive soft-roading capabilities. Can get you out of tricky situations when touring
• Compliant ride quality coupled with balanced driving dynamics
• Well-equipped with features such as driving modes, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, wireless smartphone charging, connected car features, wireless Android Auto + Apple CarPlay and more
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiences
• Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)

What you won't:

• Practicality is compromised due to reduced boot space in the full-hybrid variant
• Interior quality and fit & finish are underwhelming at this price point
• AllGrip AWD is only available in a single MT trim. Missed opportunity to market a USP
• Interior is narrow and doesn't feel as roomy as some competitors. Rear seat is best for 2 adults
• Lacks the outright performance of the competition. Runs out of steam above 110 km/h
• Not as engaging to drive as the German competitors or the Creta / Seltos turbo-petrol
• NVH levels from the drivetrain are surprisingly poor for a hybrid. Sounds from the 3-cylinder engine, electric motor and brake vacuum pump filter into the cabin
• The Honda City’s Hybrid system is smoother, more sophisticated & more refined
• Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, premium audio + subwoofer, electric seats, electric parking brake, LED interior lighting, etc.
• Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)

Review Link

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

What you'll like:

• Very good attempt at making a mass-market hybrid car
• 20+ km/l FE in city driving conditions makes the Hyryder cheaper to run than a diesel!
• Seamless hybrid system that makes driving a breeze. A car you will enjoy driving in the city
• Lower emissions will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. And those who aren’t ready for an EV yet
• Toyota’s reliability & expertise in hybrid systems is very reassuring
• Compliant ride quality coupled with balanced driving dynamics
• Well-equipped with features such as driving modes, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, wireless smartphone charging, connected car features, wireless Android Auto + Apple Carplay and more
• Only Crossover in this segment to provide AWD capability
• Toyota’s after-sales quality is usually regarded as top-notch by owners
• Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)

What you won't:

• Practicality is compromised due to reduced boot space in the full-hybrid variant
• Quality of interior plastics feels more “Maruti” than Toyota. Frankly, the S-Cross cabin feels better in quality
• Interior is narrow and doesn't feel as roomy as some competitors. Rear seat is best for 2 adults
• Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, premium audio + subwoofer, electric seats, electric parking brake, LED interior lighting, etc.
• Lacks the outright performance of the competition. Runs out of steam above 110 km/h
• Not as engaging to drive as the German competitors or the Creta / Seltos turbo-petrol
• NVH levels from the drivetrain are surprisingly poor for a hybrid. Sounds from the 3-cylinder engine, electric motor and brake vacuum pump filter into the cabin
• AWD available only on the MT (not the AT) and the mild-hybrid (not full-hybrid)
• The Honda City’s Hybrid system is smoother, more sophisticated & more refined
• Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)

Review Link

MG Astor

Review Link

MG Hector

What you'll like:

• Big size & lots of bling for the money! We find the Hector to be well-priced
• A spacious cabin that can easily seat 5 adults. Massive 587-litre boot too
• Refined 1.5L petrol is mated to a smooth CVT
• Fiat-sourced 2.0L diesel is simply fantastic
• Compliant ride quality. The suspension is tuned for comfort
• Lots of kits (panoramic sunroof, ADAS tech, 360-degree camera, electric seats & tailgate etc.)
• ‘Connected’ Tablet ICE with an embedded SIM & lovely sound quality
• 5-year / unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance
• Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS & more

What you won't:

• Awkward styling on the side & rear profiles. Looks weird from some angles
• Sloppy high-speed handling, noticeable body roll & easy understeer
• The turbo-petrol engine is “adequate” at best. Nothing for enthusiasts here
• Petrol CVT combination is a gas guzzler. Realistically, you can expect ~10 km/l
• No Diesel AT (Creta, Seltos, Harrier, Compass and XUV700 offer this combination, which we love)
• Some annoyances like the ~6-meter turning radius, strange rpm meter (digital)…
• Small after-sales network. Service quality & long-term reliability are big unknowns
• Don’t get blinded by the British branding. This is a Chinese car

Review Link

Tata Harrier

What you'll like:

• Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too
• Well-priced for the package on offer
• Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con
• Fantastic 9-speaker audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable
• The 168BHP, 2.0L diesel offers good performance
• Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
• 205 mm of ground clearance + terrain response system. the latter will make monsoon driving safer
• Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control…

What you won't:

• Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability. Few customers have reported problems
• Heavy steering gets cumbersome at parking/u-turn / crawling speeds (<5 km/h)
• Although improved, the Harrier's steering @ 120 km/h is still a level too sensitive
• The diesel engine does get loud at 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too
• No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either
• Harrier AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive
• Service visit every 6 months / 7500 km (12-months is the norm today)
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble

Review Link

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.