I am beginning to wonder if there is a bigger problem to address or if it is again a wheel alignment and balancing issue.

BHPian asmr recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi all,

I noticed this on my last highway trip but didn't get around to posting it here.

I have a Taigun 1.0L TSI AT from Dec 2021. It has gone through the regular servicing and then some, for minor issues. But I noticed that the steering wheel shakes pretty visibly when the car touches 100kmph.

Being a sedate driver, I don't usually get to triple-digit speeds but in the few instances that I did, I could literally feel this shake-up in my shoulders. I wish I had a video but couldn't record one for obvious reasons.

Also, I had posted on the Volkswagen Taigun Review thread sometime back on a pronounced drift to the left. I had this checked out at my tyre center. They did an alignment adjustment and it went away. But now I see that there is a drift happening to the RIGHT when I hold the steering wheel visually centered to the dash display.

Now I am beginning to wonder if there is a bigger problem to address or if it is again a wheel alignment + balancing issue that is causing both the drift and the steering wheel to shake at high speed.

Has anyone else had a problem with their VW vehicles like this? I am planning to take my vehicle back to the tyre store tomorrow to check the wheels and the alignment + balancing. But I am not sure if they can also identify if there is an issue with the bearings, calipers etc. in which case it is one more trip to the ASC.

Any inputs on this would be greatly appreciated.

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

I strongly recommend you take the vehicle to an MRF Tyredrome - there are 2 to my knowledge in Chennai - one in Alwarpet and another in Adayar, and get a tyre rotation, wheel balance + alignment there.

Also, do their suspension and road safety checks - that should clue you in if there is a suspension or braking issue that may be causing your shudder. It’s most likely due to bad wheel balance and alignment - from what you have described and MRF Tyredrome will sort it out. No harm in getting the road safety and suspension checked as well while you are at it.

If there is a more serious underlying issue, the technicians in MRF Tyredrome are well-trained and will spot it.

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

The car has a wheel alignment problem where a screenshot of the current alignment numbers would provide clues and likely wheel balancing issues.

Suspension and brake tests?

I wouldn't bother with it until and unless a wheel alignment correction is properly done, in which case it is hard to come by in most markets.

Here's what BHPian SS-Traveller had to say about the matter:

If alignment appears fine, ask your authorised service centre to check and reset the steering angle sensor.

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

Consider requesting road force balancing at the tire shop. This technique helps identify and correct tire and wheel assembly issues that traditional balancing might not catch. If you manage to figure out what's causing the issue and get it sorted, do let us know what the root cause was.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Some of the other cars mentioned here include the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, MG Hector and Mahindra XUV700.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

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 behavior, 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-petrols 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 – are the lowest in the segment
• Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread!
• You get bigger SUVs & 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 & upto 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 – are the lowest in the segment
• You get bigger SUVs & 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 - full details here!

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-petrols 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 doorpad to keep items in place, or even something as simple as the small reflective tapes on the doorpads

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 - full details here!

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-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard

Review Link

Maruti 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-petrols
• 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+ kmpl 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-petrols
• 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. Suspension is tuned for comfort
• Lots of kit (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. 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
• 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

Jeep Compass

What you'll like:

• Handsome Cherokee-inspired styling & loads of character
• Solid build. Feels very robust, just as a Jeep should
• Powerful 2.0L diesel. Good driveability in the city, fast on the open road
• Mature suspension setup, nicely-tuned EPS & rock-solid stability
• Capable AWD available (unlike some competitors)
• City-friendly: Compact size, higher seating, smooth gearshift, soft clutch & low NVH
• Topnotch safety: Strong all-wheel disc brakes, a plethora of electronic aids & 6 airbags
• We think the Compass is well-priced for what it offers. The driving experience & overall package feel premium

What you won't:

• Small size for the price! A sentiment echoed by most people who saw it in person
• Suitable for 4 adults, not 5. Boot is small too
• Tiny dealership network. Plus, after-sales quality & long-term reliability are unknown factors
• No petrol engine on offer as of now
• 4x4 is no longer available with the MT. AWD AT commands a ~4 lakh premium over 4x2 MT
• Turning radius of 5.65m is wide. Also, 17º approach angle is too low

Review Link

Review Link - Petrol AT

Link to Report - The Trailhawk

Mahindra XUV700

What you'll like:

• Handsome styling matched to solid build quality. Has street presence, feels robust
• Very spacious interiors with comfy seats and sorted ergonomics. 6-footer passengers welcome!
• 182 BHP turbo-diesel & 197 BHP turbo-petrol make for a potent line-up
• Smooth 6-speed torque converter Automatics available with both engines
• Sorted suspension with good road manners & high speed stability
• AWD available for the adventurous, unlike most FWD crossovers in the segment
• Loaded with features like radar-based driver assistance system, pop-out door handles, panoramic sunroof, driver memory seat, 360-degree camera, 10.25" infotainment & instrument cluster etc.
• 12-speaker Sony audio system is fantastic! You'll enjoy its sound quality
• Safety features include 7 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, hill descent control, driver drowsiness detection, TPMS, ISOFIX...

What you won't:

• Negligible boot space with the 3rd-row seat up. Either 5 onboard, or 7 with a roof-top carrier
• Cramped 3rd-row seat is best suited to children only. A sliding middle row is sorely missed
• Petrol AT is thirsty due to its hefty weight, 197 BHP & torque-converter AT
• Some cabin plastics & a few rough areas don't feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV
• Missing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, paddle shifters, full-size spare wheel, ambient lighting, rear sunblinds...
• Concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked, complex Mahindra
• Mahindra's after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• AWD is available just with the Diesel AT, and not the MT or petrol motor

Review Link

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

Absolutely love what Kia has done with the facelift. Good looks, powerful turbo-petrol, nice ATs, now better ride quality than the earlier builds which were too stiff, still fun to drive by crossover standards & a wide feature kit. It would be one of my top choices if I were looking for a 5-seater crossover of this size. But I have to admit that I'd think long & hard about the GNCAP crash test rating. The fact that I already have 3 cars with superb safety ratings would probably push me toward the Seltos 1.5L Turbo. Taigun / Kushaq 1.5L would be a close 2nd for their pleasure of driving. Among the new launches, I found the Grand Vitara & Hyryder to be extremely boring to drive - personally, I could never buy such a car.

If I were looking at spending some more and / or a bigger 7-row crossover, then the XUV700 without a doubt. It's one of those cars that does everything well.

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

Voted for MG Astor - My own car. After all, I decided it using my own mind! How can I go wrong?

I know what you are thinking, there's no driving feel, it's a Chinese brand, cheap car, etc... But I must say, if you get to experience the Astor's interiors once, no car in the 20L segment feels more plush (except the Seltos). When you experience the suspension of Astor, you feel that you are sitting in a pillow and other cars feel like a rock. If you see the boot of the Astor, other cars feel like a hatchback (except the Creta). When you drive an Astor, you will definitely love it (I know it's underpowered, but trust me, it gets the job done. It's not like the Seltos or the VAG twins, but it definitely leaves a good impression).

Moreover, only the VAG twins can come close to the Astor on the build quality factor. The Koreans fail miserably there. So, it's safe to say that sitting in an Astor will be like consuming Amrut (pun-intended).

As GTO said, when I drove my friend's Hyryder, it felt that something was pulling the car back, like it was not at all engaging. I am sometimes thankful that I bought a car that drives well. But once I got into a Seltos, it felt like my car was nothing. So, guess that Koreans are good at driving and Chinese are good at tech.

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

I voted for the Kushaq 1.5L. The DSG reliability has massively improved and I don't see it as a constraint anymore. I own a '17 GT Tsi and VAG's service experiences have all been positive and hassle free.

The only real issue with the VAG twins is now they're behind the "value add" curve with ADAS, powered seats and a slightly better cabin experience. Else, the active cylinder tech on the 1.5 petrol coupled with the slick DSG, proven crash safety and overall levels of quality are all wins in my book. Yes, it is half a size down on the competition, but if that's not a problem - then it's a very very good quality product overall. Couldn't really care less about the panoramic sunroof.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The T-Cross is available with two turbo-petrol engine options in the global markets.

Volkswagen has taken wraps off the updated T-Cross for the global markets. We are interested in it because it previews some of the changes that we can expect on the Taigun facelift.

The updated T-Cross gets a new grille flanked by smoked LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights that extend towards the centre. The bumper sports a cleaner look with triangular pods on either side housing a set of fog lamps.

The rear of the T-Cross looks quite similar to the outgoing version, albeit with subtle changes. The tail lamp cluster has a new X-shaped graphic and an LED light bar that stretches across the rear end. The car also gets new design alloy wheels.

Inside, the 2023 T-Cross comes with a redesigned centre console that houses a floating touchscreen infotainment system. It gets touch-based climate controls, a digital instrument cluster and a 3-spoke steering wheel.

The T-Cross is available with two engine options in the global markets. These include a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 113 BHP and 178 Nm and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit that puts out 148 BHP and 250 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DSG.

We can expect Volkswagen to introduce similar updates on the Taigun in India.

The Volkswagen Taigun facelift is currently undergoing road trials in Brazil. Earlier, we had shared spy images of a camouflaged test mule, but now the car has been caught completely undisguised.

The latest spy images suggest that the Taigun will receive minor design updates, especially around the front fascia. The car has a redesigned grille and reworked headlamps. The air dam area and the fog lamp housing have also been tweaked.

The rear of the updated Taigun looks similar to the current model. It has wraparound LED tail lamps with an LED light bar. The complete unit has a smoked effect.

The Taigun facelift is expected to carry forward the same set of engines, though. At present, the car is offered with 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, with a choice of manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Source: Carwale

I am also open to EVs but I've found it difficult to justify their price jump when you consider that I don't commute far or travel around THAT much.

BHPian Blaze_Kazama recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I need a new daily driver car that will be driven by a driver and often by me too. I have to apologize as I was always into cars but my knowledge is pretty limited.

• I'll never need to seat more than 4 people and the luggage space can be standard.
• I want it to be comfortable, efficient, and reliable as you would expect from a daily driver.
• I want it to have decent ground clearance and good suspension to be able to handle typically rough Indian roads without breaking a sweat but I don't necessarily need it to be a gigantic SUV. I just don't want to worry about my driver running over potholes every time.
• Bonus points for a unique and cool design, which can be subjective.
• Bonus points for the latest tech and useful features.
• Bonus points for good power and performance. I will drive it and I definitely will appreciate a fun drive.

I don't have a very specific budget. I am willing to pay for value. Whether the car is 20 Lakh or 60 Lakh, I will consider it if it proves to be worth the price.

I have so far considered the VW Virtus and Taigun. I like them because the GT versions come with a nice 1.5 TSI engine and they look pretty cool to me. They fall within a pretty decent price range as well. I am sort of leaning toward the Taigun as I already have a sedan and I assume the crossover will handle rough roads better.

I am also open to EVs but I've found it difficult to justify their price jump when you consider that I don't commute far or travel around THAT much. I have taken a look at the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, both of which I thought were pretty cool but I don't know about those prices. I can afford them but at 50-60Lakh, I find the value proposition to be questionable. What exactly am I paying for and why do people consider these "Value for money"?

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

The cars <30 lakhs or in the whereabouts is all one can need. Be it in terms of power (do you need more than 150 - 200 BHP ever), space, safety, features etcs. You can justify cars under 30-lakhs based on "need". Anything over 35 lakhs is more about "want" & "desire".

You seem to be a "head over heart" guy. In that case, go for the Taigun and you'll be very happy. Bonus points if you get the 1.5L turbo-petrol which will make you giggle on the open road.

If you want to splurge, get the Ioniq 5, Tucson or wait for the next-gen Carnival. I think you'll really enjoy being chauffeur-driven in any of these (the Ioniq will be a blast to drive too).

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

As GTO said, your purchase would most like end up to be "head over heart", basis my recommendation:

• Kodiaq/Tiguan - Super comfy, safe, mental to drive (if driven), otherwise efficient and a no nonsense vehicle.
• Tucson - Same reasons as the Kodiaq.
• XUV700.

To spice things, you may want to look at:

• Q2 40 TFSI.
• Countryman.
• Pre-owned Endeavour.
• Wrangler.

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

Do take a look at the Toyota Hybrids. The Camry makes for the perfect chauffeur-driven car. I’ve been driven around in the back of both the Camry/ES for 2hr+city commutes and I was totally relaxed.

A wildcard could be the City Hybrid. All the car you’ll ever need and it’s priced at the absolute rock bottom of your budget.

If you’re open to the pre-owned market, you can get a ~2018 GLE. We own that car and call it the ‘sofa’ of our garage. It’s a pretty decent car to drive as well.

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

Since it's going to be a daily that would switch between the driver and you. My recommendation would be to look at the Suzuki Grand Vitara or the Hyrider- in the smart hybrid variants.

Both these cars are comfortable. The added joy for someone who really doesn't want performance is the Fuel Economy. Expect anywhere between 25-30 kmpl in city- and they are silent!

Here's what BHPian daksh0510 had to say on the matter:

Most of your requirements are being fulfilled by cars under 25 lacs. Please do not go beyond 30 lacs, as anything in that space just screams depreciation.

I would suggest you take a look at the Nexon. IMO the Nexon would give you a good proposition here due to its suspension setup, and adequate features (heck, if Tata had given Nexon the big touchscreen and 360 camera). Both the ICE and EV versions have adequate power and ample space, so I would suggest you please take a look at the Tata showroom.

The only caveat here is if you find a good and competent dealership and service center, and IMO it is not as difficult as many people say. I own a Tata car and (Touchwood) it hasn't broken down in the middle of the road, nor have I ever faced issues with insurance, service center, etc.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.