[Ripcord09]

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA Facelift

What you'll like:

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

What you won't:

• Pricey! Top-end GLA 220d 4Matic AMG line would be ~67L on-road in Delhi
• Suspension has a firm edge to it. Also, the AMG line's 19-inch wheels further stiffen the ride quality
• Petrol engine only offered in a single variant and no AWD
• Back seat is more suitable for 2 healthy adults and a child. Not 3 healthy adults
• 425-litre boot - although adequate - is the smallest in the segment
• Missing features such as cooled seats, rear sunshade, head-up display, Level 2 ADAS, full-size spare tyre (has a space saver tyre) etc.
• Heavier adults will find the front seats too snug

Facelift Review Link

BMW X1

What you'll like:

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

What you won't:

• Expensive! On-road price ranges between 55 - 63 lakhs
• 18-inch wheels give the ride a firm edge on bad roads at low speeds. It's totally liveable though
• The 3-cylinder 134 BHP petrol engine is a misfit in this segment
• Diesel motor offers just 148 BHP, which is even lesser than the older car. At this price, 190 - 200 BHP is a must! Furthermore, Diesel is available just in the M Sport variant (no AWD)
• No physical buttons for the climate control and idling start / stop systems is a useability failure
• Aggressively tuned idling start / stop system. Even if you slow down and stop at a traffic junction for a second, the engine switches off
• Back seat is more suitable for 2 healthy adults and a child. Not 3 healthy adults
• Missing features such as ventilated seats, head-up display, full-size spare tyre (has a space saver tyre), 360-degree camera, rear sunshade etc.

Review Link

Audi Q3

What you'll like:

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

What you won't:

• Efficient & punchy 2.0 turbo-diesel is no longer available. Heavy users will miss its low running costs
• Same 187 horses as the Kodiaq & Tiguan. We would've preferred a higher state of tune on a more expensive Audi
• Pricey! The Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan are ~10-15 lakhs cheaper on-road
• Just two variants. No cheaper FWD entry-level variant available
• Should’ve gotten adaptive dampers, at least on the top-end 'Technology' variant
• Cabin is best suited for 4 adults, not 5
• Missing features like a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, driving assist tech, auto-hold, connected car gizmos etc.

Review Link

Mini Countryman

Ownership Review

Volkswagen Tiguan

Facelift Launch Review

Skoda Kodiaq

What you'll like:

• The ultimate “value luxury” SUV! Classy styling, solid build & superb quality
• Cabin offers space, practicality and lots of intelligent features
• Impressive 2.0L turbo-petrol is mated to a quick 7-speed DSG automatic
• Cushy ride quality in “Comfort” mode (L&K variant)
• Sorted handling & road manners in “Sport” mode. Adjustable suspension is a USP of the L&K
• 3rd-row of seats is an advantage over some 5-seater competitors
• Massive boot with 3rd seat row down. Boot is useable even with the 3rd seat row up
• Impressive kit (12-speaker Canton ICE, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, auto parking...)
• AWD available to get you out of tricky situations. Tourers will love it
• 5-star safety rating & equipment (9 airbags + a host of electronic aids)

What you won't:

• Workhorse 2.0L turbo-diesel is no longer available. Heavy users will miss its low running costs
• Single-digit fuel economy of the turbo-petrol AT in the city. Drops drastically if you drive aggressively
• Its sibling, the VW Tiguan, is priced a couple of lakhs cheaper
• Expensive! Worse still, Skoda increased the Kodiaq’s pricing within days of the launch
• Cramped 3rd row of seats is strictly for small children. A 5+2 SUV, not a 7-seater
• Styling does look Estate-ish from some angles. Doesn't have that much street cred or presence
• We feel that the “Sportline” variant should’ve been offered with the DCC & other L&K features
• Skoda’s ill-famed dealership network & after-sales horror stories
• Skoda’s patchy long-term reliability track record (including, but not limited to, the DSG)
• Silly feature deletions from older Kodiaq (rear door sills, 1 umbrella, 1 blanket, chrome tip on power window switches, removable torch in the boot, red warning lights on the front doors…)

Review Link

Jeep Meridian

What you'll like:

• Handsome unmistakably-Jeep styling & loads of character
• Robust build quality. Feels very solid, just as a Jeep should
• Classy cabin now boasts a versatile 5+2 seating configuration and better accommodation when compared to the Compass
• Competent 2.0L diesel. Good driveability in the city, quick on the open road
• Mature suspension setup, nicely-tuned EPS & rock-solid stability
• Capable AWD available, with 214 mm of ground clearance
• Feature packed: electric front seats (driver memory), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, powered tailgate, LED projector headlights…
• Topnotch safety kit: Strong all-disc brakes, a plethora of electronic aids & 6 airbags

What you won't:

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

Review Link

Citroen C5 Aircross

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered & properly premium crossover
• Very stylish exteriors & interiors! We love the design. It's matched to solid build quality
• Good quality cabin with comfortable seats, lots of storage & fantastic insulation
• 2.0L diesel engine is quick, efficient & extremely refined
• Smooth 8-speed AT gearbox impresses
• Excellent ride comfort and mature road manners. High speed behaviour is sorted too
• Large, well-shaped 580 liter boot gobbles up holiday / airport luggage
• Loaded to the gills with features such as a panoramic sunroof, handsfree tailgate opening, customisable instrument cluster, double laminated front windows, terrain modes...
• 4-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. 3-point seatbelts for all five occupants, 6 airbags, blind spot monitoring system, ESP, hill hold, hill descent control and more

What you won't:

• Very expensive! We wish Citroen had priced-it-to-sell-it (aka penetration pricing)
• Rear legroom is strictly adequate. Two 5’10" adults can sit behind each other, but not two 6-footers
• No turbo-petrol engine (big miss), no AWD for tourers & no manual gearbox for MT fans
• Not really sporty to drive. Cars like the Compass & Tiguan are more fun
• Missing some features we expect today (connected car tech, ventilated seats, electrically adjustable passenger seat, ADAS, 360-degree camera, subwoofer…)
• The bolstering of the 3 individual rear seats is suitable for slim passengers, not heavier ones
• Audio sound quality is alright, but nothing special as you’d expect in a 40-lakh car
• Many competing crossovers & SUVs offer a 3rd-row of seats, which the C5 Aircross doesn't have
• Long-term reliability & after-sales service quality are still big unknowns

Review Link

Hyundai Tucson

What you'll like:

• A futuristic-looking, well-engineered premium SUV
• Complete urban package with comfortable suspension, light steering and a smooth automatic
• 2.0L diesel engine is not just refined, but punchy too
• 540 litres of boot space is enough to haul holiday luggage
• ADAS safety features like autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor and lane-keep assist are cool & work reasonably well
• Loaded with features like a panoramic sunroof, multi-air mode AC, ventilated and heated front seats, connected car tech, wireless charging, boss control for the front seat etc.
• 5-star Euro NCAP rating. 6 airbags, ESC, VSM, downhill brake control, TPMS, 360-degree camera & more

What you won't:

• Edgy looks & funky styling may not be to everyone's liking
• At ~43 lakhs on road for the top-end variant, the Tucson is expensive!
• Not as engaging to drive as the Kodiaq or Tiguan
• Naturally-aspirated petrol isn't as punchy as the competitors' turbo-petrol units
• Other crossovers & SUVs offer a 3rd-row of seats. Tucson is a 5-seater only
• Some missing features such as paddle shifters, rear sunblinds...
• Hyundai badge lacks the snob value that many 40-lakh rupee customers are looking for

Review Link

[Omkar]

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

[Axe77]

Reducing this consideration set to "petrol only", it comes down to the Countryman vs the Kodiaq for me.

Between those two, I'd likely pick the Kodiaq (L&K for the dynamic suspension). Handsome, well built car, extremely spacious, comparably powerful as the entry level big Germans and a whole lot cheaper than the Germans, which are also half a size smaller.

Great to drive, great to be chauffeured and a huge boot. Its the perfect all rounder workhorse.

[GTO]

Wouldn't buy any of the entry-level crossovers from the German marques. They suffer too many compromises, whether space or engine or features...

Among new cars, it would be a close call between the Tucson & Kodiaq. I love the Kodiaq, but it's now feeling old & outdated.

With 50 - 60 lakhs in my pocket, what I would really do is either get a high-end EV (e.g. Ioniq 5, BYD Seal) or go the pre-worshipped route for a really fast German sedan or SUV. That's really the only way to get some value for your 60 big ones. Everything new is grossly overpriced in that price band.

[sjain2054]

I am sure I will be the only one voting for the C5 Aircross. So the "1" against that car will be me! haha!

I have driven only a few cars from this list and I found C5 Aircross perfect for Indian conditions. I voted for C5 Aircross for the following reasons -

a. The fact that it drowns out all the street noise. Indian cities are loud.

b. It gives the best comfort on Indian road conditions and that is good enough for me to choose it over others (I have a bad lower back..that darn L4-L5)

c. The beautiful engine and transmission is obviously a major advantage of the Aircross

d. For me, the icing on the cake are the after sales service stories from owners. Its good to be treated like a prestigious owner of a great car. I remember a story where the fellow and his family got stranded in Leh due to some fault in the car and the company not only repaired the car and delivered it to their home in Mumbai but also paid for the entire family's air tickets to Mumbai. I mean c'mon, that is just fantastic.

e. I always like to stand out in terms of owning a rare car. In a big group, there might be 7 Hyundai cars, 5 BMWs, 4 Mercs and maybe 3 Audis but there will only be 1 Citroen. Why? because no one buys it.. haha.

f. Discounts. I would save money on C5 Aircross and purchase a sexy EV - Nexon/Punch for city use with the spare money from the total budget of 60 lacs or so.

[vattyboy]

Being a Diesel Lover, I will go with the Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift.

Merc Badge Value + Potent Diesel Engine + Best Quality Interiors make it a strong contender.

And keyless entry + 360-degree cameras + blind spot monitors were added in this update.

[vellatechie]

Tuscan looks delicious inside out and gets my vote.

It's a perfect car for the price other than few minor features and a Hyundai badge (if you consider it a con) on a 40L car.

[IshaanIan]

If space is not an issue, GLA is the most accomplished entry level luxury car I have experienced with a pliant suspension set-up and agreeable ergonomics. If you don’t care about the badge, then do have a look at the C5 aircross

[FAIAAA]

Voted Tucson
1. If I had to choose purely from among the German marquees, I would go for the Q3 as it has great performance, AWD etc. and is VFM with the discounts on offer. However as GTO and others have pointed out, entry level Germans offer too many compromises - cramped space, low on feature set and even performance ( what was BMW thinking on the engine specs of X1 and Countryman?)
2. VAG ( Kodiaq and Tiguan) twins are competent and Kodiaq is value luxury. However their ASS is a big gamble.
3. Others not even in the consideration set ( Citroen and Jeep future unsure plus thin ASS network)
Tucson comes out as a premium, well rounded and sensible option.

[Amsdoc]

I have been looking in this space for sometime. I go to places where an AWD is a must, so that comes into the picture. The entry level options from the big germans have huge compromises and still they price me out.Even the Kodiaq is a bit too much for me, plus I find it too big.
So for me it comes down to the Tiguan and the Tuscon, but the Tuscon is only available in AWD in Diesel plus is more expensive than the Tiguan.
So whilst it is a compromise on many fronts, the Tiguan fits the bill for me in most ways...now just to find the money to buy one!

[Nishant345]

I can’t vote yet, on account of being a newbie. However having bought a car in a similar budget recently, I feel qualified to comment.

While Kodiaq, Tucson, and others are all fine cars, they lack the finesse of the luxury brands. The luxury brands have started charging way too much for it too, save for one - Audi. I picked up a top of the line Audi Q5 Technology for not much more than you would pay for a new X1 or GLA. If you can get past the dated looks, the value you get here is unmatched.

[sgmuser]

X1 has some performance issues, after the downgrade. You should try the X1 old gen 189 HP vs the new gen 150HP to see the difference. The same 189HP is X3 and in many more variants and it is a monster of an engine. But the new X1 seems to be less thrilling in the open stretch/highways. But as a city slicker, X1 is unbeatable especially with the new interior update, big screens and advanced technologies it is coming with in this gen. I would not prefer X1 new gen and would rather go to GLA if at all I want something from the top 3 marquee brands. Otherwise, for all practicality purposes, choose a Kodiaq or Meridian for a far more better ride, space, comfort/convenience and image of having a big vehicle.

[CEF_Beasts]

Having sat in all cars except the C5 Aircross and Mini Countryman.

Let me provide my 2 cents.

Mercedes-Benz GLA: Has the allure of the 3-pointed star on its bonnet that many aspire to own one day. It is much more spacious than the previous gen GLA. The facelift has also brought in more features than before but the price is damn hard to digest !! I had bought my X3 in 2021 at almost the same price OTR minus the service pack & extended warranty !!! Only GLA if I would buy one would be the GLA 35 AMG. The GLA 200 has a Renault-derived 1.3L puny petrol engine that just doesn’t justify the premium. The diesel 4Matic AMG Line is still a much better option.

BMW X1: Ever since BMW dropped the xDrive variants for India, the FWD platform does rob it from the BMW DNA. With the U11 BMW has prioritised on features rather than performance. Both the 1.5L 3cyl Petrol with 136hp and 2.0L Diesel with 150hp are just about adequate for a car of this size but not adequate for the asking price !! Again same story as the GLA, it’s almost as expensive and I had bought my X3 at just a slight premium over this current X1 2 years back. Yes it has some notable feature additions but it doesn’t justify the asking price.

My TD Experience of the X1: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...ml#post5568885 (Next-gen BMW X1, now launched at 45.90 lakhs!)

Audi Q3: Currently if you’re looking at a Petrol crossover from one of the German Marques then this is your best bet. The interior and exterior are underrated and understated respectively but there is no drop in quality! At the current prices it’s selling at, it makes a whole lot sense over the Mercedes and BMW. The Q3 Sportback makes a compelling case for itself as well…

Volkswagen Tiguan: With the same engine as the Kodiaq and Q3, and at similar price as the Q3 (with discounts) unless you’re after more space the Q3 makes more sense. But no doubt the Tiguan is a solid product as well ! Only issue I see with this car is the ride quality, it’s damn stiff and can be a dealbreaker for some; otherwise it’s the perfect 5 seater.

I had compared my ‘21 X3 with my friend’s ‘23 Tiguan in case anyone wants to give that a read:
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post5616072 (Skoda Kodiaq owner drives the 2023 Mercedes GLC 300)

Jeep Meridian: A good car with a competent diesel engine and rock-solid stability in the highways. Interiors are exactly same as the Compass, which isn’t a bad thing per se but some differentiation would’ve been appreciated. Also the gearbox is slow to respond and the engine deserves some more power when cheaper cars like the Harrier and Safari also make do with the same engine having exact same power and torque figures. The fact that Tata has managed to better the FCA 2.0L engine-Hyundai’s AT gearbox combination compared to Jeep themselves says something about it !! If you want a solid highway cruiser that can handle the rough stuff as well, this is just the car for you.

My TD Experience of the Meridian: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...ml#post5335370 (Jeep Meridian Review)

Hyundai Tucson: One of the best Hyundais on sale in the Indian Market currently. Since it’s a CKD and assembled in India, it helps to maintain the quality one expects from a car of this price compared to other Made-In-India Hyundai products. I would buy this car solely for its lusty 2.0L Diesel engine. The most recent TD I had done was of this car and I absolutely adored torque surge the Tucson’s Diesel engine provided !! Space and features are good as well, only thing I felt could have been better is the ride quality. I feel it’s a bit too soft for my liking and at triple-digit speeds on the EEH in Mumbai the car was bouncing about on its soft suspension set-up. A slightly stiffer suspension would’ve done wonders but it would’ve compromised its slow speed ride which is perfect, an Adaptive Suspension would’ve really made the Tucson a winner in my books !!

My TD Experience of the Tucson: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...ml#post5691211 (2022 Hyundai Tucson Review)

Skoda Kodiaq: Another car with the same engine as the Tiguan and Q3, this is one solid product which punches way above its weight. 3 variants to choose from and each have their own quirk and features, the Sportline and L&K have decent visual differentiation among them including the interiors where most manufacturers skimp on, so kudos to Škoda for going the whole way and not leaving it in between. The 2.0L petrol engine is potent like always and L&K getting the adaptive dampers gets my vote. Ever since I’ve gotten used to adaptive dampers, where I can choose the kind of ride I want w/o the hassle of maintaining an air suspension, this is the best of both worlds. And it’s one of the major reasons it gets my vote. Although it has a fare share of disadvantages as well, one being brand Škoda in itself and the other being the super cramped third row of seats, but I’ll cut some slack because the others in the bunch are all 5 seaters except the Meridian which is also pretty much similar.

I was 90% going for this car as a replacement for my ‘14 Fortuner but having two European cars in the garage could lead to a disaster, and better sense prevailed !!

Citroen C5 Aircross: A car solely let down by its Aftersales service and dealership network. Last I heard the Mumbai dealership had shut shop. So no one will get the confidence with such poor Manufacture support to purchase one. Although the reviews suggest it has exceptional ride quality and a potent Diesel engine.

Mini Countryman: Can’t comment on the Mini since I haven’t sat in one, although it’s due for a generation change in India soon.

If I am going for a Diesel car then the Hyundai Tucson would be my pick, hands down.

But since the world is up in arms against Diesel, and every year in Delhi Diesel cars are banned for a few days/months, I would go the Petrol way and hence the Škoda Kodiaq would be my pick of the bunch.

[dieselteen]

My overall pick would be the Skoda Kodiaq (the budget Audi Q7). It is the jack of all trades.

But if diesel is a must, then I would go with the Citroen C5 Aircross only if there are any discounts available. Else the Hyundai Tucson should work very well with its VFM quotient.

[Nikhilvm4]

I would vote for either the KIA EV6 or Ioniq5 here. I feel they are both worthy competitors to any of the above cars here in terms of drive, comfort, fit, finish and as an overall VFM package. The only thing lacking would be the badge value.