[GrammarNazi]

We can only imagine how TKM must be feeling looking at 50k bookings for the XUV7OO. If Mahindra can sustain the MX variant, the void in the market (created by Innova's price hikes) may get filled by Mahindra.

XUV7OO has the combination of kit & price, which trumps the reliability factor offered by Crysta. This is not to say that XUV7OO isn't reliable. That 2.2L CrDI engine (originally developed by AVL) has been used by Mahindra & Tata since a decade & has proved its versatility too.

I test drove the Diesel MT at 2 dealerships & the suspension felt soft. Interiors were taut & well put together. Both experiences with the sales execs were exceptional. No ego, well informed, very patient & not pushy. Showroom experience seems really well done by Mahindra! MG had offered similar experience when Hector was launched.

Comparatively, my experience with Tata dealerships during Safari launch was very cold. No one was even interested to attend to a person who's come with their family & is looking at the display car. IMHO Safari neither felt big enough nor premium enough, especially for the asking price.

Anyway, now there's no rush at the M&M dealerships like early October. Most people would wait for more clarity on delivery timelines. IMO Mahindra must ramp up production for both, XUV7OO as well as the Thar, before the hype cools off.

Let's see.

[Jude300]

Voted for the Safari.

Just bought one too. It is still the sexiest of all and carries a SUV stance. The AT is butter smooth and it has ample power and features to keep me happy and most niggles reported earlier have been ironed out. Harrier has been around for a couple of years and the technicians would be familiar with troubleshooting, the servicing and maintenance aspects. Tata is also showing some seriousness and have been making quick updates. Thanks to the XUV700 threat.

My second choice would be the Innova. Proven and sorted vehicle. But over priced and pure MPV looks.

XUV700 is not in my consideration now. Fear of initial niggles and high level of electronics are my biggest worry. It takes time to iron out the issues and more importantly service technicians and even the company would need to get familiar with the issues that crop up and how to handle them. That aside, I drive with a light foot and thus I don't need the extra power. I would be happier if I get better fuel efficiency. And again it looks more like an MPV than an SUV.

[vcx]

As of today based on features, dimensions, design, pricing XUV 700 rules . Safari needs to relook at pricing which going steep over XUV 700.
I would be more interested in which one is the actual drivers delight , thus keep innova crysta out here.

[Kosfactor]

Originally Posted by vcx

As of today based on features, dimensions, design, pricing XUV 700 rules . Safari needs to relook at pricing which going steep over XUV 700.
I would be more interested in which one is the actual drivers delight , thus keep innova crysta out here.

Before the 7OO was launched, we were given teaser of the features - looking at those things we expected it to be priced around ~30L and we are there now even before a single XUV is sold.

But Tata has beaten M&M in the race to 30L I think.



Since it takes several months to get an XUV , Tata thought they may as well raise prices and make more money out of it.

[Geta]

Originally Posted by GrammarNazi

We can only imagine how TKM must be feeling looking at 50k bookings for the XUV7OO. If Mahindra can sustain the MX variant, the void in the market (created by Innova's price hikes) may get filled by Mahindra.

Only if Mahindra releases a 7 seater MX variant, and gives a free roof top carrier as standard.

[GrammarNazi]

Originally Posted by Geta

Only if Mahindra releases a 7 seater MX variant, and gives a free roof top carrier as standard.

Most often privately owned MUV's are used with ~3-4 people on-board.

Someone looking for a comfortable 5 seater with a generous luggage space at a reasonable price while they are OK to compromise on Fuel Economy, willing to cross-shop car-type, for them the current Mx variant could be fairly suitable at ~15.5L IMO.

[ManishSoni]

Hello All TBHP members,

With all your good advice, I am one happy owner of Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI since November 2015. The Polo has given me (largely) trouble-free experience of close to 90,000 kms during the six years of ownership. This is important since this is also my first car, and I decided on it after scanning through loads of pages on this well-informed forum. The car still brings a smile to my face at the mention of taking it out for a long spin.
Come 2021, the Polo completes six years and is staring at its end of life in another four years as far as driving in NCR is concerned. I believe there will hardly be any takers in couple of years down the line, and therefore, it is time to go for a valuation and let it go.
This brings me to the market for my next car with a budget of INR 15 lakhs (sweet spot), up to INR 20 lakhs (maximum stretch) and INR 10 lakhs (if decide to be a miser).
Having spoiled by the overall build and quality of Polo, some of the cars that I looked at (and sat inside) are (with initial impressions):

1. XUV 700: Test drove only this one in Petrol AT and was blown off, partly because of driving such huge and powerful vehicle for the first time, and partly because of the luxurious AX7 interiors. I guess AX5 will somehow fit in my budget. It has months and months of waiting period, and I am not sure of initial one year of bugs that are going to come up.

2. Tata Safari: Visited Tata Motors showroom to see a Harrier. However, it appeared as if the sales person (and the company too) wanted to sell Safari instead. All 4 disc brakes on Safari, with some TPMS gadgets, etc. make it a no-brainer choice. Again, only XZ variant was on display and what fits my budget is XT/ XT+.

3. Jeep Compass: This is where the heart is set. Yet to take a test drive, but seems like I will manage to live with Petrol Sports variant. The only real benefit I see in the Longitude variant is fog lamps, which cannot be fitted as accessory later on. But who pays lakhs for a fog lamp!

4. 5th Gen Honda City: This was my personal favorite before I told my mom that the car is meant only for city driving and will have trouble in negotiating bad roads, service roads, occasional village roads (2% of driving). Now she doesn't consider it a worthy car especially when it is going to be the only car in family.

5. Seltos/ Creta: Read a lot of skepticism here on the forum regarding the safety ratings of these two. Still visited the showrooms, but came out unimpressed. I was looking at HTX variant in Seltos. Hyundai showroom didn't even bother to show me a Creta and wanted to sell an Alcazar instead.

6. MG Hector: Good looks, but will pass!

7. Suzuki S Cross: If I decide to be miser, this is what I will buy. Not sure if I should actually become miser (37 years old. Mid-life crisis setting in. These are the things that will help me cope-up, isn't it?)

I request the enthusiasts, experts and experienced members of this forum to help me further zero-in amongst these options.

Moreover, someone please tell me if the reflector headlamps on Jeep Compass are okay for highway driving at 80 - 100 kmph speed? Headlamps is one areas where my current ride has a big handicap and I do not want to miss out on this one.

Thank you again for going through the long post, and sincerely looking forward to your very useful inputs.

Mods: Please merge with other threads is this is already covered. The only one I found close is 15-23 lakhs car discussion thread, which is beyond what I am looking out for. Thanks.

[Kosfactor]

Think of the vehicle`s utility as well as your own self satisfaction considering you did happen to mention the mid life crisis part of it.

Assuming you are going for the full 20L - a large vehicle like XUV7OO comes with increased running costs, maintenance costs (200bhp is worth it though!!) etc than a more compact vehicle like the Creta. If you are going for petrol considering NCR look out for GDi engines, powerful, efficient and future proof.

[akash_v12]

Originally Posted by ManishSoni

Hello All TBHP members,

With all your good advice, I am one happy owner of Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI since November 2015. The Polo has given me (largely) trouble-free experience of close to 90,000 kms during the six years of ownership.

Good to hear another happy VW owner's story.

Regarding your search, there is almost nothing that will fit exactly to match all your requirements. A relative was on the lookout for a new car with similar requirements and he picked up the Taigun 1.0 AT. It should easily fit in your budget and easily satisfy most criterias.

Another possible option worth looking at would be the used market. 1-2 year old examples of many cars face ridiculous depreciation (especially from a higher segment). It would definitely be better if you could list down your requirements on other aspects as well.

[lsjey]

S Cross is a very good car. From the list that you've compiled I'd suggest this car. Happy driving.

If you want an excellent sedan, then City it is.

Regards,
lsjey

[ManishSoni]

Originally Posted by ManishSoni

Hello All TBHP members,

This brings me to the market for my next car with a budget of INR 15 lakhs (sweet spot), up to INR 20 lakhs (maximum stretch) and INR 10 lakhs (if decide to be a miser).
Having spoiled by the overall build and quality of Polo, some of the cars that I looked at (and sat inside) are (with initial impressions):

1. XUV 700: Test drove only this one in Petrol AT and was blown off, partly because of driving such huge and powerful vehicle for the first time, and partly because of the luxurious AX7 interiors. I guess AX5 will somehow fit in my budget. It has months and months of waiting period, and I am not sure of initial one year of bugs that are going to come up.

2. Tata Safari: Visited Tata Motors showroom to see a Harrier. However, it appeared as if the sales person (and the company too) wanted to sell Safari instead. All 4 disc brakes on Safari, with some TPMS gadgets, etc. make it a no-brainer choice. Again, only XZ variant was on display and what fits my budget is XT/ XT+.

3. Jeep Compass: This is where the heart is set. Yet to take a test drive, but seems like I will manage to live with Petrol Sports variant. The only real benefit I see in the Longitude variant is fog lamps, which cannot be fitted as accessory later on. But who pays lakhs for a fog lamp!

4. 5th Gen Honda City: This was my personal favorite before I told my mom that the car is meant only for city driving and will have trouble in negotiating bad roads, service roads, occasional village roads (2% of driving). Now she doesn't consider it a worthy car especially when it is going to be the only car in family.

5. Seltos/ Creta: Read a lot of skepticism here on the forum regarding the safety ratings of these two. Still visited the showrooms, but came out unimpressed. I was looking at HTX variant in Seltos. Hyundai showroom didn't even bother to show me a Creta and wanted to sell an Alcazar instead.

6. MG Hector: Good looks, but will pass!

7. Suzuki S Cross: If I decide to be miser, this is what I will buy. Not sure if I should actually become miser (37 years old. Mid-life crisis setting in. These are the things that will help me cope-up, isn't it?)

I request the enthusiasts, experts and experienced members of this forum to help me further zero-in amongst these options.

Moreover, someone please tell me if the reflector headlamps on Jeep Compass are okay for highway driving at 80 - 100 kmph speed? Headlamps is one areas where my current ride has a big handicap and I do not want to miss out on this one.

Thank you again for going through the long post, and sincerely looking forward to your very useful inputs.

Mods: Please merge with other threads is this is already covered. The only one I found close is 15-23 lakhs car discussion thread, which is beyond what I am looking out for. Thanks.

Thank you all for addressing some of the points. I realize one important part missing in my post, that is my requirements. So here we go:

A. Safe car: Nothing less than 4 Star safety rating for Indian variant.

B. Reliability and cost of components: This is an important aspect which makes me skeptical of VW Taigun. I already had one warranty claim in in my VW Polo which would have otherwise proved costly. Further, small parts such as thread for parcel tray (you need to change the entire tray itself!), gearbox cover (INR 8k for a fabric cover!), etc. Difficult to justify such high maintenance car after warranties are over. How does Jeep Compass fare over this point?

C. Petrol vs Diesel dilemma: Considering the car is being purchased for NCR use. I have an option for Rajasthan registration too, but again, further coverage of Diesel ban seems like a matter of time only. This goes against Safari and works in favour of Jeep Compass. Is it better to stick to petrol only?

D. Sufficient ground clearance: My wildlife photography hobby takes me places which aren't exactly technical off-roading locations, but through some village roads, fields, etc. Another reason for ruling out Honda City.

E. Space requirements: We are a family of five including parents, and both of them are over 70 years of age. There is a fixed need of a Delhi - Jaipur/Ajmer round trip once in a month. A good spacious 5 seater is sufficient, however, the flexibility provided by a 7 seater is a welcome (and good to have) benefit.

Summarizing, please suggest options within INR 20 lakhs for a safe and fun to drive, spacious, can tackle occasional bad roads, with good headlights and reliability for another 7 to 8 years. Am I asking for too much from a single car?

Things I can live without - sunroof, keyless entry, start stop button, cruise control, etc.

[Tronix]

Hello BHPians.
Did not want to create a separate thread and so created this reply here.

I'm writing this on behalf of my uncle.
Current ride: 2010 Maruti SX4 VXI
KMs done: around 82k
Looking for an upgrade. No discrimination among shapes.
Price:15L-20L
Primary requirements: Comfort, great ride and handling, decent feature list, big boot(at least around 450+L), good after sales support, excellent safety(top priority), overall a niggle-free experience.

Additional notes:

• My uncle has a family of 5 and almost all of them are tall and well built.
• He primarily uses his car for weekend outings and highway runs, indicated by the relatively low mileage on his SX4
• He is an enthusiast at heart and loves a good old manual gearbox along with a hydraulic steering or well tuned EPS
• No discrimination towards fuel
• Since a major part of his usage is on the highway, with at least 6-8k km on the highway, so boot space and highway manners are high points of consideration
• He's not too interested on gimmicky features(even a panoramic sunroof doesn't impress him) and believes in function over form.
• He intends to keep this car at least for 10 years.

Contenders: Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, Honda City, Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV 700, Toyota Innova Crysta (ruled out MG hector as its a laptop on wheels)

He is yet to take a TD but he seems most impressed by the Harrier. His only concern is the lack of legroom at the front which was highlighted by many reviewers.

Also, should he wait for a year and buy the 2022 Creta or the upcoming S-Cross facelift?

Please provide your valuable suggestions.

Thanks.

[fhdowntheline]

Given your relative's requirements, especially long period of ownership, the Innova Crysta would suit him the most. I think the Hector also is quite good in terms of cabin and boot space, but then the Innova is a more proven product.

[Kosfactor]

Originally Posted by Tronix

[*]He is an enthusiast at heart and loves a good old manual gearbox along with a hydraulic steering or well tuned EPS
.

The case for an unavailable car - XUV700 , be it MT or AT. 6 footers are most welcome with a wide second row and flat floor.

But I recommend a test drive of all the cars in contention, never know what the buyer actually want.

[Poitive]

Originally Posted by Tronix

[*]My uncle has a family of 5 and almost all of them are tall and well built.[*]He primarily uses his car for weekend outings and highway runs,...

To seat 5 tall and well built people, one can forget the Creta etc. Crysta comes closest to your requirement. In many ways, Harrier too.

Especially when focused on niggle free, I'd think twice before picking up Mahindra in the first year.

Though with a softer steering with only moderate feedback, Hector too should be looked at, especially considering the legroom and overall comfort. While the rear seat ride might feel a bit bouncy with undulations at higher speeds, many are rather happy with it's mile crunching abilities. Some get adjusted to lower feedback from the steering with use, as they get more sensitive to the mild feedback. Considering the MT and enthusiast nature of your uncle, it is the Hector's diesel version with Fiat's MJD which should be looked at. At city speeds, it is a rather comfortable cabin to be in.