[Vinod_nair]

Voted for the Nexon.
Own a diesel automatic 2018 (can feel GTO huffing and puffing).
AMT performs with a soft head nod, as Dev Sahab did in the title track of Tere Mere Sapne, wooing mumu on the cycle. (It isn't as violent as a Whiplash).
Nexon drivers like a holigan on the highway. Look at the popularity in this poll.
Regards

[VIZ]

Wow. The Poll I have been waiting for so long. I would have preferred XUV 300 and S-cross also in the poll (Thought it is one segment higher, but the price is similar). I have been researching to buy a compact SUV for last 6 months and below are my observations so far.

S-Cross alpha
Pros: Good handling. MSIL reliability, MASS.
Cons: Average NVH and ride quality, outdated interiors, non-availability of ESP.

Tata Nexon Petrol AMT ZXA+ (O)
Pros: 5-star rating, good ride quality, Exterior look.
Cons: Lagging AMT at times, Poor ASS (I had to escalate to TATA Twitter handle after following up for 3 weeks with dealer even for a test drive), poor mileage of turbo petrol, niggles and reliability concerns, poor rear view visibility, 2 airbags only even in high-end version.

Magnite XV Premium (O) Petrol
Pros: 360-degree camera gives me more confidence while driving, 4-star safety rating.
Cons: Poor ride quality and plain interior made my wife comment that it is a bulked-up Alto, long wait time, In my test-drive car, the turn indicator needs to be manually turned off each time. I am not sure if this is an issue with the test drive car alone. SA informed me that this model doesn’t have an auto indicator off feature.

Brezza ZXI+ AT
Pros: MSIL reliability, good mileage, very practical interior and MASS.
Cons: Average ride quality and NVH levels. plain interiors.

XUV 300- W 8 (O) AT- Diesel
I was able to get only diesel for the test drive even though I requested petrol.
Pros: Good low-end torque, decent ride quality and interiors, very practical interiors with a lot of storage space.
Cons: Small Boot space, AMT head nod was very severe in my test drive vehicle, poor ASS. SA informed me that there won't be a front parking sensor in the new model. If I go with the petrol version, I guess I will face poor mileage similar to Nexon.

With recent leaks of Brezza 2022, I am tempted to wait for it. But I still have concern about safety rating.

With the current poll listing, I would go for Nexon though I can't poll right now being a newbie. I would have gone for Kia Sonet except for its safety rating.

[Abhikumar629]

Voted for the XUV300. In its diesel guise, the XUV300 steers clear from most of its competitors. The only letdown is the AMT. With its sticker price always moving north, a proper AT would have made it leagues better than most of the options mentioned here.

Note: Very soon we will be seeing proper AT in the TATAT Nexon. Just got this info from a birdie. Will keep you all posted.

[VIZ]

Note: Very soon we will be seeing proper AT in the TATAT Nexon. Just got this info from a birdie. Will keep you all posted.

Do we know what is the tentative timeline for AT version? AMT is the only thing holding me from buying a Nexon now. I didn't know that NEXON facelift/next gen is coming soon.

[krishnakumar]

Surprised and disappointed to see XUV300 being skipped on the list. Reinforces the fact that it continues to be the most underrated car in this segment. Don't get me wrong, I was party to it as well and ignored it completely.

Thanks to a few BHPians I did consider it and ended up buying the XUV300. The tiny boot will not be a problem for most 2 adult + 1 child family. We specifically tested for it. My ownership post is WIP in the assembly line and should be up in a couple of days; hope that helps a few more folks own a great car before it gets phased out because people continue to ignore it as an option.

Ended up voting for Nexon from the list because if you put that on any list in the CSUV segment, it will definitely win. It's an all-rounder.

Also, that list is too widespread. I personally don't think that Punch can be compared with the likes of Nexon.

[Abhikumar629]

Originally Posted by VIZ

Do we know what is the tentative timeline for AT version? AMT is the only thing holding me from buying a Nexon now. I didn't know that NEXON facelift/next gen is coming soon.

As per my source, the deal was finalized 2-3 days back (cannot name the supplier as yet. Hint: TATA has already used their gearbox in one of their previous model). By the time testing and validation is complete, it may take sometime. Will let you know further details very soon.

Note: This gearbox will be extended to the Altroz.

[Pran]

Has the Renault Kiger NCAP tested? Read in other forums that it is yet to be tested. Its sibling had been crash tested by Asian ncap. How different is that from global NCAP?

[ron178]

Originally Posted by Pran

Has the Renault Kiger NCAP tested? Read in other forums that it is yet to be tested. Its sibling had been crash tested by Asian ncap. How different is that from global NCAP?

Autocar says it has been tested. However, Global NCAP places an embargo on the names of the models that have been tested and manufacturers and media aren't normally allowed to reveal which models have been tested until the official publication.

Interestingly there are two sources for the rumour that the Renault Kiger has been tested and both vary in their prediction of the rating:

• Autocar India says Renault are expecting four stars for adult protection.
• When the Kiger was launched in South Africa media releases said Renault was expecting three stars. Source. I don't know how reliable it is.

In any case it is best to wait for the official result to be published, which I can tell you will be in just a couple of weeks or so (however it remains ambiguous whether the Kiger has been tested).

As regards ASEAN NCAP, please do not confuse the word 'ASEAN' with 'Asian', the ASEAN is a group of countries in Southeast Asia and that does not include India. ASEAN NCAP ratings are only valid for all markets in the ASEAN region. Their evaluation protocols are also different from Global NCAP's. We don't know whether the Nissan Magnite is identically crashworthy for both markets, and even then results cannot be extended to the Renault Kiger without technical evidence of similar performance. Moreover, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the anti-skid crash prevention system, forms part of ASEAN NCAP's evaluations to the best of my knowledge, and the Nissan Magnite is equipped with this system as standard for ASEAN markets while for India it is only an option, and for the Renault Kiger it is not offered at all in India since Global NCAP doesn't include it in the rating yet.

Remember, even if the Nissan Magnite or Renault Kiger score a 4-star rating for adult protection in Global NCAP's tests, that will still largely be a coincidence, unrelated to the ASEAN NCAP star rating for the Magnite. In fact, the Nissan Magnite's overall ASEAN NCAP star rating was limited by its child occupant protection since the other categories would have allowed it to achieve a five star score there (note - not even the maximum star ratings in each category can be compared with Global NCAP's).


Very interestingly, the side impact score is 15.22/16.00 though the door clearly opened during the side impact which itself is a -1 penalty under their protocol. I don't know if I'm missing any technical provision there.

[akannath]

Hi fellow BHPians. This is my very first post on the forum although I have been an ardent follower of Team BHP for many many years. Extremely excited to be part of this community. Love the depth of knowledge of the community and the breadth of issues and topics discussed here. And this takes me to the subject matter of my post as I am seeking expert advice from the esteemed members to deal with my conundrum.

My requirement

For whom
I am looking to buy a new car (open to secondhand ones too) primarily for my parents (both senior citizens) in Kerala. Parents don’t drive and I am based in the UK, so we rely on drivers we know to take them out. Can wait for upto 6 months for delivery but can wait further for the right vehicle.
As a mini background, we had the original Maruti Baleno 1.6 (rocket) which we gave away finally just before pandemic struck. Since then, commuting for my parents came to a screeching halt, but thinks are getting better again and hence the need for a new vehicle. I drive a Kodiaq here in the UK (love the car to bits!!)
Annual runs
We are looking at around 500kms/month comprising of visits to temples, family relatives etc. There may be 2 or 3 relatively longer trips in a year when we (wife and kids) visit them during annual break. But I wouldn’t say more than 6000 kms/year. Intend to keep the car for 10 years.
Engine/Transmission
Due to the low running, I am keen on Petrol. Automatic would be nice to have (on the very few occasions I would drive), but manual would be fine as well.
Comfort/Features
As it is primarily for my parents, I am not too keen on an endless list of features and electronic gizmos as they would probably never enjoy its utility. But nevertheless, not too keen on bare bones vehicles either. A good mix of useful features (touch screen, navigation, rear AC, rear camera, power windows, defoggers) is what I am after. Plus good set of safety features (ABS, EBD, ESC, Hill hold assist, 4 or more air bags) and good safety rating (4* or above) would be great. In terms of comfort, must be good for easy ingress and egress and should seat 3 in the rear bench comfortably. If I can get a 7-seater within my budget, that would be sweet as it would avoid the need to hire an MPV when we visit them for our annual trips (2 or 3 in a year max).
Not looking for an enthusiastic driving experience as they will be chauffeur driven, but ride quality should be capable to handle the craters on the road without fuss.
Budget
Maximum Rs.10lacs (ex-showroom) which would translate to ~Rs.12L on road. As mentioned earlier, I am open to good secondhand cars as well, but my worry is will it be a problem for my parents to maintain as they are not well versed with car mechanics. This makes me wonder whether a new car would offer them the extra piece of mind. A 5-seater would do, but if I can get 2 extra seats (I have 2 young kids) within the budget, then even better.

Short lists

Based on the above and after reviewing similar topics on the forum, I have short listed the following vehicles:
• Renault Kiger RXT/RXZ CVT Turbo – 4* safety rating is great. How is the ingress/egress and can it seat 3 medium sized adults in the back comfortably? We have a Renault service centre nearby.
• Nexon XZ – Top notch safety is great. I hear 3 in the back seat is possible. Not too happy with the rear design, but compromises are needed somewhere I guess
• Wagon R – maybe, but I would have preferred better interiors for a car that we may keep for 10 years.
• Kia Carens 1.5P Manual Prestige – seems the most VFM of the lot, good mix of features and safety and plus can comfortably seat 7 when needed. Top of the list at the moment
• Brezza ZXI+ or VXI AT – Trusted Maruti service and 4* rating is a plus but can it seat 3 at the back comfortably? Also, should I wait for the new Brezza?
• Renault Triber – Fits the bill for the most part but very concerned with the low engine power, esp when fully loaded. The turbo version is rumoured to be round the corner, should I wait?
• Among used cars, Hexa XT/XTA caught my eye if I can get it within my budget. Is there a risk with parts and spares given my parents will have to manage it?

As you can see, I have stayed away from hatchbacks and sedans in general due to their low seating positions making it difficult for parents. Please correct if there are genuine contenders I should be looking at.


Avoided Venue and Sonet due to perceived lack of space at the rear which is overcompensated by a plethora of features and gizmos, most of which add no value in our use-case. Not to mention the poor safety ratings.

I am seeking help from fellow members and advice on my list (add/remove) so that I can arrange for test drives when I visit Kerala in April. Help me out BHPians! Many thanks.

[Sushil Pingua]

Originally Posted by akannath

I am looking to buy a new car (open to secondhand ones too) primarily for my parents (both senior citizens) in Kerala.

Dear Brother,

Looking at your priorities, use and budget, I'll would have straight away recommended you the Honda BRV which I own but it is no longer on sale here in India. Therefore the second best option for old parents is the Maruti S-Cross

S-Cross has been tried and tested as the best value for money car for parents. It's ergonomics are the ones which stand out of all - ingress/engress of old parents is very hassle free in the S-Cross.

Regards.

[One]

I would have gone for the SCross too for such requirements. All benefits of a Maruti plus a solid option from the stable. Might have waited for the new Brezza and then compared though as the current SCross does already look dated from the inside, so 5-6 years down the line might be even more so. Again, personally am totally fine with the interiors of the SCross for another 10 years if I had to buy one.

[Kosfactor]

Ertiga should work very well, petrol MT and ofcourse buy it new.

[akannath]

Thank you fellow BHPIans for your quick and valuable comments.

Originally Posted by One

I would have gone for the SCross too for such requirements. All benefits of a Maruti plus a solid option from the stable. Might have waited for the new Brezza and then compared though as the current SCross does already look dated from the inside, so 5-6 years down the line might be even more so. Again, personally am totally fine with the interiors of the SCross for another 10 years if I had to buy one.

Originally Posted by Sushil Pingua

Dear Brother,

Looking at your priorities, use and budget, I'll would have straight away recommended you the Honda BRV which I own but it is no longer on sale here in India. Therefore the second best option for old parents is the Maruti S-Cross

S-Cross has been tried and tested as the best value for money car for parents. It's ergonomics are the ones which stand out of all - ingress/engress of old parents is very hassle free in the S-Cross.

Regards.

I am aghast that I missed on mentioning SCROSS in my shortlist (it was always there in my mental shortlist). Agree with both of your comments, SCROSS is probably top of the list when it comes to 5 seater options. Any idea on when the new SCROSS would be launched?

My dilemma though is with Carens now in the market, I can get a bigger 7 seater car for the same price as Scross Zeta and with additional airbags, touch screen, front sensors, rear A/C etc. What I miss out mainly is rear defogger and wiper, which I feel should be made mandatory across variants. Still Carens seems more VFM. Thoughts?

Originally Posted by Kosfactor

Ertiga should work very well, petrol MT and ofcourse buy it new.

Thanks @Kosfactor. However, compared to the Carens, I dont see Ertiga being value for money. The Prestige 1.5P offers a lot more for the same price as Ertiga ZXi+ and with presumably better build. No idea how the rumoured new Ertiga would be though. Any idea when this is due in our markets?

[AYP]

Since you have mentioned 5 or 7 seater, it does seem that the extra seats will add real value to your ownership, in which case, I'd suggest the Carens. However, it is still not GNCAP rated.

Among the 5 seaters, I'd suggest the XUV300 over the Nexon.

[Sushil Pingua]

Originally Posted by akannath

My dilemma though is with Carens now in the market, I can get a bigger 7 seater car for the same price as Scross Zeta and with additional airbags, touch screen, front sensors, rear A/C etc. What I miss out mainly is rear defogger and wiper, which I feel should be made mandatory across variants. Still Carens seems more VFM. Thoughts?

Regarding Carens I would advise you to wait for atleast one year after it is launched, so that real-life market reviews come out. Personally speaking I'm a bit apprehensive about carens' built quality. S-Cross is quite tough built and is time-tested on Indian roads. New S-Cross should be launched in a few months.
Kindly do not offense of this -- since Kerala is renouned on team-bhp for rash driving buses, I would sincerely suggest to have a car at home which doesn't gets pushed off road easily by other vehicles as well as maintain front body/roof/pillar rigidity in case of head-on collision. And I'm not sure about carens' built quality to take punishment in such situations.