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-   -   Car recommendations for a friendly giant | Height 6'5" (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/suvs-muvs-4x4s/269742-car-recommendations-friendly-giant-height-65-a.html)

I have a friend who is currently in the market for a new car.

His problem however is quite unique. He is a gentle giant. He's almost 6'5", and is not quite on the superleggera side.

As a result, he is finding it very difficult to find a car where he fits properly, has a good safety rating, and is decently frugal (Not expecting Maruti 800 FE figures, but considering it's going to be city heavy)

And he is on a budget. He's willing to go up to 13-14L.

Most of the full sized SUVs don't offer seat height adjustment in the lower variants, so XUV700, Scorpio-N, Harrier and the ilk are out.

He fits in a XUV300, but that practically disables the seat behind him.

I suggested he try a used higher tier vehicle, but he isn't too keen on getting a used vehicle.

What else can I suggest him?

How about Bolero Neo?

It definitely is frugal and sturdy, is within your budget and since it's a boxy frame SUV it should be able to accomodate him well.

Another car from Mahindra that you can try is Marazzo.
It's a 7 seater and is spacious, the engine won't push you back in your seat but gets the job done.

Another option can be Ertiga/XL6.
They don't exactly set safety rating charts on fire but somewhat better than Kia and Hyundai's of the world.

Finally, you can check out Honda Elevate and Honda City as well.
I am 6'1 and even when I used to own City there would be enough space for someone like me to sit behind me. So those two cars definitely aren't short on space.

You mentioned that he doesn't want a Pre-owned car but I will just provide an option here for sake of it.

In Pune you can find a well maintained XUV 500 and Innova in pre owned market. I mean they are available within his budget on cars24 and spinny as well.

Cheers!

Bolero Neo is a good suggestion. I somehow missed that one entirely!
I will check with him. Should fit his parameters.

I'd talked to him about a Marazzo/Ertiga type vehicle, but he has some parking space restrictions, which might make 7 seaters a tight fit.

I also was suggesting him a used 500. Could've been a good fit.

Suggest him to take a look at Brezza. It is compact, frugal, well within his budget, good service network and has good space inside. I'm not sure about his frame fitting in but nevertheless, he can give it a try. He can look at the lower variants too depending upon his budget.

He tried the Brezza. Tight fit.

Scorpio classic
Thar
Jimny
Bolero
Bolero Neo

Basically every car that's popular in Haryana, where people his height are not uncommon

Thar - not practical as a family car.
Jimny - Very tight fit.
Bolero Neo - have recommended him. He plans to check it out.

Totally agree with the suggestions of
1. Scorpio Classic (assuming one can still
Buy and Register these in Tier 1 Metro
Cities)
2. Bolero Neo (TUV)
3. I would add XUV300 for consideration, if this is still easily available in Metro Tier 1.

These are all solid and indestructible vehicles. Proven beyond any doubt. And in all of which a tall and big built person will easily fit in comfort.

Your friend should try the Kushaq and Virtus. VW/Skoda cars have long seat travel and tend to be tall people friendly. Alternative option is the Honda City. It is a hard fact that most cars sold in India, especially in the budget segment are not exactly optimised for people that tall.

I am 6'5" too so I know the feeling.

My recommendations are probably less practical for India, but I sit fine in my wife's Ford Fiesta. And, remarkably even better in my Mini One I recently purchased.

But even so, you just need to try out a few cars, because 6'5" bodies come in different sizes. I have a long body and relatively short legs. So it is not just about being able to fit under the roof, but also how comfortable you can get behind the wheel. Can you stretch your legs sufficiently?

I had to put a smaller diameter steering wheel in my Alfa Romeo Spider as my leg would get caught between the steering wheel and the gear shifter. :)

all the best to your friend.

Jeroen

I am 6'2" and was in same boat when looking for a new car to replace my old Wagon-R, Nexon being a good choice rejected due to issue getting in, at last XUV-300 was one with economics that suits my height.

In my apartment building, there lives a giant friend of mine. We share the same floor. He is almost the same height and 110 kg.

He uses Honda City (gen 4) pretty nicely. His family (Parents, 1 kid, wife) also fits in when he drives. He works in Mumbai and moves between Pune and Mumbai in this car. According to him it's quite comfortable for him overall.

Your friend can also test drive the current gen city.

Your friend would need to take a good long test ride before deciding. Tall is one thing, but you also need to consider the propotions. If he is someone who has lengthier limbs then cars which have upright seating like SUVs may not be as comfortable on long drives. There is a lot of awkward leg movement needed to work the pedals in that case. At 6.3 I personally find relaxed seating like in crossovers and sedans apt for someone very tall with long limbs, would be easy on the knees and ankle joints. However you loose out on ingress and egress.

Have you tried the Polo?

While not nearly as tall as your friend, as a 6'2" guy with XL sized legs, I am very familiar with the issue.

Do consider the Ecosport. I have had it for over five years, and I have found it very comfortable to drive. While it's discontinued, it still has excellent service and part availability. You might be able to get some good deals on used cars.

But do test drive extensively before buying. I made the mistake of buying a Swift with too short a test drive, and spent the next 5 years uncomfortably twisting my legs and feet whilst driving!