[RahulNagaraj]

Honda Elevate

What you'll like:

• Smart styling with the right amount of muscle and clean lines
• Reliable and proven 1.5L i-VTEC engine is rev-happy & delivers adequate performance
• Pick between a slick 6-speed MT for some engagement or a super-smooth CVT Automatic for effortless urban commuting
• Superbly tuned suspension! Comfortable ride quality with sorted handling
• Clean interior design with good cabin space. Has a big 458L boot too
• Honda's proven reliability and after-sales service should ensure a fuss-free ownership experience
• Safety features include ADAS Level 2 tech, 6 airbags, hill start assist, lane watch assist, ISOFIX and ESP

What you won't:

• 1.5L NA offers satisfactory performance, but the competition offers way more powerful turbo-petrol and faster dual-clutch automatics
• CVT is great for urban commuting but out on the open roads, it's more suited to a sedate driving style
• No diesel or hybrid powertrains on offer. The competition offers both for those with high running. We can't figure out why the City's wonderful Hybrid system wasn't adapted for the Elevate
• Lots of missing features by current standards. You don't get auto wipers, ICE with a subwoofer, a 360-degree camera, a powered driver seat, ambient lighting and more
• Lacks the feeling of "contemporariness" or the "wow" factor, be it in styling, powertrain, features & technology
• The Honda Sensing ADAS system is intrusive at times on the highway; requires the driver to adapt to it and be comfortable using it

Review Link

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 behaviour, 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-petrol 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 – is the lowest in the segment
• Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread!
• You get bigger SUVs and 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 & up to 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 – is the lowest in the segment
• You get bigger SUVs and 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

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-petrol 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 door pad to keep items in place, or even something as simple as the small reflective tapes on the door pads

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

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

Review Link

Maruti Suzuki 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-petrol
• 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+ km/l 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-petrol
• 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. The suspension is tuned for comfort
• Lots of kits (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. the 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
• The 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

[CArspeed]

My priorities are ride and handling, performance features and safety and Taigun is still the one to beat. Would have loved a better interiors and some more features like electric seats and parking.
The shorter length coupled with the space management inside and boot also are likeable factors in Taigun.

[yedukrishnan199]

The Creta and Seltos are the all-rounders in this segment, and that is evident in their sales numbers as well. For now, with the Facelift Seltos, Kia has knocked it out of the park, until Hyundai brings in the New Creta, the Seltos is my choice in this segment for a 5-seater SUV, If it's a 7-seater, my vote goes for the Mahindra XUV700.

[Sufficient_shop]

Originally Posted by yedukrishnan199

The Creta and Seltos are the all-rounders in this segment, and that is evident in their sales numbers as well. For now, with the Facelift Seltos, Kia has knocked it out of the park, until Hyundai brings in the New Creta, the Seltos is my choice in this segment for a 5-seater SUV, If it's a 7-seater, my vote goes for the Mahindra XUV700.

Gotta agree with everything you have mentioned. Tough to beat Kia Seltos in this segment. No wonder they got 50,000 bookings in 2 months. For a segment up, XUV 700 is tough to beat.

[Newtown]

Voted Taigun. Let me elaborate.

1. I like a more responsive and quicker car
2. Have had 4 VWs before and am comfortable with their similar looking cars
3. Like to be engaged with the car in all ways while driving - Autonomous features, head-us displays, multiple more electronic aids, while these are great, but don't interest me too much at this point in my life. It will later, I am sure.
3. While I bought this before the NCAP ratings, I went on a whim that this will be a solid built car no matter how many initial naysayers there were about the quality of the steel
4. It is not too large, not too high, has a long wheelbase which improves ride comfort.

By no means is it a perfect car but works the best for my requirements.

If I had to vote for a runner up - HONDA ELEVATE

I saw it in person, and it is bloody practical, has a tried and tested engine that has been bullet proof in our conditions, no turbos etc. so less prone to failures, wonderful proportions, the top end pricing is super competitive along with the autonomous kit. It's like a not over the top but not underwhelming either. Strikes a wonderful balance.

[bijims]

For the compact SUV space, it's definitely the Seltos that gets my vote, and the only one that can beat it is perhaps its sibling, the Creta with its upcoming facelift, in the mid-size SUV space, the XUV700 is without a doubt, the most well-rounded package out there.

[sumeethaldankar]

Since I have transitioned into a more conservative driver, I no longer require aggressive acceleration, making the Elevate a suitable choice. Its simplicity in technology means fewer potential failures over the long haul. If you're in the market for a vehicle to serve as your sole garage occupant, one that won't need replacing for a decade or more, the Elevate is the prime candidate.

As time passes, the high-performance components like turbos, DCTs, and hybrids in other vehicles may necessitate costly repairs or replacements. In the grand scheme of things, this is where the Honda would shine in terms of long-term cost-effectiveness. However, in the real world, I'd likely invest my money in the smaller Brezza.

[SoumenD]

Voted for Elevate.

If I were to pick one in this segment, 20L OTR is max I intend to spend which gives only NA/Mild-Hybrid options in top spec AT guise. And among those I find Elevate to be the best match for my current requirements. Its a jack of all trades, master of none. Be it the tried & tested engine-CVT combo, feature-set, interior quality, perceived safety(yet to be tested but hope it does better than Koreans) & overall reliability being a HONDA should be fine(we have 2 Honda cars with us currently which have been relatively fuss-free & reliable over 10 & 4 years respectively).

If budget is more, I would pick up XUV7OO eyes closed.

[UD17]

The best no frill, VFM AT (CVT) available in the list is Elevate. I would choose this over others for:

- Have all necessities required
- Reliability and fuss free ownership
- Low cost of maintenance
- Less electronics
- Cost

[ashivas89]

A few months ago we had finalised the Creta 1.5 iVT SX as my Mother in Law's retirement wagon because it presented the best compromise among all the cars we tried. We had test driven ALL CSUVs and Mid-Size SUVs back then. We ruled out all CSUVs because they are not great for being driven in.

We however decided to hang on and wait for the Elevate to come out.

Use case: Mostly city driving interspersed with BLR-GOA/ BLR-Coonoor drives with a driver.

EVs are a no go because home charging is impossible at the moment in her society + the good ones are out of her budget (20L OTR) and she wont touch a Tata with a bargepole (I could not convince her to even try the nexon in any form, sorry Tata fans). Hybrids are also out due to their being out of her hard, non-negotiable budget.

She wants to hang on to her next car for at least 10-12 years. So a reliable, fuss free, NA petrol with an uncomplicated AT is her best bet. Although she loved the Kushaq, VAG cars are also out because she wants a niggle free experience, my recent experience with my Slavia also put her off further https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...-turn-off.html (Wiper issue in a Skoda Slavia | Wipers won't turn off!).

Although she is on the shorter side at barely 5 feet tall, she is an excellent driver. While her current steed is a 12 year old Swift 1.2 (which will be relegated to pet ferrying duties), in her heyday her daily drives have varied from the OG Corolla, Ford Fusion, OG Scorpio, Accent, Tata Estate, M800 etc.. So A big-ish car is not an issue.

Once the Elevate was out we drove the shortlisted cars back to back TWICE (last week and over the last weekend in mixed conditions with different roads, lighting conditions and weather).

The GV and Hyryder NA TC twins did not make the cut because let's face it, the Elevate delivers all of the Japanese car traits they promise in a more fun to drive and premium feeling package at a lower price (the missing features are not a deal breaker for us). My MiL says that the Baleno and the GV feel the same (I am inclined towards agreeing with her).

We did not even step into the MG showroom. We cannot relate to the brand at all for some reason (sorry MG Owners/ fans, no offense).

Summary: The Creta, Seltos facelift and the Elevate made our shortlist. The Elevate wins since my MiL loved it, and it is clearly the top pick if one is looking for a NA mid sized SUV with a smooth AT with a potentially trouble free long term ownership experience in mind.

Note: The contentious issue on structural safety is not brought up here on purpose.

Our combined impressions (MiL, wife and yours truly) are in the attachment.

[theturbogirl]

My vote is ELEVATE.

Reason: Comfortable suspension, reliable engine, and ease of driving. In my view this is one of the finest in the segment in terms of sitting position and drivability. While sitting position may vary based on personal choice, most of people I have had discussion with agree with the comfortable and commanding sitting position of the car.

Now a newbie question, how do I actually vote so that it reflects in the chart? Sorry, I am new in the forum.

[ABHI_1512]

Voted for Seltos facelift and it’s only competition, according to me was Creta. To this day, this segment is one of the most hotly contested one but the Korean twins get my vote simply because they still offer the more punchy and fuel efficient diesel engines when maximum manufacturers have moved away from it. Given the sizes of the vehicles which are above the 4 meter rule, it’s more practical that they get pulled by the diesel workhorses. Having automatics which are fun to drive in both petrol and diesel surely gives options to the buyers. No wonder both the Korean twins are selling like hotcakes.

Seltos also has the maximum variants on sale in the market and there is something for everybody. Their safety equipments right from the base model is fully kitted and standard across the whole range. Heck, they have even launched a new variant which has the now arguably the most demanded feature in the segment- panaromic sunroof from the mid level and that too with the turbo petrol engine !!

And as far as Elevate is concerned, too conservative and too late for the segment in my view. Although they have priced it well, the car is cramped inside and lacks many features which are almost basic these days.

Originally Posted by theturbogirl

Now a newbie question, how do I actually vote so that it reflects in the chart? Sorry, I am new in the forum.

Welcome to the forum, and as far as your question goes, you will be able to vote as soon as you cross 25 posts and your newbie status is gone. See you around.

[07CR]

Voted for Seltos.

My reasons-
Most powerful and it shows! FE is also great.
Great safety set of features. The active and passive set of safety features matter to me more than a NCAP rating.
Excellent high speed manners.
Segment best 5 seater (Discounting harrier)
Luxurious interiors
Reliable and fuss free ownership (From experience,Also own a Sonet turbo)
Loaded in terms of features.

Originally Posted by theturbogirl

My vote is ELEVATE.

Reason: Comfortable suspension, reliable engine, and ease of driving. In my view this is one of the finest in the segment in terms of sitting position and drivability.

For your username theturbogirl, it's strange you chose a "NA engine Elevate" in a sea of Turbo competition.

[venbas]

My vote for Honda Elevate. Owning a Honda City and Jazz for years now the fuss free reliability of the NA Petrol engine and Honda quality will easily trump over the competition. Bringing a Honda home is a no-nonsense purchase decision. Might not have the blings, gadgets or a turbo monster as compared to competition but it is quietly efficient and fun to drive for 95% of the times. Will take that any day over fretting on the Car or the drives. Heck even my Honda Unicorn Dazzler gave me years of fuss free ownership many years back even though I was not able to care for it properly due to being away from India for 3-4 months at a time whilst it was standing in a open area of our Apartment.

[safari_lover]

Taigun is my current favorite in the segment purely for performance and the VFM package it offers in the entry level 1.0L TSI variant.

Next would be the Elevate. I'll pick it over the Creta/Seltos any day.