[kethu_vaishnav]

Being a Jeep fanboy and owner, would suggest to not go for the Meridian, it certainly is a wonderful machine but as you mentioned the future of stellantis in India is doubtful.

Curious as to why you didn't consider the scorpio N but.

Would also suggest to get a small petrol hatch for city commutes but seems like you are eager to daily a 4x4 to work.

[RS/GT]

Very difficult task!! I am myself a Polo GT TSI owner, but will keep it and also plan for a 7 seater like you.

From your list of choices;
Meridian only( listen to your heart as you must have did with polo).

Other options worth if you can;
1. Xuv 700 (overall best car, just see the back seat I found it less comfortable and almost zero boot space)
2. Scorpio N( if you have a robust/politician like personality)
3. Hycross( unfortunately no 4*4, for family its best, no match in comfort witj rivals,in city EV mode will have sharp pick up)
4. Tiguan R/Kodiaq VRS-Latest version( if you can stretch budget, but I heard no VW group in your post)

[four]

Why is Jimny not in the list?

Jimny it is. It has all the requirements you mentioned except 7 seater which is not mandatory.

Jimny is one SUV which you will enjoy both on Indian roads in city as well as weekend getaways.

[SithDefender]

Originally Posted by theunstabledesi

- which of the vehicles mentioned would you suggest?
- Is there any vehicle that i missed out and should be considering?

- Of the three that you have mentioned, I would go with Thar Roxx, though personally I love the Meridien. It is hard to recommend the latter, though.


If 4x4 is not an absolute must-have, then the previous Kodiaq is another alternative. It is fast, fun to drive (more car-like than SUV), luxurious interiors and not a VW (at least not technically). Since 7 seats are not a must for you, we can overlook the last row of seats (just like the Meridien). With the new Kodiaq launched, you should be able to get good deals on the last model. Reliability is a concern, but the Kodiaq has seen fewer major issues than other Skoda models. Good luck with your search !

[4x4master]

Originally Posted by theunstabledesi

Following are the non negotiables :

- SUV with 4x4 which is Fun to Drive.
- I would be using this vehicle for atleast the next 10-15 years and hence long term reliability.
- Decent fuel efficiency.
- Preferably a 7 seater however not a mandatory requirement.
- Basic creature comforts like good entertainment system, panoramic sunroof, apple car play, ventilated seats, good aircon etc.
- Budget 0f 30-40 lakhs.

Do you plan to do off roading or do you want 4x4 as an insurance?. Jeep would be out of equation if you want to do off roading. Hilux is good, but ride quality would be abysmal. My recommendation would have been Jimny (I have a Jimny). If not you can go for any of these SUV's . Just dont plan to do any serious off-roading.

[Twister87]

You can consider a 2-3 years old, pre owned MG Gloster for 22-25L budget. Best part is it would still be under warranty. 2019 Kodiaq would be a good option too under budget.

I am also currently in the same boat as yours, with a budget of 12-15L though. I am considering following options after 3-4 months of shortlisting:
1. 2014 fortuner 4x4 manual : found it too cramped and my legs are getting stuck under the steering wheel. I am 6'2". Will trial run an automatic today to see if it works.
2. 2019 Kodiaq with 60k ODO- coming for around 13-15L. I am skeptical if I can do a winter spiti snow expedition with it which I am planning for the coming winters.
3. 2017 Endeavour 2.2L 4x4 for around 13-14L: mostly for the acceptable FE as it would be my primary car. difficult to find one though.

I don't feel like owning a Thar/Jimny for now, though I like the looks of ROXX.

[theunstabledesi]

Originally Posted by ike

It seems that you want an SUV that handles like a hatch, you may need to recalibrate you expectations there. Out of your shortlist, the Meridian seems to be the most practical choice. The Hilux is just too big for the city, and you have no cargo carrying requirements. The NGT regulations rule out the 20 year old cars as well, even if it is road legal now, it may not be next week.

As Shankar.Balan already pointed out, the sensible move would be to choose from the That, Scorpio, XUV and other SUVs in that segment like the Safari/Harrier. But since you mentioned longevity, I'd just get an Innova or the Hycross. They are both reliable, have good service network & service support. Again, the waiting period for the Hycross might be an issue.




This is an OEM that sells commercial vehicles. They can never match the showroom/ASS experience of a car manufacturer.

Thanks. I do have the Innova hycross at the back of my mind. But as you mentioned, waiting period is too high

Originally Posted by kethu_vaishnav

Being a Jeep fanboy and owner, would suggest to not go for the median, it certainly is a wonderful machine but as you mentioned the future of stellantis in India is doubtful.
Curious as to why you didn't consider the scorpio N but.
Would also suggest to get a small petrol hatch for city commutes but seems like you are eager to daily a 4x4 to work.

Thanks. I am not planning on two vehicles (beater and a 4x4) to avoid hassles of maintenance and other things. I myself have a very busy schedule. Plus I would be the only one driving the vehicle.

Originally Posted by 4x4master

Following are the non negotiables :

- SUV with 4x4 which is Fun to Drive.
- I would be using this vehicle for atleast the next 10-15 years and hence long term reliability.
- Decent fuel efficiency.
- Preferably a 7 seater however not a mandatory requirement.
- Basic creature comforts like good entertainment system, panoramic sunroof, apple car play, ventilated seats, good aircon etc.
- Budget 0f 30-40 lakhs.



Do you plan to do off roading or do you want 4x4 as an insurance?. Jeep would be out of equation if you want to do off roading. Hilux is good, but ride quality would be abysmal. My recommendation would have been Jimny (I have a Jimny). If not you can go for any of these SUV's . Just dont plan to do any serious off-roading.

Thanks. No plans of serious off roading. It is for those times when I feel I should go to some place off track. I drive a lot. Plus I also would like to check out few off road schools in India. Yes you may be able to do this in someone else’s vehicle. However I want the thrill of doing it in my own vehicle. So 4x4 is basically for the explorer and driver in me.

[Amrit@wheels]

I would suggest you to pick up a Jimny with discounts and spend a lakh or so on it to spruce it up, if you feel like it. It is quite comfortable and fits almost everywhere, from an off-road event to a corporate office. I don't think I need to reiterate it's reliability and go anywhere ability. Spend the rest on proper family car like an XUV700 and you're set.

[Aflatooun]

Originally Posted by theunstabledesi

Considering the "fun to drive factor (akin to Polo) and long term reliability and longevity :

- which of the vehicles mentioned would you suggest?

- Is there any vehicle that i missed out and should be considering?

Thanks in advance

You should consider XUV700 AX7/AX7L. Fun to drive (better than Thar Roxx, 80 nm extra torque in diesel AT). 7-seater, AWD, fits your budget
News of facelift with inspirations from the new EVs

[dhanushs]

I would suggest the ROXX too. Especially since you have mentioned the FUN-TO-DRIVE factor. The ROXX is leagues ahead in off-road capabulity and Fun-To-Drive when you consider the HiLux. The ROXX is a better 5 seater than the HiLux, and checks your fifth point of creature comforts too.

However, if you are in for camping, going places and there are just the two of you, then HiLux has loads of places, is designed to to do go places and may be the better bet.

Wouldnt suggest the meridian especially since its not a proper 4x4. No low ratio in it. And since you want to use the car for 15 years.

If you can get hold of a low KMS driven Endeavor, it may also suit your needs to the T for the next 10 years.

[SeshSrini]

Sorry I have a different take. It makes sense not.to own a car while residing in Delhi. Strict pollution norms are making people lose money faster . Spice it up with 30% Ethanol blending by 2030 will lead to scrapping all cars run on petrol today. Diesel gate started with VW has dealt a huge blow globally and India too is not an exception with DEF issues spoiling the owner.

Even in electric people are being pushed to trust emerging technology. Hybrid saga is no different

So make a thoughtful choice unless you plan to migrate to a 2 tier city where 15/10 years rule is not strictly imposed.

[hrk997]

The number of answers directly contradictory to your requirements, sigh, just tbhp being tbhp. Clearly 4x4 are a non-negotiable but someone will say get another hatchback or nothing will be as fun as polo lol.

Anyhow, lock in on the jeep only if you’re comfortable with big bills. We gave ours away because the bills by the 3rd year were getting up there with the Germans luxury models, which just cannot be acceptable. The automatic is not as good as the manual version. You’re within the realm of 3L engines so try and get something more than a 2L engine.

The endeavour is a fantastic all rounder. If you have the appetite for used cars, go for it. Ours is at 7 years and 8k km and going strong. We’ve decided to keep the car until it fails. Its a fantastic all rounder. City car? Yes. Highway car? Yes. Offroading? Yes! No cons except that the models are getting old now. Prices are good too.

Hilux - go for it if you really want it. A pick up truck is not as utilitarian as a full 7 seater like an endeavour, but if you have a use case for the pick up truck get it, if not re consider.

Kodiaq - you have to baby the car since it is not an off roader. All the other options have 4x4 genetics.

Thar roxx - good car imo, but not a seven seater and pretty expensive. Get it if you Like the looks and need the off roading features. If not, XUV 700 is a better buy.

Fortuner - This is a car that needs to be in your consideration. It is more practical than a hilux and offers most of what the hilux offers. There are a wide variety of new and used variants and toyotas run forever. It is the only car that is now in the same segment as endeavour although the endeavour is the better car.

Have fun, cheers.

[theunstabledesi]

Thanks everyone for their valuable inputs.Apologies for the late response. Life keep em busy. Lot many fellow bhpians suggested Jimny, scorpio N and Xuv 700. Here is my take on these vehicles and a few queries :

Scorpio N : No fun to drive factor. Does not mean it dives like a truck. I just could not connect with the vehicle. Plus parents had serious reservations about back seat comfort and space. I found the vehicle a little claustrophobic too with very less room inside the veicle (personal opinion). Rejected it then and there.

Xuv 700 : Drove an auto A7 which belongs to a relative. Yes it is fun to drive. However i found the initial lag a little bothering. Loaded with features, spacious and airy interiors. I will plan for a test drive soon. However any user feedback on the AWD capabilities would be appreciated.

Jimny : Never droe the vehicle. In fact it was never on my list before fellow bhpians suggested the vehicle. Though i am very impressed with its off road capabilities (online reviews, videos etc), there are three things I am concerned about : The city driving capabilities and performance. I am a 6 footer and the jimny looks puny and small. Can a six footer fit into the vehicle. Finally, how is the ride quality in the rear seats?

Any user feedback would be appreciated.

[theunstabledesi]

good evening everyone

A quick update. As recommended by many teambhp enthusiasts, went to the nearest Nexa showroom for a quick look at Jimny. Surprise surprise. The showroom had no Jimny to look at and the SA said will arrange for a vehicle to look at in a day or two. Test drive was outright refused saying its a company policy. Anyone who can throw some light on this, thanks in advance.

The SA (a thorough professional and appreciate him for that, no lies and only facts) suggested Grand Vitara 4x4. Its technically an all wheel drive with snow/sand drive options. Took a hybrid vitara auto (4x2) for a test drive. The engine has grunt, is responsive and almost no lag. The test drive vehicle was approximately two years old and the interiors really showed it. The interiors looked very plasticky. The steering wheel was on the heavier side and the vehicle is not fun to drive. However found the vehicle suitable for city drive. 4x4 manual version has been discontinued by Maruti Suzuki and hence discounts are plenty on this to clear off inventory. However 4x4 cvt is available.