re: EcoSport vs Creta vs Duster vs XUV500 EcoSport on paper suits all your requirements other than ride quality. But I wouldn't suggest it. The low speed ride quality really has to be experienced over bad roads to understand just how much of an issue it is.
Secondly, perhaps a little OT, but "fun to drive" is something hard too define IMO. For someone who likes relaxed, fast cruising over all surfaces, an American SUV with a big engine and magic carpet ride might be the definition. For others a sharp corner carver. Journalists love to talk about fun to drive vehicles. And I've never understood how any in their right mind have branded the EcoSport as such. Personally, I believe that the EcoSport's well contained body roll and sharply tuned dynamics are nullified by the fact that any high unibody vehicle (let alone a roly-poly ladder frame) isn't fun because of the high centre of gravity - the operative word is always "well-controlled", but it's still there. In that aspect, try a Ritz or Brezza and compare it with your Swift. See how much "FTD" factor is lost because of that.
But that's my subjective addition to the matter. Objectively though, and coming to why I lose respect when someone says the EcoSport is "FTD" is when you actually steer it. That steering is the worst thing on the planet - it is light and soulless at all speeds. It's the biggest argument for introducing autonomous cars IMO - if new car steerings are going to be so sterile, I welcome the oblivion of autonomous vehicles.
Also, free-revving is fun (I love driving my slow car fast more than anything, my 3-pot, manual steering Alto), but 3 cylinders aren't that much fun. You'll truly understand what the fuss is about V6s not when driving a V6, but when you compare what a 3 cylinder feels like in comparison to a 4 cylinder. So please, look at only 4 cylinders. I think someone's also pointed out the 3 cylinder isn't as much fun as before.
I say this, not because I'm biased against the vehicle or something - I think it's one of the best vehicles around, especially from a build and safety perspective - if someone were to want a high riding 4 seater for mostly good roads, and weren't too keen on driving, I'd recommend it over any other car. But I can't stomach the fact that someone who drives a 6 year old Swift would actually enjoy it - say what you will about Maruti, but it makes pleasantly engaging hydraulic power steerings.
So, fwiw, in your case, if you do agree with me after an extensive test drive (and not just going by everyone calling it FTD), you're left with a bumpy 4 seater with great build quality.
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The soulless Creta, which I'd personally never buy is what I'd suggest to you (I say that bit to again underscore that I'm not biased when suggesting).
You've already mentioned the pros. Let me address the cons. Price. Well, you clearly have the money to spend. I know it's not nice to buy something that isn't VFM (paisa vassool to chaahiye), but we're already being fleeced left, right and centre, and over pay for a lot of things both explicitly and implicitly. To pay a little more for your best option if you have the money isn't a deal breaker. But yes, the Creta is, without a doubt, overpriced. As regards FTD, well, I already addressed some of it above. My point being that it won't be as sharp as the EcoSport around corners (have driven both extensively), but to me, it doesn't matter - that's not the point of such a vehicle. You're not going to have much fun any way. And personally, at least the Creta's steering wheels tried to weigh up with speed. At least there's some pretence. And it's got more grunt. Feels much more effortless than the EcoSport, imo. So, in that sense, for me - a self-proclaimed enthusiast, the soulless vehicle I'd never buy is the one I find more FTD personally.
I feel the overall build quality is below the EcoSport though. Personally, I feel the roof liner of my 15 year old Alto is comparable to the Creta's (not even slightly exaggerating, but then Marutis used to be much better built back then). But being a Hyundai, the overall feel isn't appalling.
The ride is decent too - it's a little bouncy, but comfortable overall. More space too.
The only issue here is, that you can't get 6 airbags + A/T on the Creta, if I'm not mistaken.
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While we're on the subject, I'd exhort you to change it to 6 airbags being a requirement, and not just a bonus. Just think about it. 4 years down the line, traveling with wife and kid(s) (no longer in child seats now). Do you really want only 2 airbags? Could you go without 6 - knowing our roads, other drivers and that your family is in the back? That's one place you shouldn't compromise - if you wind up picking the Creta, I'd say compromise on the A/T, not 6 airbags.
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The Duster.
Just no. Old school mechanicals are a plus on a ladder frame, not in a unibody. You want something nice and modern, not an overpriced dinosaur. The only thing this has going for it is its ride quality. Other than that it falls behind in just about every aspect (other than off-roading which isn't a requirement for you).
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XUV 500
This I don't have as much experience with, but I'd recommend it second after the Creta. Reasonably powerful and spacious. Quality levels and niggles are where you compromise, and while I couldn't ever stand it (have you seen what they did to the styling?) - it's probably where you compromise least. I think you can get A/T + 6 airbags. Good ride. Space. Steering feel is again a bust, but it pulls okay.
________________________________________ In a nutshell:
If, and only if, after thorough TDs, you find that the EcoSport is indeed FTD, you're golden! A well-built, fun to drive car with paddle-shifts and 6 airbags. You'll get used to the ride (you won't, but still, you're golden).
If not, now that we are much more realistic about FTD, especially with regard to our previous expectations calibrated by having the luxury of chucking an older hatchback around corners, I give you:
1. Creta M/T with 6 airbags
(People are ignoring your first requirement of a high riding vehicle and recommending sedans, allow me to take this other liberty, especially since you're looking for FTD - in which case I'm already surprised you want a Torque Convertor A/T).
2. XUV A/T with 6 airbags
You might join the legions of customers entirely satisfied with this very practical and VFM car, for all its shortcomings.
3. EcoSport 4 cylinder A/T with 6 airbags
No recommendations for vehicles without 6 airbags from me, even for the sake of completeness. I'll say it again, don't do it.
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And now, lastly, my actual number 1 recommendation. What I'd do without these requirements and this money:
I'd stretch the 17l ex-showroom just a little (might not have to given current discounts), and go for the Tata Hexa XTA 4x2.
If you are one of those who can look past the "20L for a Tata" thing, you're looking at a vehicle a class above all of these (even above the XUV imo).
Will bother extolling its virtues only if you are open to the idea. There are many who won't bother with Tata no matter what, so I won't waste typing effort unless I'm sure you're not in that category.
But I can't recommend it highly enough - both as an absolutely better vehicle, and given your requirements.
Last edited by Mu009 : 16th June 2018 at 14:05.
Reason: Corrections
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