[NST440]

There are multiple thoughts and related emotions which have been coming to my mind with respect to going for a new car and to be honest it has been a considerable time since these thoughts have been keeping me busy. Being a male who would be touching his 40 in a couple of years, there have been a lot of changes in my thought processes all through these years and all these thoughts have been clashing one way or the other whenever I have tried to fixate a potential vehicle.

Although, I wish to keep this query of mine as straight forward as can be, but in order to get valuable inputs from the Team BHP family, I would like to give you an idea of the scenario in which I am, my requirements and related fears.

About Me: I am a 5’11 inch, stout male, white beard, having a rather non exciting job, currently combating in my mind as to whether I am amidst a mid-life crisis or is it just a phase that we all go through in this age. Grateful for having a loving family with the better half and two kids both below 4 years of age. My daily running is around 30-40 kilometers with around 30 being on the highway itself for my commute to work.

My Love towards cars:

- I love cars, whichever shape and size they come in and I feel, each vehicle has its unique properties. Learnt driving during early childhood on my Father’s Gypsy which he absolutely loved.

- I have usually kept cars for small periods only and I know that it is absolutely wrong from financial view point. The maximum no. of years that I have kept a car for is 4 years I believe. I am ready to change this attitude and keep a good car for longer duration.

- I have owned some good handling vehicles which I still remember like the Opel Astra 1.6, Fiat Punto 1.3, Honda Type II-1.5 Exi , Ford Fiesta 1.6 Tdci, Skoda Octavia 1.9 (2008) to name a few.

- Absolutely love to have a powerful vehicle although I may use that power on rare occasions, it is always good to know that power is available on tap and be at peace.

- I pamper my vehicles like a baby, timely servicing, regular detailing and I am the only one who drives my cars , neither the driver nor my missus uses them since they have different vehicles available for the same.

- Fond of retro designs and more inclined towards the mechanicals of a car than the electricals barring the audio system.

Current Vehicles exclusively driven by me in the family:

- Tata Safari Dicor ( 2016) which I use for those weekend drives only. It is immaculately maintained and has done 10,000 kilometers only ( Yes you read it right). No plans to sell.

- Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 Petrol SHVS (2019) -Delta (M) which I bought after selling my elite i20 ( 1.4 diesel) since I loved the space and value for money proposition the car offered. Again, well maintained and has run 13,000 kilometers only. This is the car which I usually drive in the city and on week days owing to the ease of driving and parking as compared to the Safari.

The issue/ dilemma:

Although, the Ciaz is a good vehicle and it ticks all the boxes, be it comfort, economy, utility, space, maintenance or resale value, there is one thing which it lacks and it is the zing which I used to derive from driving my earlier vehicles. Being a NA engine, it is high on reliability and good for city usage, however at times when I feel like flooring the pedal, there is a disappointment and lack of power which dismays my driving excitement. Before purchasing the vehicle, I used to feel that this lack of power is just a temporary feeling since I have been driving Turbo engines and it shall eventually fade away but I believe this thing is here to stay. One of my colleagues is interested in my vehicle if I wish to sell and I am getting a very good price for the same so the financial loss would be very little in this case.

Requirements from a new vehicle :

- Maximum budget is 10.5 Lacs maximum (OTR).
- Should be fundamentally sorted and preferably be a turbo engine, having the power to bring smile on the face.
- Should be a good handler, making me eager to drive her rather than avoiding driving.
- Should be sorted in ergonomics and have good space, especially the leg room and boot size.
- Should be a safe car , having good dynamics , inspiring confidence.
- Easy availability of spares and decent resale value since resale would heavily assist my next car’s purchase.
- A dependable AT is preferable since I never owned one and would love to have convenience of such technology. (However, I think I may not be able to get one given my budget).
- Not a big fan of gimmicks like sunroof, air purifier etc. however projectors, camera, parking sensors, fog lamps, steering mounted controls and apple car play are welcome.
- I am open to both diesel and petrol motors, would prefer the one which is more powerful though.
- The manufacturer should have plans to stay in the game and continue production of the vehicle for a considerable period of time.
- Would not like to go the pre-owned way.


I would not like to go for a Maruti, Nissan, Renault, since I believe their driving dynamics are sub-par for the products on offer currently. TATA is a big NO, being a current TATA owner, I would like to avoid the pain of experiencing its after sales service.

It has been long since I have been contemplating this purchase decision and it is going to be a major one for me. I wish to get maximum smile for each buck spent and need able guidance from the Team BHP family to help me decide.

Stay safe, stay blessed and keep revving.

[sreerknair]

I think you wrote your requirements with a VW Polo AT booking confirmation in hand :-) and want us to just convince you that the back seat leg space is not much of an issue.

[androdev]

The best part of your post is the budget of 10L. Only two cars offer the zing: polo/rapid/vento and ecosport. Unless you have the good fortune of not being able to tell the difference.

I have crossed over to the other side of the 40. Trust your instincts and don't postpone things for later. Within reason, of course.

[RJ2285]

Originally Posted by NST440

Requirements from a new vehicle...

Well articulated query.

Firstly, I would suggest you to hang on to the Ciaz as it is just 2 years old and as good as new at 13000kms. Even though you have a ready buyer who is willing to pay you a good price, you will still loose a lot of moolah in the process. Heck, the person buying your car am sure is getting a killer deal for a car which is still new.

Most importantly You have the TATA Safari Dicor for weekends and long road trips which I am sure ticks your key parameter for want of power.

IMHO, you are just 37 years old my friend. At this age you own a Ciaz that doubles up as a car for office commute as well as a beater car. In addition to that you own a TATA Safari Dicor. Check out the Tata Safari 2021 thread and see for yourself how ex-Safari owners lust for the Dicor. Your current dilemma cannot be termed as midlife crisis for sure.

Secondly, if you have already made up your mind on giving the Ciaz away, then your post above that I have quoted has Skoda Rapid TSI written all over it.

With the Skoda Rapid TSI, it ticks all your requirements like turbo engine, power, good handler and most importantly, it will bring a smile on your face, that too a W-I-D-E one.

Even though the leg room is not as great as the 5th generation Honda City, it should not be a deal breaker for your, especially when you already have a bigger SUV for long drives.

At INR 10.5L, the AT would be a stretch, however test drive both, manual and Automatic, before taking a final call. Make sure you take the 6 year extended warranty and service package for a fuss free ownership.

All the Best!

[hellmet]

Originally Posted by NST440

Requirements from a new vehicle :

- Maximum budget is 10.5 Lacs maximum (OTR).
- Should be fundamentally sorted and preferably be a turbo engine, having the power to bring smile on the face.
- Should be a good handler, making me eager to drive her rather than avoiding driving.
- Should be sorted in ergonomics and have good space, especially the leg room and boot size.
- Should be a safe car , having good dynamics , inspiring confidence.
- Easy availability of spares and decent resale value since resale would heavily assist my next car’s purchase.
- A dependable AT is preferable since I never owned one and would love to have convenience of such technology. (However, I think I may not be able to get one given my budget).
- Not a big fan of gimmicks like sunroof, air purifier etc. however projectors, camera, parking sensors, fog lamps, steering mounted controls and apple car play are welcome.
- I am open to both diesel and petrol motors, would prefer the one which is more powerful though.
- The manufacturer should have plans to stay in the game and continue production of the vehicle for a considerable period of time.
- Would not like to go the pre-owned way.

I want to suggest the Figo/Freestyle twins in the diesel avatar, but there isn't an AT and the boot-space is meh. Ford's future is also "God knows".


The other sorted option in that budget would be the Honda Amaze Diesel. It may be disappointing in the handling area due to the EPS, but everywhere I hear great things about the diesel's performance, even in the de-tuned CVT version. Honda's resale value needs no further comments. And Amaze's boot space is massive for the segment.


Disclaimer: I've not driven either of these cars. Opinion solely on extensive reading on Tbhp and watching numerous review videos of both cars due to my own interest.

[Altocumulus]

Turbo petrol , reliable AT , replacement for a sedan , safe, fun to drive with good driving dynamics, manufacturer with long term plans,10.5L budget ??

There is only one answer i.e Rapid Tsi AT. I would say go for the Onyx but that would cross your budget.
Vento is there as well, however since power is the main criteria, Rapid is supposedly tuned more aggressive that the Vento.

[VKumar]

Originally Posted by NST440

white beard, having a rather non exciting job, currently combating in my mind as to whether I am amidst a mid-life crisis or is it just a phase that we all go through in this age.

I wish to get maximum smile for each buck spent

Isn't that a BHPian who has decided in his mind that he wants to buy a GT TSi?

Looking at all the requirements, it feels like the requirements are all reverse engineered with GT TSi in mind, but a few items are added so that it doesn't look like an extremely obvious and biased set of requirement.

So you want us to say "legroom is slightly less, but with the small kids, it's not an issue"? Well, consider it said! Go and get one man, you have the support and assurance from the end of the BHPians that you seek!

Or get a Vento or Rapid TSi, but they will jump the budget I believe. Is it?

[TrackDay]

This is very easy. No doubt the Polo is the car waiting for you. It is a fun car with compact dimensions. Since you said you have the safari, this little hatch will be easy to park and navigate in heavy traffic and city conditions.

Also like you said on the rare occasion you need it, there is power on tap.

source: google images.

[Jaguar]

As someone who is 5'10", recently turned 38, and bought a Polo 1.2 GT TSI last Jan, I think I am the most suitable person for answering this question. And my vote is not to go for the Polo. Either increase the budget or buy something used. Read on to know why.

I am 5'10" and suffer from long legs syndrome. Even with the seat pushed all the way back (I feel the seat travel in entry-level VAG cars is less), I just about manage a comfortable driving position, that too because it is automatic. And, with the way I sit, it is impossible for anyone to sit behind the driver. I am never comfortable driving the manual polos owing to the long clutch travel as I have to literally lift the legs to release the clutch properly.

The seats are not very comfortable either. My mom and aunt prefer my Verna over the Polo, even for shorter drives. The seat padding feels thin and the lumbar support is also not adequate. For anything over 500 km a day, I wouldn't pick the Polo. I and another older friend who used to drive a Polo were discussing how we needed more breaks in the Polo to avoid getting back pain. We both are reasonably fit and don't face similar back issues in our other cars.

I feel the Polo is more suited for a 30-year-old than someone closer to 40 with a family. I am single and bought it mainly for the DSG box and I also wanted an automatic for the Bangalore traffic that could be a fun weekend car as well. Even though I am thoroughly enjoying the car, I have a feeling that I will upgrade sooner than later and can already picture myself getting something like the new Thar or a powerful sedan before I turn 40.

[SajiNSalin]

You can consider a used Duster AWD. Its got lots of power; overtaking in 6th gear is a breeze, it has fantastic ride quality, got a great 1st gear for the toughest inclines.
It will break the monotony of a long drive because the diesel injectors need watching! When it performs; like 90% of the time; it is phenomenal. But be prepared for interesting, not necessarily pleasant, things to happen on the way. Life is never dull with Duster AWD ownership!

[gautamkhadse]

About the same age as you .

Had a punto 90 Hp and Ertiga . Sold the Ertiga and bought a Nexon XZA + . Around same time we also added a Creta Diesel AT . And just last year, casually went to the Kia showroom in my bedroom bermudas and a T-shirt with holes and my bathroom slippers, fell in love with the Kia GT DCT booked it on spot ( Thanks to UPI payments dint even need a wallet )

So today I have a punto 90 HP ( wolf remapped ) and a Creta 1.6 and a Kia Seltos GT DCT . Each of our vehicles has its own characteristics and I love em for what they can deliver.

But think carefully and see if you're solving the right problem. Honestly, if you can borrow a big engine bike if you have one in your friend circle and take a ride and see if that brings back some zing .

I have a Aprilla 160 and a apache rtr 160 that i ocassionally rip to bring a lil spice back in life . But with a daughter who is 5 yrs old I think the fun has to be inclusive .

Alternately , also look at the Nexon EV ( I have been doing the same ) the benefits are huuuuge . Plus the thrill it offers is unmatchable. Tax benefits , saving in electricity bills etc etc .

Solve a different problem . ( try )

[thoma]

Your requirement screams either VW or Ford, nothing else. But since you already have a Dicor and not intending to sell it, you won't need an Ecosport which is best to end monotony. Then the other perfect option is the Polo TSi AT since the Vento/Rapid sisters are out of your budget. And you have not tasted a VW yet, so let it be an opportunity to relieve the mid-life crisis a bit. The only catch is that you are moving from a sedan to a hatch with cramped rear seats.

[Shreyans_Jain]

I don’t know man, the Polo TSi is a good performer but not wayyy better than the much lighter and bigger engined Ciaz you already have. Don’t think it will be something that will satisfy your itch. Also, it is really cramped and has small and uncomfortable seats. No car strictly within your budget is significantly faster or punchier than the Ciaz. My suggestion is that you either consider something on two wheels, plenty of 600cc options there, or you extend your budget and get yourself a Thar. That will give you the excitement you are looking for.

My dad is touching 60 and he fell head over heels for the new Thar. So much so that I had to play the practicality and rationality card to convince him for the very good Compass instead.

[NST440]

Originally Posted by sreerknair

I think you wrote your requirements with a VW Polo AT booking confirmation in hand :-) and want us to just convince you that the back seat leg space is not much of an issue.

Hahaha Loved your reply, I so wish that was true, however, as I mentioned in the post, my height and built is really unsuitable to drive a Polo.

Originally Posted by androdev

The best part of your post is the budget of 10L. Only two cars offer the zing: polo/rapid/vento and ecosport. Unless you have the good fortune of not being able to tell the difference.

Thank you, I do agree and am looking towards test driving an Ecosport Titanium Tdci as well for its VFM proposition.

Originally Posted by RJ2285

Well articulated query.

Firstly, I would suggest you to hang on to the Ciaz as it is just 2 years old and as good as new at 13000kms. Even though you have a ready buyer who is willing to pay you a good price, you will still loose a lot of moolah in the process. Heck, the person buying your car am sure is getting a killer deal for a car which is still new.

Most importantly You have the TATA Safari Dicor for weekends and long road trips which I am sure ticks your key parameter for want of power.

Secondly, if you have already made up your mind on giving the Ciaz away, then your post above that I have quoted has Skoda Rapid TSI written all over it.

Thank you for detailed suggestions, Ciaz is definitely a good vehicle but I fail to see it as my primary drive anymore for 6 days a week. The buyer would surely be a lucky guy. Skoda Rapid is a primary contender, may be only if I go the manual way, AT is good but expensive, may be a compromise have to be made in this regard

Originally Posted by hellmet

I want to suggest the Figo/Freestyle twins in the diesel avatar, but there isn't an AT and the boot-space is meh. Ford's future is also "God knows".
The other sorted option in that budget would be the Honda Amaze Diesel.

Thank you for your suggestions, I somehow do not like the way the Figo/ Freestyle twins look and it would feel like more of a downgrade rather than upgrade moving towards these two or the Amaze. Although, your suggestion does help the practicability quotient , this time I wish to be a little less practical and listen to the heart.

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

There is only one answer i.e Rapid Tsi AT. I would say go for the Onyx but that would cross your budget.
Vento is there as well, however since power is the main criteria, Rapid is supposedly tuned more aggressive that the Vento.

Love the way the Onyx looks, especially in the lapiz blue shade, have been eyeing the same but the AT is way above my budget, however I may have to look for a Manual if I wish to possess one. Vento is a decent looker as well and in case I look towards buying one, I may opt for the Turbo edition although it is manual and its availability (after discussion with multiple dealers) is rare as of now.

Originally Posted by VKumar

Isn't that a BHPian who has decided in his mind that he wants to buy a GT TSi?

So you want us to say "legroom is slightly less, but with the small kids, it's not an issue"? Well, consider it said! Go and get one man, you have the support and assurance from the end of the BHPians that you seek!

Or get a Vento or Rapid TSi, but they will jump the budget I believe. Is it?

Originally Posted by TrackDay

This is very easy. No doubt the Polo is the car waiting for you. It is a fun car with compact dimensions. Since you said you have the safari, this little hatch will be easy to park and navigate in heavy traffic and city conditions.

Also like you said on the rare occasion you need it, there is power on tap.

Both these replies really made me smile and for a moment I felt that Polo is not that bad a proposition, however just sat in a beautiful red Polo TSI , available for immediate delivery and the rear passenger seat left was more of joke. I so much wished to convince myself but the SA (nan honest guy) himself said Sir, the car wouldn't be suitable for you. I will definitely have to look elsewhere.

Originally Posted by SajiNSalin

You can consider a used Duster AWD. Its got lots of power; overtaking in 6th gear is a breeze, it has fantastic ride quality, got a great 1st gear for the toughest inclines.

Love the way she rides and takes on potholes with aplomb, however the weird ergonomics and Renault's sub par dealership at my area does not help the matter. However, I may test drive one soon to check out the power and drivability and changes in the new model if any.

Originally Posted by gautamkhadse

About the same age as you .


Solve a different problem . ( try )

Thank you for the wonderful post and yes, happiness has to be inclusive, there are moments when I feel that an Ecosport Titanium shall definitely bring a smile on my kids face owing to the Sunroof and at the same time shall be a good vehicle for the pseudo enthusiast left in me. I absolutely love riding and have a Bullet 500 parked at home, guess it has to be put to driving mode more often rather than the park mode to help the matters.

Loved the spontaneity of your's in taking decisions, I somehow miss the same nowadays.

Originally Posted by thoma

Your requirement screams either VW or Ford, nothing else. But since you already have a Dicor and not intending to sell it, you won't need an Ecosport which is best to end monotony. Then the other perfect option is the Polo TSi AT since the Vento/Rapid sisters are out of your budget. And you have not tasted a VW yet, so let it be an opportunity to relieve the mid-life crisis a bit. The only catch is that you are moving from a sedan to a hatch with cramped rear seats.

Absolutely want to try a different brand and the novelty it may bring. I may check out the Ecosport and XUV 3OO soon to check compatibility and handling. Polo surely is not the way ahead, with me driving, it shall rather be more of a 3 seater. Then small boot does not help the matters and with respect to space, I am really spoiled being a person having a Safari Dicor and Ciaz already.

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

I don’t know man, the Polo TSi is a good performer but not wayyy better than the much lighter and bigger engined Ciaz you already have. Don’t think it will be something that will satisfy your itch. Also, it is really cramped and has small and uncomfortable seats. No car strictly within your budget is significantly faster or punchier than the Ciaz. My suggestion is that you either consider something on two wheels, plenty of 600cc options there, or you extend your budget and get yourself a Thar. That will give you the excitement you are looking for.

My dad is touching 60 and he fell head over heels for the new Thar. So much so that I had to play the practicality and rationality card to convince him for the very good Compass instead.

Your dad have all the reasons to be bowled over by the Thar. I recently drove one for around 200 Kilometres and loved the way it handled the roads. However, since I would like to have power , it has to be complemented with comfort and for the same, I am unable to find a decent car , given the budget except the Rapid and the Vento. I may check out the XUV 3OO and Ecosport soon to understand why people go gaga over these two vehicles.

[NST440]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

As someone who is 5'10", recently turned 38, and bought a Polo 1.2 GT TSI last Jan, I think I am the most suitable person for answering this question.

I am never comfortable driving the manual polos owing to the long clutch travel as I have to literally lift the legs to release the clutch properly.

The seats are not very comfortable either. My mom and aunt prefer my Verna over the Polo, even for shorter drives. The seat padding feels thin and the lumbar support is also not adequate. For anything over 500 km a day,

I feel the Polo is more suited for a 30-year-old than someone closer to 40 with a family. I will upgrade sooner than later and can already picture myself getting something like the new Thar or a powerful sedan before I turn 40.

Thank you for the reply that shall further help me in swaying away from the Polo. I did notice the seats cushioning issue while I test drove one. Since I am already spoiled for comfort and space, Polo would be a strict no as I have mentioned in my earlier replies as well.

Since Polo is already crossed, it all the more becomes easier or rather complex to reach to any conclusion. I also feel that in case I am not going for the Rapid or Vento AT due to budget constraints, wouldn't it be better just to go ahead and get the base rapid rider/ Vento Turbo trim rather than the Ambition/ Highline variant. Any cosmetic additions can be done at a later stage, although it shall be missing the ever important steering mounted controls which I am unable to fathom with for a car that otherwise has basic necessities well covered, including the Auto AC and rear defogger to name a few.