[BrabarusMark]

After 11 years, the family is finally ready to upgrade the family car (not by choice). This will be the third new car in the family but it will be my first purchase. For the last 4 years, the SX4 was handed over to me and it is serving us quite well.

In fact, if not for the recent scrappage policy, we would have invested in refurbishing the SX4 with new suspension and better door insulation. Everything else works just perfectly. It's also a perfect fit for my height (6ft3in) and is feels open inside for my mom to not feel claustrophobic.

To make the most of whatever resale our 11 year old SX4 has left, we plan on upgrading the family car later this year. Here are the cars I've test driven or test seated myself so far:

Maruti Grand Vitara & Toyota Hyryder:
When it launched the family loved the Grand Vitara. We were quite excited and recently did a few test drives of both cars. The real life experience was closer to disappointment. Both cars look spacious from the outside but the inside does not reflect the same. I checked out both the non-hybrid and hybrid Vitara and found front headroom to be lacking on both. The rear headroom has been documented on other reviews and it holds true.

Apart from headroom, the front does feel spacious and comfortable but the rear felt like the car was narrowing. Quite a strange experience. In terms of driving, the hybrid did fit perfectly to my already sedate (borderline hypermiling) driving style. It's a shame there's a huge compromise with comfort for what is an excellent powertrain for me.

Hyundai Creta:
I did an extremely short and rushed test drive of a diesel automatic variant. This felt great in the front, even with the seat not set perfectly to my liking. I would lean towards this more but I've been vetoed by the parents, who did not have a great experience travelling a long distance in a friend's car. I'll be attempting one more test drive with the family, but so far this one is low on the list.

Skoda Slavia:
I test seated the Slavia at the airport to see if I could fit into it. With proper adjustments, it is possible for me get into a driving position, although my knees are quite high compared to the SUVs with little thigh support. The rear, however, did not feel comfortable for me but was just about fine for my 5ft11in brother. Anyone shorter than him (which is my parents) should have enough headroom and legroom. Only issue is the low ingress that won't be too friendly for my aging parents.

We plan on testing the following in the upcoming months:

• Skoda Kushaq / Volkswagen Taigun
• Honda City
• Mahindra XUV700
• Mahindra Scorpio-N

Do provide any insights (especially if you're a tall driver) as well as any additional cars I should check out. Our budget is strictly locked to a maximum of 17 lakh and the car should be a petrol.

[bijims]

Based on my experience with our family members, I will provide my insights on the following cars:

1. Honda City
It provides good headroom for people up to 6 feet in height, But for taller occupants, it may not be the best in egress. Moreover, with aging parents, a low-slung sedan may not be the best choice.

2. Skoda Kushaq/VW Taigun
A good SUV all round with an impressive recline angle for the rear seats, adequate under-thigh support, and posture but best suited for two at the rear.

3. Mahindra XUV 700
The roomiest of the lot, with loads of space, elbow room, and knee room at the front, and can easily accommodate three at the back. i feel this car could be the one for you.

4. Mahindra Scorpio-N
It is reasonably spacious as its counterpart the XUV700, but being a ladder on frame chasis, I would recommend the monocoque XUV700 for better comfort.

Hope it helps!

[Knightrider]

Originally Posted by BrabarusMark

We plan on testing the following in the upcoming months:

• Skoda Kushaq / Volkswagen Taigun
• Honda City
• Mahindra XUV700
• Mahindra Scorpio-N

Do provide any insights (especially if you're a tall driver) as well as any additional cars I should check out. Our budget is strictly locked to a maximum of 17 lakh and the car should be a petrol.

I am 6 feet tall and can understand your situation and criteria for searching a suitable car.
Last year we checked out the Slavia, XUV700, Scorpio-N, Safari and Kia Carens. I was particularly looking for a 7 seater. Still went to check out the Slavia. But ingress was difficult for me. XUV700 had good space in first two rows, but since the 2nd row seat does not slide, the leg-room in the 3rd row cannot be adjusted. Same is the case with Scorpio-N. My parents found it difficult to 'climb' into it. I had a similar budget of 17-18L. The variants of XUV700, Scorpio-N & Safari in this budget did not have much features.
Finally went for Kia Carens as it provided good space, features and seating flexibility. You too can check it out with your family.

[NarediAni7518]

Check out the lower variants of the MG Hector. The facelift is about to launch and it might appeal to you.

[roy_libran]

Originally Posted by BrabarusMark

....
It's also a perfect fit for my height (6ft3in) and is feels open inside for my mom to not feel claustrophobic.
....
We plan on testing the following in the upcoming months:

• Skoda Kushaq / Volkswagen Taigun
• Honda City
• Mahindra XUV700
• Mahindra Scorpio-N

Do provide any insights (especially if you're a tall driver) as well as any additional cars I should check out. Our budget is strictly locked to a maximum of 17 lakh and the car should be a petrol.

Can I suggest that you also check out the MG Hector Shine variant? It should be quite close to your max budget and would certainly give you the (leg and head) space and comfort you are looking for.

[DCEite]

Well, I am 5,11, but my body structure is such that the proportion of lower part (legs, thighs) is longer compared to the upper part of the body. Result ? Most cars which have dashboard as a single unit towards gearbox, I find my left knees touching rather uncomfortably to the lower part of dashboard/gearbox console unit.

Cars I found problematic ranged from hatchback like Punch to SUV like Harrier and pseudo SUV Nexon.

So, my point here is that do sit, test drive with seat height set to your position and be careful observing and evaluating the ergonomics. From your list I can suggest VW Taigun/Kushaq. I found XUV700 to be quite good, in case your budget permits do consider it.

[TheHelix0202]

Originally Posted by DCEite

Well, I am 5,11, but my body structure is such that the proportion of lower part (legs, thighs) is longer compared to the upper part of the body. Result ? Most cars which have dashboard as a single unit towards gearbox, I find my left knees touching rather uncomfortably to the lower part of dashboard/gearbox console unit.

Cars I found problematic ranged from hatchback like Punch to SUV like Harrier and pseudo SUV Nexon.

The dashboard design of a car is a make it, or break it thing for taller people. Very few cars are properly comfy. The Harrier (which is not so much an SUV as a medium sized crossover) was very annoying in that aspect.

[Blanktrails]

My brother is 6'4 and he has selected Skoda Kushaq after trying out many cars. Non sun roof version is comfortable for tall heights.

[CoolFire]

Originally Posted by BrabarusMark

We plan on testing the following in the upcoming months:

• Skoda Kushaq / Volkswagen Taigun
• Honda City
• Mahindra XUV700
• Mahindra Scorpio-N

I am over 6'2" and I find my Skoda Kushaq, bought a year ago, quite comfortable. The longer wheelbase really helps and even at my driving position the rear leg room is quite good for a 6' Ft. tall person. The rear head room is just enough for me - you may want to check it out. The scoop after the sunroof is helpful in this aspect.

All other cars you mentioned should be okay too, but if you are looking for compact exterior dimensions and SUVish body shape, Kushaq/Taigun is the best bet.

On niggles and issues - I had some issues like noise on braking and too aggressive engine response at start, but these have gone away after 4-5k kms of usage. However two minor ones still remain - A/C not too good and error in driver side auto window up/down. The first service is due this month-end. Mine is a 1.0 Style AT.

[sanjayrozario]

Originally Posted by BrabarusMark

Skoda Slavia:
I test seated the Slavia at the airport to see if I could fit into it. With proper adjustments, it is possible for me get into a driving position, although my knees are quite high compared to the SUVs with little thigh support. The rear, however, did not feel comfortable for me but was just about fine for my 5ft11in brother. Anyone shorter than him (which is my parents) should have enough headroom and legroom. Only issue is the low ingress that won't be too friendly for my aging parents.

We plan on testing the following in the upcoming months:

• Skoda Kushaq / Volkswagen Taigun
• Honda City
• Mahindra XUV700
• Mahindra Scorpio-N

Do provide any insights (especially if you're a tall driver) as well as any additional cars I should check out. Our budget is strictly locked to a maximum of 17 lakh and the car should be a petrol.

I'm 5'11 & I've set the driving position to my liking in the Slavia. While it's very comfy, yet I won't advise for ageing parents. I saw how my aged folks struggled with the ingress & egress

[AdhikR]

The entry level hybrid Hyryder model (S) without a sunroof actually has pretty good headroom. I'd say at least an inch or two more than the sunroof models (V and G). I was pleasantly surprised by the difference.

Might be worth checking out if you really like the hybrid drivetrain and are OK with not having 6 airbags.

[RijuC]

I am 6 feet, broader build and had TD in all these cars except XUV700 and Honda City.

Kushaq was best to drive. Seating position was excellent.

XUV700 was most comfortable for tall persons, with very good thigh support. I didn't drive it. Ergonomics were good. No problem of knees hitting anywhere.

Scorpio N will be very comfortable. No problem regarding the ergonomics. However, in Scorpio N review thread, Kushgandhi recently reported his knee/ leg was resting on door handle which gave him discomfort during long drive. Kindly check this aspect while doing the TD.

For Creta also I didn't face any problem while sitting or the ergonomics. The CVT was not good to drive.

You can try the new Brezza also. Sitting is better than the Grand Vitara or Hyryder for taller and broader driver.

Avoid the cars with sunroof, if sunroof is not an essential requirement.

Sedans won't be comfortable for long drives.

Alcazar or Carens were also okay for AT. For MT, knees will touch dashboard.

Grand Vitara and Hyryder both were no good for taller drivers/ copassenger.

What about the new XUV300 mstallion with MT? I just sat inside but didn't drive it. This was also good for tall drivers.

[Herschey]

Do check out the MG Hector and the XUV700, both of which happen to be spacious and comfortable options for taller passengers. If you can extend your budget and wait for a little, the lower spec versions of the newly launched Innova Hycross would fill most of your requirements perfectly.

[PrasannaDhana]

I don't think anything less than a 6'6 will be an issue with most cars. I am 6'2 and I have been driving all segment cars for long durations and haven't had an issue.

My brother is 6'4 and has an scross. No issues there too. Just go with what car you like. All modern cars are comfortable for 6'3.

[yuvmudapa]

Originally Posted by BrabarusMark

After 11 years, the family is finally ready to upgrade the family car (not by choice). This will be the third new car in the family but it will be my first purchase. For the last 4 years, the SX4 was handed over to me and it is serving us quite well.

In fact, if not for the recent scrappage policy, we would have invested in refurbishing the SX4 with new suspension and better door insulation. Everything else works just perfectly. It's also a perfect fit for my height (6ft3in) and is feels open inside for my mom to not feel claustrophobic.

To make the most of whatever resale our 11 year old SX4 has left, we plan on upgrading the family car later this year. Here are the cars I've test driven or test seated myself so far:

Maruti Grand Vitara & Toyota Hyryder:
When it launched the family loved the Grand Vitara. We were quite excited and recently did a few test drives of both cars. The real life experience was closer to disappointment. Both cars look spacious from the outside but the inside does not reflect the same. I checked out both the non-hybrid and hybrid Vitara and found front headroom to be lacking on both. The rear headroom has been documented on other reviews and it holds true.

Apart from headroom, the front does feel spacious and comfortable but the rear felt like the car was narrowing. Quite a strange experience. In terms of driving, the hybrid did fit perfectly to my already sedate (borderline hypermiling) driving style. It's a shame there's a huge compromise with comfort for what is an excellent powertrain for me.

Hyundai Creta:
I did an extremely short and rushed test drive of a diesel automatic variant. This felt great in the front, even with the seat not set perfectly to my liking. I would lean towards this more but I've been vetoed by the parents, who did not have a great experience travelling a long distance in a friend's car. I'll be attempting one more test drive with the family, but so far this one is low on the list.

Skoda Slavia:
I test seated the Slavia at the airport to see if I could fit into it. With proper adjustments, it is possible for me get into a driving position, although my knees are quite high compared to the SUVs with little thigh support. The rear, however, did not feel comfortable for me but was just about fine for my 5ft11in brother. Anyone shorter than him (which is my parents) should have enough headroom and legroom. Only issue is the low ingress that won't be too friendly for my aging parents.

We plan on testing the following in the upcoming months:

• Skoda Kushaq / Volkswagen Taigun
• Honda City
• Mahindra XUV700
• Mahindra Scorpio-N

Do provide any insights (especially if you're a tall driver) as well as any additional cars I should check out. Our budget is strictly locked to a maximum of 17 lakh and the car should be a petrol.

I own the XUV700 and the headroom and leg room are extremely good, I can even sit behind my seating position without an issue. My height is 6'2 and a half.