[Livnletcarsliv]

Originally Posted by handsofsteel

A completely left field suggestion. Have you test driven the MG ZS? According to me, meets all your requirements to the T. Just have a test drive and give it some serious thought afterwards (do not dismiss it without a test drive please).
Cheers!

EV's are still at a nascent stage in India (and the world). EV's alone will not be the future. India is still not EV ready.

ZS EV cannot satisfy/even meet my use case and requirements. It is not a 5 seater (It is 4+1). It is not an enthusiast car. It not a car for long drives and high usage. The cost of ZS EV is approx 50% more than the cost of a ZS Turbo. All these and how does it meet my requirements to the T?

Why EV's will not be the future and why India is not ready for EV's yet are topics of discussion for another thread.

[TorqMaster]

I believe you should never buy another Tata car until you are convinced of the company's problem handling capabilities. If I am in your shoes, I will not buy another Tata ICE or EV.

That said, If its a reliable product with minimal niggles which you are looking for, go ahead with Toyota. However, if you are willing to take another risk then try the Mahindra products.

End of the day - if your expectations are met no matter how bad or good the car is, I think, one would be satisfied with the purchase.

[newton_meteor]

You value strong performance, reliability to munch a lot of kms and a fuss free after sales experience. Only 1 car comes to my mind for such an all rounded experience which is the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel.

I took a test drive of the diesel Tucson

• Mighty impressed with its strong diesel pull. It does pin you to the seat.

• Ride is very well cushioned as I didn’t feel the rumble strips at all, went over them like butter. The same rumble strips in my Seltos felt so jiggly.

• Signature AT is the value pick of the range. Affordable service costs is an added bonus. Since you keep your cars for long, the CKD quality of Tucson will ensure a pleasant ownership experience without rattles and without needing much part replacements.

• Downsides? steering feel could be better but that’s the case with most cars these days for the ease of twirling. It’s a safe and predictable steering tune though.

Worth 40-43L? Absolutely. It pulls like a locomotive, cushions you over bad roads well, feels very stable on expansion joints (sorted highway ride), has a 5 star NCAP rating, very comfy rear seats and a unique personality on the road.

[vredesbyrd]

Originally Posted by Livnletcarsliv

2. Fortuner is a good option. However, its difficult to find a pre-worshipped example.
3. Calling Crysta fun to drive is the a big joke. How can a BOF full 7 seater MPV be fun to drive compared to a 5 seater monocoque Harrier? If it is so much fun, then why do enthusiasts not prefer Crysta as a drivers car?
4. While 700 and Scorpio N - both costs almost same, 700 is better in everything compared to Scorpio N for my use case. I am not going to take it off-road as well which again dont justify the 4*4 mechanicals.

2. Yeah, it is a task finding a decent example
3. Well, fun is fun, even with all that body roll
4. Try test driving both 700 and N (petrol variants). Something just might work out.

[evolvo]

Originally Posted by Hayek

Given how particular you are about reliability, I suspect that the Innova Hycross is probably the only car that will satisfy you in the long run.

…

I am not familiar with Mahindras but I doubt they are going to be dramatically more reliable than a Tata. The Innova on the other hand will run and run, give you great economy and probably should be fast as well. Best of luck

This

The Innova Hycross is your best bet currently:
- unmatched toyota reliability
- decent mileage thanks to hybrid
- captain seats offer unmatched comfort all round
- new model has a more suv-ish stance unlike earlier van-like model

—
Also, since you prefer to hold on to your cars for the long term(10+ years), I would suggest to look at electrics as an option as they’re evolving fast and could serve you well for the long term.

However, since the current crop of electrics are sub-par and would only mature around 2026, you could get a used diesel (with good performance and reliability, around 30 lacs) like the Audi Q5, XC60, Merc GLC until then.

[sgmuser]

After all the pain, you need a break. Please do not go for Mahindra. Still issues are there to be resolved. What you need a painless, smooth riding Tucson. You will never regret. One of the best ride quality, loads and loads of space (we are getting the LWB version), superbly tuned highway performance and last but not least futuristic design which is a head turner for sure. It is well worth the money it asks for. I can not recommend any thing else south of 40 on road. This can beat even Fortuner when it comes to the drive and ride experience.

[Mustang_Boss]

I would say, stick to
- Grand Vitara / Toyota version
- New Hybrid Innova
For couple of years. Do not adventure into unknown territories.

[1.2TSI7DSG]

Originally Posted by Livnletcarsliv

Since I have a beater car to take care of my current needs, I can hold on for a few more months if there are better/other options upcoming like Qashqai, etc.

I can see your budget ~30-40 l and nothing seems value for money.
It might be worthwhile to split the budget over two cars like Thar (Diesel MT) and sedan like a City/Virtus for the family.

Depends purely on whether you travel solo most of the time.

Other option can be an Creta/Alcazar + a smaller peppy thing like a Kiger

[Mathan1130]

Go for the Hyundai Tucson trust me you will never regret your decision. I have been using Hyundai cars for the last 15 + years starting from Santro to Tucson 4th Generation never had any major issues.

[Livnletcarsliv]

Originally Posted by Mustang_Boss

I would say, stick to
- Grand Vitara / Toyota version
- New Hybrid Innova
For couple of years. Do not adventure into unknown territories.

Even GV/Hyryder/Hycross is also absolutely unknown. Just because it is Toyota, we cannot take it for granted. I also have given my take on these cars in my earlier posts of this thread.

Originally Posted by 1.2TSI7DSG

I can see your budget ~30-40 l and nothing seems value for money.
It might be worthwhile to split the budget over two cars like Thar (Diesel MT) and sedan like a City/Virtus for the family.

Depends purely on whether you travel solo most of the time.

Other option can be an Creta/Alcazar + a smaller peppy thing like a Kiger

That will be absolutely insane being the only driver at home. Not using a machine (after buying it) is even worse. Also no parking space for 3 cars.

Originally Posted by Mathan1130

Go for the Hyundai Tucson trust me you will never regret your decision. I have been using Hyundai cars for the last 15 + years starting from Santro to Tucson 4th Generation never had any major issues.

Even I am an ex-Hyundai user - i10. I do not have any issues with Hyundai. But it's not about reliability alone. When you don't turn your head to look at the car after parking your car, then either you are blind or it's the wrong car. For Tuscon, it will be the latter for me. I have been following the Tuscon thread even before it was launched in India. I never liked the looks of the car in the first place. I was expecting (I am still) the launch of Sportage. But was disappointed.

[Sen_auto_sation]

Hi @Livandletcarsliv,
That’s quite a relief you being rid of the lemon from the House of Tata (albeit a tempting product). M&M products while getting better are still not the most reliable/niggle free given your high annual mileage run.

Originally Posted by Livnletcarsliv

Of course it makes sense. I considered 700 only because M&M doesn't have a proper 5 seater like Harrier/Hector. So Safari is out.

While I am ok to live with niggles here and there, my only concern is to live with a lemon (I am not defending Harrier though). There is no niggle free car today which has become the industry norm. Even Toyota's have minor issues/niggles.
Regarding, Hyryder/GV, I guess you did not go through my earlier posts in this thread.

I had been in a similar dilemma, as you really can’t hit the sweet spot of style/design Vs. reliability/enthusiastic ride/handling package in the price range that you are shopping in.

I’d bet you could take your chance with the XUV flagship and the savings you have could go towards mods / upkeep of the vehicle. Else, a wild card entry I’d suggest (since you may not be keen on Superb, being a sedan) would be the Škoda Kodiaq Sportline (would be at the very top of your price range), however, owning a Superb with that sweet 2.0 L TSi gasoline motor, I can assure you that the enthusiast in you will be quite thrilled with the Kodiaq! Crossover guise, and in my opinion better equipped/styled than the VW Tiguan.

(albeit in its wake would take some compromise on the ASS experience depending on your location city, and the long term maintenance / running costs as while the engine’s relatively efficient on the highways with normal driving, crowded city traffic and very enthusiastic driving over a sustained drive time can suddenly make it very thirsty for fuel)

While there are multiple reco-s on the Innova Hycross—not sure what the real-world performance/dynamics of the car would be until we get it out on the roads. Besides both body style and spec wise (those puny tyres) its looks might not to everyone’s taste (should that be a consideration for you).

Let us know what you finally land on. All the best

[Mustang_Boss]

Originally Posted by Livnletcarsliv

Even GV/Hyryder/Hycross is also absolutely unknown. Just because it is Toyota, we cannot take it for granted. I also have given my take on these cars in my earlier posts of this thread.

Sir,
the 1.5L engine in GV and Toyota partial hybrids is suzuki's proven engine since the old baleno, and it also used currently in ciaz, Brezza and others.

The Full hybrid 1.5 has been working hard in Yaris hybrid and other model since ages and has been proven extremely reliable.

The 2.0 Full hybrid new Innova is the D4D engine i guess and does duty on the new corolla outside. It also has been used in many other models and is the Definition of Ultra Reliability. You can blindly buy any of these models in any variation and you will be at peace.

[Kosfactor]

Originally Posted by Livnletcarsliv

Even I am an ex-Hyundai user - i10. I do not have any issues with Hyundai. But it's not about reliability alone. When you don't turn your head to look at the car after parking your car, then either you are blind or it's the wrong car. For Tuscon, it will be the latter for me. I have been following the Tuscon thread even before it was launched in India. I never liked the looks of the car in the first place. I was expecting (I am still) the launch of Sportage. But was disappointed.

This Tuscon is no i10 and in my opinion Hyundai has messed up the pricing of this vehicle - every single time

While they may have expected ADAS to have compensated for the premium, a disruptive product already existed in the market leaving Hyundai with no real USP - I expect long term ownership to be quite expensive.

[Livnletcarsliv]

Hi all, a progressive update - I took an extended TD of Kushaq 1.5 DSG. The following are my observations, especially in comparison to the 2019 Harrier XZ.

Positives
1. It is definitely a hoot to drive. The paddle shifters are a boon for enthusiasts.
2. The car is very agile and a great handler. Of course, Harrier is 1 size larger than Kushaq.
3. Even though the car is compact, there is more than enough space for 4+1. Of course, the rear legroom was less than Harrier but it was nothing short as well. I was able to sit comfortably (I am almost 6ft) at the rear with the driver seat set to my driving position.
4. It has almost all the bells and whistles one can expect in the market with very few exceptions like powered seats, etc. I did not check all/most of the features because I am not a gizmos person.
5. The ride was good enough, not exceptional though. However, it was still on the stiffer side as expected from a driver's car and Skoda.
6. The boot has good space management. It was good enough for a car of this size.
7. Upto 6 years/1.5L km warranty - one of the best in the industry. Even though sales the person mentioned that during the 6th year, based on the goodwill and customer relationship, the warranty can be extended to 8 years (additional 2 years). I still doubt how can the warranty be extended only to select customers based on the so-called goodwill.
8. The torque was as expected for a 1350 kg car. Personally, I felt underpowered purely because of the Harrier diesel effect. However, I don't have any complaints though.
9. The steering was so light and easy to maneuver, especially at slow speeds. The high-speed heft was as expected and good enough for an enthusiast.
10. Fit and finish were good enough. Not exceptional though.
11. NVH is well controlled.

Negatives
1. There is a serious downgrade in terms of quality. In fact, the airflow control knob of the AC vents felt so cheap that it can be compared to a Rs. 200 toy car that we get at the festival exhibition.
2. The cost-cutting is so evident. Harrier was way better in terms of quality. The plastic felt so cheap in Kushaq.
3. Somehow I felt claustrophobic inside the cabin (Probably because of the Harrier effect).
4. Even though DSG did its job to the T, the initial pick-up/response from the standstill could have been better. I definitely felt a delay in response from a standstill. I am sure the manual will not have this issue. No, I am not talking about the turbo lag.
5. AC definitely needs an upgrade. The full HVAC system was screaming at the top of the roof to cool the cabin. The temperature was set at 18. Even then, I never felt colder for the entire 50min TD. This is not even summer. Just imagine how will it be in Chennai summers.
6. The weight/heft of the bonnet was not as expected (evident cost cutting). The weight of the bonnet feels like it is 50% lighter than that of Harrier's. Even the door-closing thud was way better in Harrier. Harrier was way more robust.
7. I am not a fan of touch AC control.
8. The sports mode is literally a joke. The only difference is that gear shift happens at a higher rpm increasing the torque availability for the appropriate rev range to feel like it pulls faster. In Harrier, all 3 modes (Eco, City, Sports) are significantly different from each other. There is a power difference between modes. Only in sports mode, you will be able to utilize the full 170ps in Harrier.
9. I somehow felt the driver's seat back small (Again Harrier effect). In Harrier, I was able to comfortably sit with my back fully cocooned by the seat. In Kushaq, I felt my back a little squeezed to fit in the seat. No problem for short drives. I wonder how comfortable will it be for the long drives.
10. Finally, the cost. It is expensive (23.5L ONR for Monte Carlo DSG - 2022 pricing) for what it offers.

Regarding reliability, the salesperson says that for the past 2 years, the number of DQ200 complaints is significantly lesser than the old one.

For this price, overall, I am unsatisfied with the Kushaq. This is not a true Skoda. Except for the driving thrill which includes handling and ride quality (which again is not exceptionally good compared to Harrier), this Skoda is a serious letdown in many departments like the quality of materials, build, and AC performance. I might as well go for another Harrier (XZA+ Dark) by spending additional 3-4 lakhs.

[steadfast]

Originally Posted by Livnletcarsliv

. I might as well go for another Harrier (XZA+ Dark) by spending additional 3-4 lakhs.

I knew this was coming and this is what I implicitly mentioned in my initial reply on this thread. There is no other car in or one segment above that can match a Harrier. After driving a Harrier no other car will satisfy you. Yes there can be niggles and we can hope that you are not unlucky enough to get another lemon but another Harrier can only replace a Harrier. Don't think this is a biased statement from me, would encourage you to test drive everything left right centre up down segments to take a call.

If you go with a Harrier, would suggest just wait to know status of facelift and updates and plan accordingly.