SUV / Crossover for Rs. 45 lakh for my wife

She has been driving our XUV500 for the last 9+ years and we need to replace it in the next few months.

BHPian saraf_suman recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Need some advice for a new SUV(ish) car for my wife. She has been driving our XUV500 for the last 9+ years and we need to replace it in the next few months (will be 10 years old in Dec 2021, done 79K). We have the following constraints:

1) Petrol engine, AT

2) Mostly used for city driving in Gurgaon and sparingly for long drives. Gurgaon pot holes worry me so GC would be an important factor

3) I expect it be be driven ~10K kms per year

4) Most days my wife would be the only one driving it or ferrying one of the kids. On weekends, we could be 4 or 5 (if our Dad joins us).

5) Would like ample cabin space, comfort, safety and driving pleasure

6) Would like a smooth and hassle free experience so don't want to try new, untested cars especially ones without a proper ASS network. We plan to keep it for ~10 years

7) We had started looking at the Hector, Creta and Seltos but my wife is veering towards something more aspirational and premium so we didn't even test drive them :(

8) Budget is ~45L, all inclusive

9) Our other car is an Audi A4 petrol which I use for my office commute

I haven't looked for a car in the last 4 years and am left thoroughly confused now. We test drove the Q2 and X1. Of the two, Q2 felt cramped and despite the heavy discounts, it is out of contention. We kind of liked the X1 and I was going to pull the trigger on it (X1 Xline), but my friend (a car nerd) suggested I wait for the newer X1, especially one with xDrive. He strongly felt X1 doesn't have the BMW DNA and is based on an antiquated platform.

Here's what BHPian Rachit.K.Dogra had to say on the matter:

Unless you are very focused on the top 3 German brands, I would suggest Kodiaq and Tiguan. Tiguan is available with a 2L TSI petrol engine. Will be more spacious than any of the entry level BMW or Audi. Plus, you can have it with extended warranty and optional maintenance packages within 40 lakhs I think.

If the car being an SUV is not a barrier, the Superb L&K is a great choice. It is a mini SUV with a huge boot, good GC and full underbody protection.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

From the options currently available, I think your wife will love the BMW X1. Sure, it's not got the BMW DNA, but I don't think your wife is looking for it. It's the right size for the city, easy to drive, feels premium and has the badge. Perhaps just what the lady is looking for?

Would also suggest taking a spin in the Volvo XC40. It is very stylish.

If you are open to waiting, then the Kodiaq 2.0 Petrol, next-gen Tucson & XUV700 are coming too.

To all those recommending the Tiguan / Allspace, keep in mind that it has a stiff suspension and that can be a deal breaker for me. It's the primary reason I would never consider the car. Ride comfort is super important to a majority of customers.

My sister & brother-in-law bought a Tiguan in 2019. They HATE taking it on long drives.

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