Some of the other cars mentioned here include the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, MG Hector and Mahindra XUV700.
BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Kia Seltos Facelift
What you’ll like:
- A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
- Handsome, contemporary styling. Looks very sharp
- We find the Seltos to be well-priced for what it offers
- Nice, user-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality
- Loved the 1.5L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel
- Both the automatics – Diesel AT & Petrol DCT – are simply fantastic!
- Mature on-road behavior, including at highway speeds. A+ brakes as well
- Unusually wide variant offering. Seems there is something for everyone
- Standard safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill start assist, TPMS, rear parking sensors, 3-point seatbelts for all, etc.
- Impressive kit (ADAS Level-2, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, HUD, front parking sensors, Bose sound system, wireless charger with cooling function, cooled seats, UV cut glass, & loads more)
What you won’t:
- Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard
- Back seat’s width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
- Firm suspension. Liveable, but bad roads will bother you
- Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
- Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – are the lowest in the segment
- Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread!
- You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV700)
Hyundai Creta
What you’ll like:
- A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
- We find the Hyundai Creta to be well-priced for what it offers
- User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good-quality parts
- Loved the 1.5L diesel. Will soon get the fast 1.5L turbo petrol too
- Smooth & competent automatic gearboxes available
- Sorted road manners & handling for a Hyundai, including on the highway. You will be surprised!
- The Creta’s safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS etc.
- Impressive kit (panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)
- Hyundai’s competent after-sales service, fuss-free ownership & upto 5-years standard warranty
What you won’t:
- Scored just 3-stars in the GNCAP crash tests
- Oddball love it or hate it styling. We find the Creta’s exterior design to be too weird & futuristic
- Firmer suspension isn’t as cushy as the 1st-gen Creta
- Back seat’s width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
- Some misses (no auto wipers, 360-degree camera, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims)
- Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – are the lowest in the segment
- You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier)
Volkswagen Taigun
What you’ll like:
- Has its own fresh, European character and complements its cousin (the Skoda Kushaq) nicely in a segment dominated by Indian, Korean and Chinese SUVs
- Unmistakably VW styling matched with solid European build quality
- Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
- 148 BHP engine makes the Taigun one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment!
- Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
- Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
- Safety features include up to 6 airbags, ESC (all variants), 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
- Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
- Advantages over the Kushaq = design that stands out more, cabin ‘feels’ better, fabric seats are executed in a nicer manner…
- 5-star GNCAP safety rating – full details here!
What you won’t:
- No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre
- Narrow cabin width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
- Interior colour scheme and quality don’t feel up to traditional VW standards. Some polarising details too (chrome outside, painted plastics inside…)
- Sure lacks the street cred / presence offered by some competitors
- VW’s after-sales service can be a hit or miss. Many VW owners find it expensive too
- Missing some now-expected features such as a subwoofer, driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric driver’s seat adjustment & rear window blinds
- Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard
- Kushaq’s ‘clever’ touches are missing = no spot on top of the dashboard to place a deity, no smartphone holders on the front seatbacks, no ticket clip on the windshield, no elastic band in the doorpad to keep items in place, or even something as simple as the small reflective tapes on the doorpads
Skoda Kushaq
What you’ll like:
- A breath of fresh (European) air in a sea of Korean, Chinese & Indian SUVs
- Classy exterior & interior styling matched with solid European build quality
- Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
- 148 BHP engine makes the Kushaq one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment
- Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
- Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
- Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
- 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all inclusive service packages available
- Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
- 5-star GNCAP safety rating – full details here!
What you won’t:
- No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks / litre
- DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability & breakdowns in India
- Narrow width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
- At 385 litres, boot space is lesser than its direct rivals (Creta & Seltos = 433L)
- Sure lacks the street cred / presence offered by some competitors
- Skoda’s notorious dealerships & after-sales horror stories
- Missing some now expected features such as driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric driver’s seat adjustment & regular USB ports
- Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard
Maruti Grand Vitara
What you’ll like:
- A competent hybrid car for the mass market
- 20+ km/l FE in city driving conditions makes the Grand Vitara cheaper to run than a diesel!
- Lower emissions will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. And those who aren’t ready for an EV yet
- Toyota’s reliability & expertise in hybrid systems is very reassuring in the Maruti
- Seamless Hybrid system that makes driving a breeze. A car you will enjoy driving in traffic
- Maruti’s AWD system provides impressive soft-roading capabilities. Can get you out of tricky situations when touring
- Compliant ride quality coupled with balanced driving dynamics
- Well-equipped with features such as driving modes, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, wireless smartphone charging, connected car features, wireless Android Auto + Apple CarPlay and more
- Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiences
- Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)
What you won’t:
- Practicality is compromised due to reduced boot space in the full-hybrid variant
- Interior quality and fit & finish are underwhelming at this price point
- AllGrip AWD is only available in a single MT trim. Missed opportunity to market a USP
- Interior is narrow and doesn’t feel as roomy as some competitors. Rear seat is best for 2 adults
- Lacks the outright performance of the competition. Runs out of steam above 110 km/h
- Not as engaging to drive as the German competitors, or the Creta / Seltos turbo-petrols
- NVH levels from the drivetrain are surprisingly poor for a hybrid. Sounds from the 3-cylinder engine, electric motor and brake vacuum pump filter into the cabin
- The Honda City’s Hybrid system is smoother, more sophisticated & more refined
- Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, premium audio + subwoofer, electric seats, electric parking brake, LED interior lighting, etc.
- Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
What you’ll like:
- Very good attempt at making a mass-market hybrid car
- 20+ kmpl FE in city driving conditions makes the Hyryder cheaper to run than a diesel!
- Seamless hybrid system that makes driving a breeze. A car you will enjoy driving in the city
- Lower emissions will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. And those who aren’t ready for an EV yet
- Toyota’s reliability & expertise in hybrid systems is very reassuring
- Compliant ride quality coupled with balanced driving dynamics
- Well-equipped with features such as driving modes, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, wireless smartphone charging, connected car features, wireless Android Auto + Apple Carplay and more
- Only Crossover in this segment to provide AWD capability
- Toyota’s after-sales quality is usually regarded as top-notch by owners
- Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)
What you won’t:
- Practicality is compromised due to reduced boot space in the full-hybrid variant
- Quality of interior plastics feels more “Maruti” than Toyota. Frankly, the S-Cross cabin feels better in quality
- Interior is narrow and doesn’t feel as roomy as some competitors. Rear seat is best for 2 adults
- Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, premium audio + subwoofer, electric seats, electric parking brake, LED interior lighting, etc.
- Lacks the outright performance of the competition. Runs out of steam above 110 km/h
- Not as engaging to drive as the German competitors, or the Creta / Seltos turbo-petrols
- NVH levels from the drivetrain are surprisingly poor for a hybrid. Sounds from the 3-cylinder engine, electric motor and brake vacuum pump filter into the cabin
- AWD available only on the MT (not the AT) and the mild-hybrid (not full-hybrid)
- The Honda City’s Hybrid system is smoother, more sophisticated & more refined
- Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)
MG Astor
MG Hector
What you’ll like:
- Big size & lots of bling for the money! We find the Hector to be well-priced
- A spacious cabin that can easily seat 5 adults. Massive 587 litre boot too
- Refined 1.5L petrol is mated to a smooth CVT
- Fiat-sourced 2.0L diesel is simply fantastic
- Compliant ride quality. Suspension is tuned for comfort
- Lots of kit (panoramic sunroof, ADAS tech, 360-degree camera, electric seats & tailgate etc.)
- ‘Connected’ Tablet ICE with an embedded SIM & lovely sound quality
- 5-year / unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance
- Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS & more
What you won’t:
- Awkward styling on the side & rear profiles. Looks weird from some angles
- Sloppy high-speed handling, noticeable body roll & easy understeer
- The turbo-petrol engine is “adequate” at best. Nothing for enthusiasts here
- Petrol CVT combination is a gas guzzler. Realistically, you can expect ~10 km/l
- No Diesel AT (Creta, Seltos, Harrier, Compass and XUV700 offer this combination, which we love)
- Some annoyances like the ~6 meter turning radius, strange rpm meter (digital)…
- Small after-sales network. Service quality & long-term reliability are big unknowns
- Don’t get blinded by the British branding. This is a Chinese car
Tata Harrier
What you’ll like:
- Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too
- Well-priced for the package on offer
- Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con
- Fantastic 9-speaker audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable
- The 168BHP, 2.0L diesel offers good performance
- Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
- 205 mm of ground clearance + terrain response system. Latter will make monsoon driving safer
- Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more
- Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control…
What you won’t:
- Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability. Few customers have reported problems
- Heavy steering gets cumbersome at parking / u-turn / crawling speeds (<5 km/h)
- Although improved, the Harrier’s steering @ 120 km/h is still a level too sensitive
- Diesel engine does get loud at 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too
- No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either
- Harrier AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive
- Service visit every 6 months / 7500 km (12-months is the norm today)
- Tata’s after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
Jeep Compass
What you’ll like:
- Handsome Cherokee-inspired styling & loads of character
- Solid build. Feels very robust, just as a Jeep should
- Powerful 2.0L diesel. Good driveability in the city, fast on the open road
- Mature suspension setup, nicely-tuned EPS & rock-solid stability
- Capable AWD available (unlike some competitors)
- City-friendly: Compact size, higher seating, smooth gearshift, soft clutch & low NVH
- Topnotch safety: Strong all-wheel disc brakes, a plethora of electronic aids & 6 airbags
- We think the Compass is well-priced for what it offers. The driving experience & overall package feel premium
What you won’t:
- Small size for the price! A sentiment echoed by most people who saw it in person
- Suitable for 4 adults, not 5. Boot is small too
- Tiny dealership network. Plus, after-sales quality & long-term reliability are unknown factors
- No petrol engine on offer as of now
- 4×4 is no longer available with the MT. AWD AT commands a ~4 lakh premium over 4×2 MT
- Turning radius of 5.65m is wide. Also, 17º approach angle is too low
Mahindra XUV700
What you’ll like:
- Handsome styling matched to solid build quality. Has street presence, feels robust
- Very spacious interiors with comfy seats and sorted ergonomics. 6-footer passengers welcome!
- 182 BHP turbo-diesel & 197 BHP turbo-petrol make for a potent line-up
- Smooth 6-speed torque converter Automatics available with both engines
- Sorted suspension with good road manners & high speed stability
- AWD available for the adventurous, unlike most FWD crossovers in the segment
- Loaded with features like radar-based driver assistance system, pop-out door handles, panoramic sunroof, driver memory seat, 360-degree camera, 10.25″ infotainment & instrument cluster etc.
- 12-speaker Sony audio system is fantastic! You’ll enjoy its sound quality
- Safety features include 7 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, hill descent control, driver drowsiness detection, TPMS, ISOFIX…
What you won’t:
- Negligible boot space with the 3rd-row seat up. Either 5 onboard, or 7 with a roof-top carrier
- Cramped 3rd-row seat is best suited to children only. A sliding middle row is sorely missed
- Petrol AT is thirsty due to its hefty weight, 197 BHP & torque-converter AT
- Some cabin plastics & a few rough areas don’t feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV
- Missing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, paddle shifters, full-size spare wheel, ambient lighting, rear sunblinds…
- Concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked, complex Mahindra
- Mahindra’s after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
- AWD is available just with the Diesel AT, and not the MT or petrol motor
Here’s what GTO had to say about the matter:
Absolutely love what Kia has done with the facelift. Good looks, powerful turbo-petrol, nice ATs, now better ride quality than the earlier builds which were too stiff, still fun to drive by crossover standards & a wide feature kit. It would be one of my top choices if I were looking for a 5-seater crossover of this size. But I have to admit that I’d think long & hard about the GNCAP crash test rating. The fact that I already have 3 cars with superb safety ratings would probably push me toward the Seltos 1.5L Turbo. Taigun / Kushaq 1.5L would be a close 2nd for their pleasure of driving. Among the new launches, I found the Grand Vitara & Hyryder to be extremely boring to drive – personally, I could never buy such a car.
If I were looking at spending some more and / or a bigger 7-row crossover, then the XUV700 without a doubt. It’s one of those cars that does everything well.
Here’s what BHPian mgastor2022grey had to say about the matter:
Voted for MG Astor – My own car. After all, I decided it using my own mind! How can I go wrong?
I know what you are thinking, there’s no driving feel, it’s a Chinese brand, cheap car, etc… But I must say, if you get to experience the Astor’s interiors once, no car in the 20L segment feels more plush (except the Seltos). When you experience the suspension of Astor, you feel that you are sitting in a pillow and other cars feel like a rock. If you see the boot of the Astor, other cars feel like a hatchback (except the Creta). When you drive an Astor, you will definitely love it (I know it’s underpowered, but trust me, it gets the job done. It’s not like the Seltos or the VAG twins, but it definitely leaves a good impression).
Moreover, only the VAG twins can come close to the Astor on the build quality factor. The Koreans fail miserably there. So, it’s safe to say that sitting in an Astor will be like consuming Amrut (pun-intended).
As GTO said, when I drove my friend’s Hyryder, it felt that something was pulling the car back, like it was not at all engaging. I am sometimes thankful that I bought a car that drives well. But once I got into a Seltos, it felt like my car was nothing. So, guess that Koreans are good at driving and Chinese are good at tech.
Here’s what BHPian Vandit had to say about the matter:
I voted for the Kushaq 1.5L. The DSG reliability has massively improved and I don’t see it as a constraint anymore. I own a ’17 GT Tsi and VAG’s service experiences have all been positive and hassle free.
The only real issue with the VAG twins is now they’re behind the “value add” curve with ADAS, powered seats and a slightly better cabin experience. Else, the active cylinder tech on the 1.5 petrol coupled with the slick DSG, proven crash safety and overall levels of quality are all wins in my book. Yes, it is half a size down on the competition, but if that’s not a problem – then it’s a very very good quality product overall. Couldn’t really care less about the panoramic sunroof.
Keyword: Kia Seltos Facelift vs Hyundai Creta vs VW Taigun vs Kushaq vs others