A newer used City AT is an option that is at back of my mind, but then I am also looking for something new.
BHPian sunilch recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
I have a query for both – Sedan lovers and SUV lovers.
I owned the 3rd gen Honda City for 4 years, and the rear seat comfort, rear space and seat ergonomics have spoiled my family.
The City I believe has the best rear cabin in its segment. It is very comfortable to drive too. But the car is now sold.
Now I am looking at options that are jack of all trades but master of none. Namely – BRV, Ertiga, Used Crysta, etc.
Not limited to these, but my criteria is easy to drive (I drive 60+ kms daily in Mumbai), AT preferred but not mandatory, and with good rear seats for the family. The Marazzo and old Innova are both rejected as they are large and MT only. They are also not very comfortable to drive in bumper to bumper traffic. For such a large vehicle I would prefer an AT.
The BR-V was rejected as rear seats were not good. Limited thigh support and thin seats. The Ertiga has similar issues, but is slightly better than the BR-V. A good low mileage Crysta is out of budget at present.
What are my options? I am looking for pseudo SUVs due to terrible road quality in Mumbai. Otherwise I am a sedan lover constrained by budget and parking space.
Should I compromise on the high ground clearance and AT needs, or are there good options in the market?
A newer used City AT is an option that is at back of my mind, but then I am also looking for something new. The City still has issues with ground clearance as it will scrape large breakers again (less compared to my 3rd gen but it will still be a scrapper).
To me the CR-V (previous gen) seems like a good middle ground here. Is there any other car I am missing?
Here’s what BHPian Kosfactor had to say on the matter:
60 kms a day means the vehicle’s fuel economy may matter to you, I would suggest taking a test drive of the XL6 Ertiga. It should be cheaper to run than the City while offering comfortable seating and good ground clearance as well.
Here’s what BHPian Poitive had to say on the matter:
Not sure of your budget Sunil. Based on the above, some quick thoughts:
- Honda City 4th gen is immense VFM. You get something you’re familiar and happy with.
- XUV300 if you don’t need a large boot. A 2600mm wheelbase in a sub 4m car (city friendly size, and you pay less taxes). I believe it comes from the Ssangyong stables to Mahindra’s. Many variants to choose from.
- If a Hector is within a stretched budget, it is worth considering for it’s comfort oriented nature and an excellent spacious cabin for the family. Easy ingress-egress with good GC, soft suspension, reclining rear seats soft steering. The FE of Petrol might be poor with an AT in the city (CVT available now fares better); excellent Diesel though more frugal is without an AT. If budget allows, dont strike it off based on hearsay – it is a well rounded package.
Test drives of the Hector and a few others in the Choosing an SUV thread I started (focused on ones between a wheelbase of 2600-2800mm). Link here.
Edit: Again, if within budget, Creta? City friendly and well rounded. Nissan Kicks could be another odd choice, though it is more performance oriented, but more VFM than Creta for many. (More on the linked thread).
Here’s what BHPian aniketi had to say on the matter:
After using an LUV (Ertiga) for the last more than 5 years, I am spoiled for the space and flexibility I get with it. Previously, I had the facelift model of the Ertiga in diesel avatar (Vdi). Now recently I got an Ertiga Zxi+. It has lots of positives going its way. It has better space than sedans, better luggage carrying capacity, better ingress and egress, you sit at a better height than sedans which is very useful for elderly people in the family. It has better ground clearance than sedans & gives me enough confidence of taking on bad roads or speed breakers. Te flexibility it offers is priceless for me. When required, you can accommodate 7-8 people as well for short trips which is impossible in any sedan.
Here’s what BHPian SHivam had to say on the matter:
Having driven only tall boy and LUV for over 2 lakh kms, I seriously wonder if I’d ever be able to adjust with a sedan. I used to like the smooth Honda city drive albeit for short distances. Sometimes while touring a day full of driving in the Ertiga coupled with sightseeing, walking, etc wouldn’t make me tired, but I doubt if I will get the same comfort in sedans anymore.
After about a decade or so, I got the chance to drive an Ameo for about 50 kms in highway + city, but got tired very easily. It was as if I was struggling for space with that low seating and cramped legroom. Not sure if it was just a bad comparison, but overall, not interested in sedans anymore.
Keyword: Replacement for a 3rd gen Honda City: Sedan or SUV