BHPian BackInTheFold recently shared this with other enthusiasts: “I think you travel to search and you come back home to find yourself there.”- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Our 3-member family is evaluating a move back to Bangalore after a 3+ year stint in Singapore. After extensively using public transport and cabs, I’m looking forward to getting back on the saddle with a mix of dread and anticipation.Some quick general context that might be relevant:Looking to accommodate 2 well-built adults (5’11” and 6’1″) comfortably. At least one will be in the back seat at any given timeGiven the prevailing road conditions and visiting parents/elders, we believe SUV’s might be more appropriate than low-slung sedans or hatchbacksSafety is a paramount consideration and requirementWhile we think we need 2 cars eventually, the purchases can be staged over the course of a few monthsOur residential society has charging stations and sanctioned power to install a charger or a 15-Amp socket at our parking spot (if needed)We tend to hold on to our cars for a while. We can safely assume a 5-7 year ownership period if not longerPrior garage was a Jetta and an i10. I don’t think either will now do given that my son has shot up to 6’+ and the other needs mentioned aboveWife prefers new cars only. I might be able to convince on her on an exceptional specimen for Car 2, but frankly would prefer a car with warranty myself.We don’t care about frills like sunroof etc.We care about niggle-free ownership, low noise intrusion, powerful A/C and good to great music systemsCar 1 RequirementsLikely to be driven by an employee/driverPrimary usage would be city runs – I think 15-20 km per day; if we stage the second purchase and it is our primary car for a while, maybe a bit more initiallyEase of maintenance and employee/driver proof (I had to routinely replace the i10 clutch while the self-driven Jetta’s just kept going!)When not being driven by a chauffeur, the car will mostly be driven by me and occasionally by my wife (who is 5’4″)Budget would be 25 lakhs tops on the road and would be our first purchase. Ideally available by June/July in case there is a waiting periodCar will be registered in Bangalore. I’d be keen to maximize any sops offered by the government to recoup the high taxes which we’ll be payingCandidates Considered:Hyundai Creta N-lineHyundai Creta ElectricSuzuki GV/Toyota Hyryder Mild/Strong Hybrid (whichever is available)Car 2 Requirements:Tourer, primarily for travelling in South India. Should munch highway miles and broken/very broken roads with ease (think the Jungle Lodges approaches). I won’t be taking it off-roadingPerformance and safety would be key needsI would be the primary driver. Back seat should comfortably accommodate a tall teenager.Great noise isolation and music would be appreciatedIn general, we prefer function to form and substance to froth. We don’t care for badges or snob value – just competent and well-made vehicles that drive well and keep us safe. Prior cars have been all from the VAG stable (Audi A4 Quattro, Skoda Laura and Jetta)If not cavernous, boot space should accommodate family bags for international airport travelFull-size spare only with dedicated storage that does not eat up into boot spaceBudget would be 50-60 lakhs on the roadCandidates Considered:Skoda Kodiaq (spec TBD)VW Tiguan (spec TBD)I’d be keen to hear your inputs on the current candidates and any other worthwhile candidates I should be considering. Thanks in advance! Here’s what BHPian Geo_Ipe added to the discussion:You’ve just described an EV as your Car 1 requirements! Tata Nexon EV – Has been around for a while, spacious enoughMahindra 6E – New kid on the block, feature loaded MG EVs – MG has been doing alright in the EV scene, but personally none of their cars appeal to me The 50-60L segment currently doesn’t offer too many VFM options Skoda Kodaiq – In your list, is a good car to buyToyota Fortuner – Great highway mile muncher, not so comfortable nor value for money Mahindra XUV7OO – From a segment below, but does 90% of what the bigger boys do. Great engine & interiors as wellCheck out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
