Resolved Confused in First Car as Automatic Choice in 10 to 14 Lakh Budget for Parents

Dear Jatin Sahab,

Greetings. Hope doing great !!

I can confirm you that Mahindra XUV300 W8 Option is a great choice from :-
1. Safe Drive
2. Comfort Oriented Suspension
3. Spacious for 3 Average physique Adults on rear seat
4. Pretty Stable on high speeds
5. Yes W8 Option comes with decent lifestyle features
6. Good Driving Dynamics with Multi Mode Steering, Performance oriented Engine

But - some pointers
1. Although Petrol AMT is decent but AMT in XUV300 Diesel is what signature element of XUV300
2. As per observation - wind noise is obseved on higher speed and cabin do not feel as well insulated as some other cars in segment (although yes Mahindra in last 3 years did signifiant improvement and suspension noise are pretty controlled but still driving on bad roads - cabin is not super silent)
3. Yes - Mahindra silently removing features and increased prices. In last 15 months prices increased to extent of 1 Lakh of XUv300 w8 option and W8 Option now lacks
a) Knee air bag removed·
b)· Door Ajar light removed and in place it was reflector·
c)· Keyless entry request sensor removed from passenger front door
d)· Remote Key fob will change to the Universal Key fob design
e)· Back side fog lamps removed·
f)· Back seat belt warning removed·- it was unnecessary

But still XUv300 W8 Option remains top pick even without these features.

Point is : What you get in XUV300 W8 Option
> Smooth Power Packed Performance
> One among few compact SUV which offers comfort oriented ride
> Best in class safety experience in compact SUv Segment
> Spacious Cabin with ease of Ingress and Egress
> Even after feature reduction - lifestyle & Convenience features forms well a part of this car including Sunroof, Touchscreen with Android Auto, Auto Climate control, Cruise, Alloys, Projector Headlight, Auto Rain Sensing Wipers, Push Ignition, TPMS, Rear View Camera and all - as this been first car you really wont have any complaints from feature perspective

Yes - its been 3 years and most of initial niggles been resolved in XUV300 and as product - XUV300 is fair stable product
Expectedly - all new XUV300 in 2022 may come with
> MStallion Petrol Engine
> Possibly will likely get Torque Converter Auto Gear Box
> Some Features reshuffling

But again this may further jack up prices to tune of Rs 50K to 75,000 of this SUV of top of line model variant and with no offers in n beginning
The fact that existing XUv300 selling with upto
> Rs 30K Cash
> Rs 10K Accessories
> Corporate Discount
> Some more dealer end negotiation

and existing Model - price differential will be like 1 Lakh Plus from existing XUV300 and upcoming model trim

Important: You dont get every requirement matched in a car but important is that core aspect should not be compromised.
Yes :-
> Cabin noise levels are there on high speed - but is not something a concern area - can well be adjusted
> Although Feature slashed and price hikes - but its industry phenomenon where car prices increased across board in last 15 to 18 Months
> AMT Unit although do not feel like the best in gear shift response (as against conventional Automatic - drive MG Astor CVT or Creta IVT or Kushaq - can understand the perspective) - but still on stand alone basis - its again like getting adjusted and am sure you wont complain once you understand the behavior of this car in terms of AMT unit gear shift change as you will continue to drive and adjust to get the best out of this car. Ofcourse XUV300 AMT cost lot lesser than other cars of Mid SUV Segment as listed above

But
> In cabin seating Space
> Fully Loaded Safety
> Comfort Oriented ride
> Still Fully Loaded Features - am sure the existing features list has lot many features to thrill in experience
> Performance aspect

you cant get better in this price range in top of line model variant and existing XUV300 W8 Option AMT Petrol can definite be a much decent buying call from requirement perspective

Recommended to consider in XUV300 W8 Option AMT

For Flex Engines
Government Notification on Flex Engines which can run on both
> Ethanol
> Petrol

View is optimistic as Goverment seek development of engines which are more
a) fuel efficient
b) Less Carbon Footprint
c) Flex Engines as which can use ethanol

However, ethanol do not have high energy content as crude oil - so theres slight an apprehension towards performance of these vehicles
Also, likely fuel efficiency concern too are there on cars running with high ethanol (even though ethanol cost lower as fuel)

Lastly - the way Passenger car sector facing challenges in terms of
> Profitability
> High Input costs
> Forex Pressure
> Competitive Dynamics

Flex engines will do take time and at time of initial launch - acceptability would not be too high
Every engine-transmission development improvises over a period of time and is best to wait for maturity of technology rather than to be early mover for same.,

Hope should help !!

Dear Jatin ji,

Sure, if you seek a level up Petrol SUV then MG Astor super CVT is there however with a caveat

Some Pros
> Yes looks stunning in exteriors with a differentiating road presence
> Pretty well stocked in Features List - LED Headlights, Auto Climate Control, 10.1 Inch Touchscreen with Android Auto, 17 Inch Alloys, Rear AC along with Camera and modern age convenience and styling features
> This Car based on MG Zs which scored 5 star in Euro NCAP - although there can be some differences in advanced safety as offered in model as tested in Global NCAP - but dont expect too many changes, Also Indian Version equipped with advanced active and passive safety as All 4 Disc Brakes, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Decent control, Hill Hold Assist along with other standard safety features
> Biggest Highlight would be CVT Automatic Transmission which is expected to be more smooth and linear as against AMT - can experience in better refinement

Some Cons
> Steering feedback and handling - which although feels light in city but is not USP for car who seek highway usage or true enthu drive. But be assured if you are someone whos going to have maximum in city use - 80%+ will love in sheer smoothness and refinement and light steering dynamics
> Not the best in fuel efficiency - as per initial feedback expect mileage in 9 to 10 Kmpl in city drive conditions
> Not an enthusiastic car If seek Performance - turbo petrol with superior. Also, yes, initial response too of car not the best again if you compare against Creta IVT or Seltos IVT as mild slow - but on standalone can say for masses who seek space, features, comfort, CVT refinement and good lifestyle experience as key note wont be disappointed
> If you drive in Kushaq Automatic - you may infact hate Astor CVT - spending 1.5 Lakh more and Kushaq feels like an altogether different ball game in performamce, handling, steering, high speed stability and driving dynamics

So - depends on what you seek
To view Astor although is mid way in between XUV300 and Kushaq - but if want to stick to budget XUV300 is decent call, else Kushaq for inspired drive.

Hope should help !!

Thank You Gagan, for clearing my doubts. Xuv300 looks like a right choice for me. I'm choosing Petrol over Diesel just due to Delhi NCR 10 yr restrictions.

Do you recommend any other car, which might be slightly costlier than Xuv300 but that price difference is worth it? Lets say if I extend it to around 15lkh.

Hi Gagan,

Thank You for clearing my doubts. Xuv300 looks like the right choice for me. I'm choosing Petrol over Diesel just due to Delhi NCR 10 yr restrictions.

Do you recommend any other car, which might be slightly costlier than Xuv300 but that price difference is worth it? Lets say if I extend it to around 15lkh.

Thank you Gagan, this helps me a lot. Yesterday saw your video. Get well soon sir ?.

Hi Gagan,

I just now saw one of your video, regarding sedan vs Compact SUV. And it got me confused because you stated some valuable points.

Ref: https://youtu.be/g5cPI7hWa0o

Although sedan have just 1 inch lesser ground clearance from sub compact suv.. i don't why but in Xuv300 i felt sitting really higher on road .. in much more commanding position. And it offers decent space in the back as well.

Could you please suggest few good sedans, i should look into.. same 13-14 lkh budget?

Dear Jatin ji,

Its the designing part of the car where due to
> Approach angle of SUV
> Raised Tyre Profile
> Seating Part Designing

which gives an impressive of raised seating

If you keen for Automatic Sedan with
> Comfort
> Space
> Safety

Possibly Honda City V CVT is great pick at jupper end of your budget or wait for upcoming Skoda Slavia which is due for launch in around Feb'22

Just a small note wile experiencing this car
> Dont drive in Eco mode - its too dull and take away experience from this car
> Is a Naturally aspirated petrol engine - so not quicker but yes is refined, seamless and goes on effortlessly

Hope should help !!

Hi Gagan,

I went for test drive for Honda City testdrive today. Wonderful car, but I feel SUV suits me much more.

Just 1 last thing... I dont have much knowledge about the engines. Few people suggested me that 3 cylinder engines are not good and not much stable. Although Mahindra might have masked the vibrations in Xuv300 but in long run 3 cylinder with turbo could cause an issue. They told me to look into Nissan Kicks.

Could you please share your views on it? Are 3 cylinder engines any good and reliable? Because when I drove Xuv300 petrol, it felt much more refined than 4 cylinder Brezza.

Thanks,
Jatin Arora

Dear Sir,

Kicks is flop in Indian Market and not much future left in herd of SUV Car Range
For Turbo Petrol Engine - we recommend this video which should help you to get on to ensuring reliability from Turbo petrol engines

We endorse in that Present age engines are pretty much reliable and timely maintenance and ensuring best practies in drive will deliver long lasting peace of mind ownership



Hopefully should help !!

Hi Gagan,

Hopefully this will be my last question. Thank you for your help.

My heart has now gone to Skoda Kushaq.

Just tell which will be a better choice.

Skoda Kushaq Ambition 1.0 TSI AT
Final on road price - 15.1lkh

Xuv300 W8 (o) Petrol AMT
Final on road price - 13.6lkh

There isn't a huge difference between price. But there's a little reduction in feature list.

Just wanted your point of view. Should I go with Kushaq?

Thanks,
Jatin Arora

Dear Jatin ji,

Certainly Kushaq
> Automatic against AMT
> Better Cabin Space
> Superior High Speed Dynamics
> Full Size SUV
> Slight Better Interiors

Only thing while going with Kushaq :-
> Dont miss to buy Skoda Service care package\
> Buy in October 2021 or later make car as EPC issue was persistent earlier which was resolved later on

Also prices in 2022 will be likely higher by 25K to 30K so if dealer has ready stock in 2021 and you plan for long term purchase - better to take delivery

Hope should help !!

Thanks a lot Gagan... Finally booked Skoda Kushaq.

Congrats !! Great pick
Merry Xmas !!

Earlier I saw one of your video regarding Car loan... And SBI came on top. They're offering fixed 7.35% for 7 years fixed interest rate. But today while dealing with skoda they suggested to go with PNB .. they're offering 6.85% for 7 years but floating interest rate.

Kindly suggest which one would be better.

Hi,

Depends on interest rate horizon
> If its short term then PNB Floating rate is recommended
> If its Long term then SBI or other banks which offer Fixed rate is recommended

Do note that interest rates will only firm up, so for long term tenure better to lock rates
Hope should help !!

I'm opting for 7years loan.

PNB for first 3 years interest rate is fixed i.e 6.85% and then floating.

I asked PNB employee they said at max it will show variation of 1-2% but at that time my principal amount would be very low.

And same like SBI, no processing fee or other charges and neither advance emi.

So I thought of going ahead with PNB.

Do you think its the right choice?

I was quite lucky ? I booked it at Excel Skoda Faridabad. They just had a car getting delivered by 31st Dec and the previous owner cancelled the booking. So showroom offered me around 1.2lkh discount.

Congratulations on Kushq Ambition at. based on Your quote, i checked at different skoda vendors for 15.1 L . none if them quote your deal price. may i know which place you booked? and the could you please tell deal you made for such a good price?

Hi, I am looking for an automatic SUV in the price range of 15L. Plz suggest me the best one

Hi Gagan,

Although you recommended me an amazing vehicle but this post is just for warning new car buyers.

Please don't buy skoda kushaq. There are several quality issues with this vehicle. Since the time of buying i.e 1st Jan 22, I've visited service centre more than 5 times.

Regards,
Jatin Arora