वॉल्वो एक्ससी40

As a proud owner of the first-batch 2020 Creta, I’ve put over 62,000 km on the odometer, taking it everywhere from long highway road trips to rugged mountain terrains. On flat plains, this car is an absolute beast—it gives you that immense power where you just want to race! But in steep hilly areas, I do feel it struggles a bit and needs more juice. It’s definitely a must-buy, but I think the design and comfort could be tweaked to decide what it really wants to be: an SUV, an MUV, or just a comfortable car.

and highways respectively. Space and comfort are also top notch for a hatch. Ride and handling are worth mentioning especially if you compare it with the 1st gen model. The only miss I feel is of a sunroof and rear armrest at least as an option, which would make this a complete overall package which is impossible to beat.

The Skoda Octavia RS is hands down one of the best performance sedans you can buy in India. It perfectly balances daily practicality with blistering, track-ready performance. The turbocharged TSI engine is an absolute masterpiece, pulling relentlessly across the rev range, while the DSG gearbox delivers lightning-fast shifts. While the suspension is noticeably stiffer than the standard Octavia—making some of our notoriously bad city roads a bit bumpy—it pays off brilliantly in high-speed stability and cornering dynamics. The cabin feels premium, and the Alcantara sports seats hold you perfectly in place. Safety is top-tier, and the European build quality is evident the moment you shut the doors. The styling is a perfect "sleeper" look; it’s understated but features aggressive bumpers and beautiful alloys for those who know what they're looking at. You do have to be prepared for premium maintenance costs and single-digit fuel economy in heavy city traffic, but every time you find an open stretch of road and put your foot down, it feels absolutely worth every rupee.

An undisputed hatchback leader of the country, Baleno does everything with exemplary finesse and smoothness. The 1.2 L petrol motor is an absolute gem and feels more lively with even the most gentle throttle inputs. The efficiency hovers atleast around the 15 and 20 kmpl mark in city and highways respectively. Space and comfort are also top notch for a hatch. Ride and handling are worth mentioning especially if you compare it with the 1st gen model. The only miss I feel is of a sunroof and rear armrest at least as an option, which would make this a complete overall package which is impossible to beat.