According to Autocar India's exclusive, Volkswagen's sub-4-meter SUV is expected only in 2027. This year, VW will launch the facelifted Taigun. Skoda has already unveiled the updated Kushaq, and VW will follow soon. 

And if you don't want to wait longer, you can consider the Skoda Kylaq. It comes with a fresh look, an updated cabin, improved AC performance and an 8-speed AT paired with the 1 litre Turbo, for a smoother drive and better efficiency. 

The Volkswagen Tayron R-Line is shaping up to be an interesting SUV. It is nicely loaded with features - more so than the imported Tiguan R-Line - and features sporty looks and a powerful engine. As for the DSG gearbox, yes, dual-clutch gearboxes have been known to experience greater wear than torque-converters or CVTs, but that is only if they're not handled with care, and mostly in stop-and-go conditions.

Best practices like shifting out of D at a standstill, rolling off smoothly will greatly prolong the life of the gearbox, and of course not skimping on recommended maintenance. Moreover, these issues were more prominent in older iterations of the DSG used on smaller cars, like the Polo's DQ200, things have been greatly improved in newer iterations and on larger cars with more powerful engines; the Tayron uses a newer DQ381-7A. 

As for VFM, we do not know the price as yet, though the hope is that local assembly will at least make it competitive. However, later this year, Volkswagen will launch a standard version of the Tayron, without the R-Line specification, that will miss the body kit and some features, and that could be the one to pick.

There aren't many choices in the Rs 50 lakh range for seven-seater cars, but there are a few options to consider. If the third-row space is not critical and will only be used occasionally for short trips, the best seven-seater for your budget is the Skoda Kodiaq. It drives exceptionally well, thanks to a smooth and strong turbocharged petrol engine, as well as good handling. 

The cabin is well-equipped and feels pretty premium, too. You could also consider the Volkswagen Tayron. It will be launched next month and is in the same league as the Kodiaq, though the price has not been announced yet. 

If third row comfort and all-around space are your priority, then Innova Hycross hybrid is your best option. But, it is a step down from the Kodiaq, and Tayron. Being a hybrid, you will find it exceptionally smooth, especially when it runs in full electric mode.
 

Broadly speaking, the higher you sit in a car, the more comfortable you are, which is why SUVs and MPVs are more comfortable over long drives. But it's not just the height of the car but lots of other factors like the ‘H-Point’ (the distance between your hip and the floor) under thigh support, the seat cushioning and finally the driving position which impacts comfort on a long drive.