I am a first time car driver and a buyer and am seeking suggestions. Please consider what you would suggest to your own younger brother.

I’m currently confused between two options and would appreciate some opinions/suggestions.

Option 1: Taigun Topline Automatic (Pre-facelift)

- February 2026 manufactured car
-Dealer’s initial quote: ₹19.4 lakh (Bangalore on-road)
-All discussions so far have happened over WhatsApp
-I clearly communicated that my budget is around ₹17 lakh, with an absolute maximum stretch to ₹17.5 lakh
-After knowing my budget, the sales advisor mentioned that there is room for negotiation and specifically asked me to come to the dealership so we can discuss numbers in person
-Assuming I can negotiate it down to around ₹17.5 lakh on-road

Option 2: Taigun Highline Automatic (2026 Facelift)

-Expected on-road price around ₹17 lakh
-New 8-speed torque converter
-Reports suggest the AC performance has been improved in the facelift
-Highline seems to cover almost all our practical requirements

Features I’d be giving up with the Highline:

-Ventilated seats
-KESSY (keyless entry and push-button start)
-Digital instrument cluster
-Auto-dimming IRVM
-Automatic headlamps
-A few additional convenience features

Usage:

-Ownership period: 7+ years
-Primarily Bangalore city driving
-Frequent weekend trips (~300 km one way)
-One or two long highway trips every year

My dilemma:

-Is the Topline worth paying an extra ₹50,000 if I can negotiate it down to ₹17.5 lakh?
-Does the facelift’s new 8-speed torque converter and reportedly improved AC make it the better long-term buy?
-How much resale advantage could the facelift have after 7–8 years?
-Which of the missing Highline features can realistically be retrofitted later without affecting reliability or warranty?
-For owners who have used both, do features like the digital cluster, ventilated seats, KESSY, etc., make a meaningful difference in long-term ownership?

Assuming these are the final prices:

-Taigun Topline AT (pre-facelift): ₹17.5 lakh
-Taigun Highline AT (facelift): ₹17 lakh
-Which one would you pick for a 7+ year ownership period, and why?

P.S. If anyone has recently negotiated heavy discounts on MY26 pre-facelift Taiguns in Bangalore, I’d love to know what kind of deals are currently possible.