Hi, my daily run is 90 km (80% highway). I am presently using a Dzire petrol AMT and planning to change. My options are Punch CNG AMT, Punch 40 kWh Adventure, Nexon Creative 45 kWh, and Nexon Creative diesel AMT. My budget is Rs 15 lakh on-road. Please suggest a good car.

Autocar India

•1w

Given your high daily usage, buying an electric car is not advisable, especially within this budget. Given the battery capacities and real-world range of the EVs you have shortlisted, your usage would require charging every 2-3 days, which is not good for battery health.

Of the two ICE options, we would recommend the Tata Nexon diesel AMT. Not only is it larger, more spacious, and more comfortable than the Punch, its diesel AMT powertrain is far superior to the Punch's CNG AMT. The naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine isn't the strongest on its own, and feels weaker still on CNG power. This, combined with the AMT gearbox, will make it feel clunky on the highway, which is where you do most of your driving.

The Nexon's torquey diesel engine is much better suited to highway duties and is also very fuel-efficient, without the inconveniences of CNG - long queues for filling and reduced boot space. Plus, with your budget of Rs 15 lakh, on road, you could even get a higher variant than the Creative you have shortlisted.

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Tata

Nexon

from ₹8.32 Lakh

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Naveen Kondaveti

•1w

Yes.. Go for Nexon Amt Diesel

Dinakar

•1w

Why is the electric not recommended, will charging every 2-3 days be a problem?

Ora

•1w

Wrong Advice. Go for Nexon Ev 45kwh. You will recover the extra payment within one year. And battery comes with lifetime warranty. If you can manage less space and need more features then go for punch ev 40kw top model. But first choice is Nexon EV 45

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•2d

I am confused between the Punch CNG automatic and the Nexon CNG. Since the Punch is available with an automatic and almost all the same features as the Nexon, should I go for the automatic comfort with the Punch, or will the Nexon still be a better choice?

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•21h

Go for the Tata Punch CNG AMT. Not only will you benefit from the low running costs of a CNG, but you also have the convenience of clutch pedal-free driving. Additionally, the Punch's NA engine will be more efficient than the Nexon's turbo unit.Although performance won't be as strong as the Tata Nexon, as a point A-to-B city commuter, the Punch CNG AMT is hard to beat. So, unless you need the extra space or performance, pick the Punch CNG AMT.

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I am confused between the Mahindra XUV700 AX7T automatic and the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack 2 (above 70 kWh). My usage is mostly in the city with occasional long trips.

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If you have home charging available, the Mahindra XEV 9e Pack 2 makes a lot of sense. Electric cars are extremely smooth in city traffic, offer instant torque and have much lower running costs compared to petrol SUVs.However, if home charging is not easily available and you prefer the convenience of quick refuelling for occasional long trips, the Mahindra XUV 7XO automatic is the safer and simpler choice. It removes the need to plan charging stops and will feel more convenient for highway travel.Choose the XEV 9e if you have home charging and want lower running costs with a smoother city drive. Choose the XUV 7XO automatic if you want maximum convenience for long trips without worrying about charging.

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pooja

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I am planning to buy a new petrol car with a manual gearbox. My budget is around ₹13 lakh. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway. Could you please suggest SUV options within this budget?

Autocar India

•12h

With a daily running of around 50 to 60 km, a diesel automatic makes good sense as your monthly usage will easily justify the better fuel efficiency and relaxed nature of a diesel engine.Between the two options, the Kia Seltos diesel automatic is the better choice overall. The diesel engine is refined, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and well-suited for normal city traffic as well as highway drives.The Tata Sierra is also a strong Midsize SUV with more cabin space. But its diesel engine is noticeably noisier and less refined than the Hyundai-Kia diesel. It is also over a lakh more expensive in comparable automatic variants.For your usage and preference for an automatic, the Seltos diesel automatic is the more balanced and sensible option thanks to its refinement, smooth gearbox and lower price.

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