Autocar India
•3w

Hi, we live in Thane, and my commute is around 12 km on alternate days. Our budget is Rs. 20-25 lakh, and we’re looking for an automatic car. We’re open to both petrol and EV options. Based on reliability, comfort, mileage/running costs, and after-sales service, which cars would you recommend? Thanks!

Verified
•3w

With a 12km alternate-day commute and a Rs 20-25 lakh budget, you are in a sweet spot where both petrol automatics and electric cars make sense. The decision really comes down to your usage pattern and ownership priorities.

If you have a dedicated parking space with charging access, an EV is a very strong option. The Hyundai Creta Electric is the most sensible recommendation here. It is a well-rounded EV with good range, a spacious cabin and a mature ownership experience. Your running costs will be significantly lower than those of a petrol car, and the short daily commute plays perfectly to an EV's strengths. Another good option is the newly launched Tata Sierra EV, though unless you stretch your budget, you might have to settle for the smaller 63kWh battery.

If charging is not practical, a petrol automatic is the safer long-term choice. The Kia Seltos IVT is the recommendation here. It is a comfortable, well-equipped and reliable midsize SUV with a smooth automatic gearbox that is well-suited to city driving. Kia's after-sales network is strong in Thane, and the Seltos strikes a good balance between comfort, features, and peace of mind in ownership.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Hyundai Creta Electric

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Hyundai Creta Electric

Hyundai

Creta Electric

from ₹19.12 Lakh

Tata Sierra EV

Tata

Sierra EV

from ₹19.92 Lakh

Kia Seltos

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.98 Lakh

•3w

@shsu Go for Sierra EV because it is next gen car with solid build and rich features

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•2d

Hi Autocar! I am planning to buy the Creta EV. The showroom is providing a 7.5kW charger at a cost of almost Rs 75,000. When I search online, I can find options starting from around Rs 25,000 for the same-capacity charger. Does it make sense to go for such a charger, or is it better to stick with the Hyundai charger? Can you also provide some recommendations for safe, reliable chargers available in the market?

Verified
•5h

Go with the Hyundai charger. The Rs 75,000 price is not just for the hardware; it also includes installation, integration with the car’s battery management system, and Hyundai’s warranty support. That matters because if you ever have a charging-related issue, Hyundai cannot blame a third-party charger. With the Hyundai charger, you have a single point of accountability.The cheaper Rs 25,000 chargers you see online are often basic AC wallboxes without installation, safety certification or integration with the car. They may work, but you are taking a risk with a Rs 20 lakh+ EV. If you do want a third-party charger, look for brands like Exicom, Delta, ABB or Servotech, and make sure the installer is certified and the charger is BIS-approved.But our advice is simple: for a new Creta Electric, buy the Hyundai charger, have Hyundai install it, and keep your warranty and support intact. The Rs 50,000 difference is not worth the risk on a new electric car.

VehicleHyundai Creta Electric
•13h

Hi, which would be a good first car among Victoris VXI AT, Victoris VXI Strong Hybrid, or Seltos HTK IVT? What sort of discounts are available on the Victoris Strong Hybrid variants that could sweeten the deal? My maximum budget is Rs. 15 lakh ex-showroom. We are 4 members in the family with a pet dog. My usage is 80% in Bengaluru city, with a monthly running of less than 1,000 km. I am considering the hybrid if the pricing is good; otherwise, I am happy with the NA petrol variants. The purchase is not urgent, and I can wait until the end of 2026 or Q1 2027 as well.

Verified
•1h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI AT petrol. With your usage of less than 1,000km a month and 80% city driving in Bengaluru, the strong hybrid does not make financial sense unless you are getting a very substantial discount. The petrol automatic is smooth, reliable and well suited to city traffic, and the Brezza is a proven, fuss-free ownership proposition with Maruti’s service reach and low running costs. The Seltos HTK IVT and the Victoris VXI AT are good cars, but at Rs. 15 lakh ex-showroom you are at the lower end of their range and will be compromising on features, whereas the Brezza ZXI AT is a more complete package at that price point. The Seltos and Victoris are bigger, but not my much and the premium you pay does not justify the entry-level variants. The Brezza also has a comfortable rear seat and a decent boot, which will suit a family of four plus a pet dog and is a better deal overall.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
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•3d

I am planning to buy the Tata Sierra EV Adventure 75 ACFC. My daily commute is around 60 km. Would you recommend going ahead with it, or should I consider other options in this price range?

Verified
•1d

With a daily commute of 60km, the Tata Sierra EV Adventure 75 ACFC is a sensible choice. The 75kWh battery pack offers a healthy real-world range, so your daily usage will only consume a small portion of the battery, reducing range anxiety and allowing you to charge less frequently. The Sierra EV also stands out for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride and premium interior, making it a genuinely practical family car rather than just an EV novelty.

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•1w

I am confused between Taigun 1.5 Sport and Seltos Diesel X-Line top model. I have owned the Polo AT and Vento AT in the past, so my love for Volkswagen is making this decision difficult.

Verified
•6d

Go for the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI Sport. Coming from a Polo and Vento automatic, you already appreciate Volkswagen’s driving DNA, and the Taigun 1.5 TSI is a natural progression. The engine is punchy, the DSG gearbox is quick and engaging, and the overall driving experience is far more involving than the Seltos. The Taigun also feels more compact and agile in the city, while still being comfortable on the highway. The Volkswagen Taigun mileage is 19.54 kpl for the 1.0 TSI AT, 19.98 kpl for the 1.0 TSI MT, and 18.85 kpl for the 1.5 TSI DCT.The Kia Seltos diesel X-Line is a strong all-rounder with better space, a more premium cabin and a more relaxed long-distance character, but it does not offer the same level of driver engagement. The diesel engine is efficient and torquey, but it lacks the excitement of the 1.5 TSI. Given your history with Volkswagen cars, the Taigun will simply feel more familiar and more enjoyable to drive every day. The Taigun price starts at Rs 11.00 lakh (ex-showroom).

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•6d

I want to buy my first car, and I have a strict budget of Rs 10 lakh. I will not use the car on a daily basis; I will drive it occasionally, and I live in Kolkata.

Verified
•5d

For a car under 10 lakh budget and occasional use, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno makes sense. It is a genuinely spacious hatchback with a comfortable ride. It's easy to drive in the city and has a proven ownership record. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and reliable, and Maruti’s service network in Kolkata is excellent, which keeps long-term running costs low.For occasional use, you want a car that is easy to live with, dependable and does not demand much attention, and the Baleno fits that brief perfectly. It also offers a good balance of features and practicality within your budget.If you prefer a slightly higher seating position, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is worth considering.

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•1w

I am looking to buy an electric car in the Rs. 20-30 lakh price range. My driving is mostly within the city, with an annual running of only 5,000-7,000 km. Would you recommend buying an EV now, or would it be better to wait for the newer models that are expected to launch over the next few months?

Verified
•6d

With 5,000-7,000 km a year and mostly city driving, you are the ideal EV buyer. The Mahindra XEV 9S in its top-spec Pack Three guise will comfortably fit in your budget. With a 79kWh battery pack, you can easily expect a real-world range of around 480km in daily driving conditions. The 9S is also a full-size SUV with three rows, so practicality is excellent. There is a usable frunk as well, and the feature list is extensive with connected tech, panoramic sunroof, front and rear ventilated seats, drive modes, Level 2 ADAS and much more. Also, with 286hp, the 9S has plenty of performance for everyday needs. The overall package strikes a good balance and hence is our recommendation.

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Posted on: 17 Jul 2026