I’m 30 years old and currently drive a 2011 Santro Xing. I want to buy a new car (budget ₹9–12 lakh). I drive 40–50 km per day and live in Kargil, Ladakh, so the car must handle high altitude, cold starts, rough/uneven roads, and be reliable. What car would you recommend and why?

Asked by: zulfiqar ali

There are plenty of options in your price range of Rs 9-12 lakh. However, if you mean that the conditions you drive through are rough and mountainous, then perhaps an SUV would suit you better than a sedan or a hatchback. Check out the Mahindra Bolero Neo, which has recently been given a facelift and an update, including a more modern touchscreen option. With its tough ladder-frame chassis, robust suspension, torquey diesel engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, it is excellent in hilly conditions and over rough surfaces.

Mahindra Bolero Neo

Mahindra Bolero Neo

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Autocar India Team

Nov 16, 2025

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