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Shrey Aggarwal

12w

Hi, I am currently driving a Ford Figo Aspire Diesel and want to upgrade to a new car. My budget is around ₹18–22 lakh. I am considering the XEV9e, XEV9s, or the new Seltos Turbo Petrol. My running is mostly in the city, about 600 km per month. I need good driving dynamics and am open to other options. Please suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
11w

If you don't need an additional row of seats, opt for the Mahindra XEV 9E instead of the Mahindra XEV 9S, for its driving manners. It is quick, the steering makes it surprisingly easy to drive, and its ride-handling balance truly feels world-class. There are some good discounts available on the XEV 9E, so you could get a good deal. 

The new Kia Seltos turbo-petrol is an excellent option too. However, no ICE vehicle can match the smoothness and seamlessness of an EV, and simply for that reason, the XEV 9E is the better option.
 

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XEV 9e

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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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I am confused between Windsor EV (VFM) and XEV 9s (amazing driveability, feature-rich, and future-proof). My daily driving usage is low, around 300km per month, with occasional outstation trips (600kms once in every 3 to 4 months). I enjoy a good torque (acceleration) coming from a diesel world. When I did a test drive of Windsor, the acceleration was okay, but even in the lowest regen level setting, I felt a slight jerk. It makes sense from a VFM standpoint, but it felt like a compromise compared to XEV 9s.

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If you don't mind stretching your budget, the Mahindra XEV 9S is the one to buy. It's larger than the Windsor EV and offers the flexibility of a third row of seats. The XEV 9S is also packed with equipment. We aren't fans of the user interface, but it's still better than the MG Windsor.For someone switching from a diesel, the XEV 9S' biggest pull is its power. It's significantly more powerful than the Windsor EV, and acceleration is brisk in its sportiest driving mode.

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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 team

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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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Posted on: 25 Dec 2025