Hi Team! I have started driving a car since 3 years and currently own wagon r 2013 model. Now I am planning to buy a car at a budget of 14 lakhs on road in Ahmedabad (Can stretch by 1lakh if needed). I travel 45kms daily on SG highway where my avg speed is 40-70kmh. I hardly go outstation so this car will be mainly for city driving. Can you suggest me 2 options with model with my priorities being a practical car, smooth transmission, decent mileage and stress free ownership. (Suggest Options other than Suzuki).

Autocar India

•5h

The XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT is the cleanest fit for your requirement today, and frankly, none of the other current options line up as well with the exact brief you have laid out.The fact that you already own two Mahindra cars is not necessarily a negative from a financial point of view either, because right now Mahindra SUVs have some of the strongest demand and resale momentum in the market. In fact, from a resale perspective over a 3 to 4 year ownership cycle, the 7XO is probably the safest bet in your shortlist. It also solves the exact frustrations you had with the Fortuner by offering much lighter controls, modern ADAS tech and a far more feature rich experience while still maintaining proper SUV presence.The new Seltos diesel AT is a very polished product and will likely feel more premium inside, but you have already identified the key issue yourself. It still feels like a size smaller in terms of sheer road presence and overall “status factor” compared to something like the 7XO.The Venue diesel AT should not even be in this discussion. It may be sensible, but it does not deliver the sense of occasion, size or highway authority you are clearly looking for.As for waiting, the upcoming Creta and Seltos strong hybrids expected next year will make sense from an efficiency perspective, but they will still fundamentally remain mid size SUVs. The RAV4 Hybrid is not even a confirmed India launch yet, and even if Toyota does bring it here, expect it to be priced aggressively high because it will almost certainly come in as a CKD or CBU initially. By the time it lands on road, it could sit far beyond the sweet spot you are targeting today.So the verdict is simple: buy the XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT now. It is the one that best balances presence, tech, ease of use and resale value over your intended ownership cycle.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Toyota Fortuner

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•11h

With 2,500 km a month and most of it on the expressway, a diesel compact SUV fits you best for Rs 13 lakh. The Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon are models to consider.The new Hyundai Venue is a great all-rounder with a refined diesel engine, a fairly spacious cabin and an upmarket interior. However, the Venue is on the pricey side by segment standard, so you'll have to look at a mid-spec diesel-manual within your budget. If you can extend your budget, go for the diesel-automatic. The torque converter automatic transmission delivers a very premium drive experience.If rear space is not a high priority, the Kia Sonet is also a strong option. The model is due to be replaced in the coming months, so there's scope to haggle hard and get a great deal on the outgoing model. Despite being among the older models in the segment, it impresses with its high-quality interior, feature set and smooth diesel engine. Again, it's the diesel-automatic combo that we'd recommend you go for.The Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel suits long highway runs because of its strong diesel engine and confidence-inspiring high-speed manners. It's also a roomy car and packs in plenty of feel-good features for the money.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•8h

Low running, long-term keep, and you care about mileage and a steady feel at speed - in that brief, the Kia Sonet HTK Plus 1.2 manual fits you better. With the same 1.2 petrol engine, mileage will be much the same as the Venue's in daily use, but the Sonet feels a touch more stable on the highway. Its steering has a bit more weight, and the suspension feels firmer, so it holds a straight line well and gives you more confidence on flyovers and open roads. Cabin quality also feels a notch nicer, which matters when you plan to keep it for many years.Know the trade-offs. This 1.2 engine is fine in the city, but with four or five people and luggage, it will feel slow to overtake so you will plan your moves. The Sonet’s ride is a little firm at low speeds, so sharp bumps are felt more than in the Hyundai Venue. If you often travel with rear passengers, then the Sonet's back seat can feel cramped compared to the Venue, but it makes up for it with a larger boot. If most of your use is inside the city and you want a softer, easier drive, the Hyundai Venue 1.2 in a similar mid variant will suit you. Overall, for your needs, pick the Sonet HTK Plus.

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue