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Delhi
MK

Manoj Kumar

11h

I have recently got my driving licence. Hence not confident in driving a car. But I plan to buy a car. My budget is under Rs. 11 lacs. Prefers low maintenance cost, good mileage and good thigh support in seating. My daily running will be around 5 km within Kochi city in Kerala. My monthly running will be about 80 km in single journey. Prefers petrol car. My parking space is about 12.5 foot in length. Hence length of car should be less than 12.5 foot. Which car is suitable for me.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2m

The best options for you are the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.

Both cars are compact and simple to handle, which makes them easy to park in tight spots and suitable for a new driver. These models are well within your budget and known for low running and maintenance costs. They will deliver good fuel efficiency for your short daily runs within Kochi and occasional longer trips of around 80 km.

The Ignis is shorter in length and fits your parking requirement comfortably. It also has a peppy petrol engine and a comfortable ride quality. The Grand i10 Nios is slightly longer than 3.8 metres, but it feels more premium on the inside and offers a refined cabin.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Front Left Three Quarter

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

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RJ

Rahul Joarder

19h

I am planning to buy a sub-4-metre SUV and have shortlisted two options: the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 and the new Hyundai Venue HX8. Both variants are priced around ₹15 lakhs (on-road, manual). What attracts me to each: I love the premium interiors and overall cabin feel of the new Venue. I really want the peppy, responsive performance of the 1.2L TGDi petrol engine in the XUV 3XO. My priorities: I want Hyundai’s hassle-free ownership experience (service, reliability, low maintenance stress). At the same time, I want Mahindra’s strong value-for-money (VFM) proposition. Usage pattern: The car will be used mostly on weekends and for long highway trips/getaways. No daily office commuting. We strongly prefer the manual transmission. Help me decide: Between the XUV 3XO AX7 and the new Venue HX8, which one should I go for, considering my mix of priorities (performance + interiors + ownership experience + VFM), and given the light usage?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
27m

Your understanding is spot on. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the sportier car to drive, thanks to its larger and punchier 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine. It feels more eager, more responsive and from a pure performance and value for money point of view, the 3XO AX7 makes a very strong case.That said, ownership experience is where the Hyundai Venue still has a clear edge. Hyundai’s mechanicals are proven, the service network is wide and consistent, and the brand has built a strong reputation for fuss free and reliable ownership. The 1.0 litre turbo petrol may not feel as explosive as the Mahindra’s engine, but it still offers good performance. Add to that the Venue’s premium feeling interiors, comfortable ride and space that works well for four adults along with a usable boot, and it comes across as a very well rounded package.

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VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
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Sunny

1d

I am thinking of buying a new Kia Seltos and have decided on the HTK-O model. I am confused between the petrol and diesel variants because the diesel costs around ₹2.30 lakh more, and my driving is around 1,500-1,600 km a month. Which one should I choose?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
15h

With a monthly running of around 1,500 to 1,600 km, the petrol version of the Kia Seltos HTK(O) makes more sense than the diesel. Earlier, the big fuel efficiency gap between petrol and diesel helped recover the higher diesel purchase cost fairly quickly. Today, with tighter emission norms, diesel engines are no longer as efficient as they once were, especially in city conditions. As a result, recovering the roughly ₹2.3 lakh premium you pay for the diesel is likely to take well over five years. This makes it a less logical choice purely from a cost point of view.If most of your driving is in the city, the petrol engine will also be quieter, smoother and easier to live with daily. The diesel still makes sense only if you have very high highway usage and plan to keep the car for a long time. Otherwise, the petrol Seltos fits your usage better and keeps the initial investment lower.If fuel efficiency is a key concern and you are open to other powertrains, you could also consider a strong hybrid like the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, which will be significantly more efficient in city driving. It is also worth noting that the next-generation Hyundai Creta and even the current Seltos are expected to get strong hybrid options by early next year.

VehicleKia New Seltos
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
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Varn

1d

I have been driving a Maruti Dzire VDI for the last 14 years and usually don’t change cars often. I want to upgrade. I use my car daily for about 10 km for office-to-home travel. Over the weekend, I do about 400 km (to and fro, primarily on expressways), and once in three months I do a 700 km trip to my village through forests and small ghat sections (average speed may not exceed 60 km/h). I want a car with a budget of ₹20-22 lakh on road. I will be the primary driver, and I travel with my dog and my elderly mother who occasionally accompanies me. I’m looking for comfort, reliability, and ease of ownership. I’m not too focused on looks or sunroof etc., just driving comfort for me and comfort for my dog and mother.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
16h

The Kia Carens Clavis fits your requirements extremely well. Even if you do not need a seven-seater, folding the third row gives you a massive, flat boot area, which is ideal for carrying luggage along with your dog. The cabin is genuinely spacious and airy, with large windows and a relaxed seating position, which will keep your mother comfortable on longer journeys and your dog calmer and happier as well. Ride quality is one of its biggest strengths, making it a very stress-free car to drive over long distances.A slightly smaller alternative is the Hyundai Alcazar. Think of it as a Creta Pro Max, which means it feels easier to place on the road and more compact to drive than the Carens Clavis. With the third row folded, it does offer a large and usable boot, but it is not as generous as the Carens when it comes to overall cabin room and luggage space. The ride quality is comfortable, though a bit stiffer compared to the Carens, especially on rougher surfaces.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis
VehicleHyundai Alcazar

Posted on: 23 Feb 2026