Autocar India
41w

I’m looking for a car for my wife, who is turning 30. Her daily usage will be short city drives, about 8 km to and from the gym, along with grocery runs and mall visits. Our budget is ₹15 lakh, and we already own an i20 and an XUV700. Is the Thar 3-door RWD a good option for her, or would something more practical and fuel-efficient be better?

Verified
39w
Considering her use is mostly in the city, the Mahindra Thar 3 Door is not a great idea as it's too large and bulky. It is best suited to the off-road track, or at least if you travel out for weekend picnics or getaways often. You can expect the Mahindra Thar Mileage to be around 9 to 11 kpl in the city and 13 to 15 kpl on the highway. 
Consider a compact SUV like the Skoda Kylaq, the Kia Sonet, or the Hyundai Venue, as they are the right size, but also practical and feature-loaded enough, with efficient engines. Given the limited usage and considering you have two other cars, you could also consider a compact electric car like the Tata Punch EV.
Tata Punch EV

Tata Punch EV

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4d

Hi, I want to buy a Thar, but I’m confused about whether I should buy a new RWD 3-door Thar or a used 4x4 Thar, probably a 2022-2023 model. I live in Pune, Maharashtra, and my main purpose will be camping a few times a month, along with some off-roading nearby. Highway travel would account for at least 80% of my usage, but I also don’t want to get stuck while off-roading. Please suggest which would be the better option.

Verified
1d

Go for a used 2022-2023 Thar 4x4. Your usage is 80% highway, but you also plan camping trips and some off-road trails near Pune. The RWD Thar is a good lifestyle SUV, and while it can handle most slippery situations, the added security of the 4x4 system is always a boon, especially for a vehicle like the Thar. On loose surfaces, steep inclines or wet trails, the RWD can get stuck far more easily than a 4x4. The 4x4 Thar offers low-range capability and proper off-road capability so that you can explore confidently. On the highway, the 4x4 Thar is not significantly different from the RWD in terms of comfort or cruising ability. A well-maintained 2022-2023 Thar 4x4 will still have warranty coverage, and Mahindra's diesel and petrol engines are proven. The Thar is a rugged, simple SUV, so buying used is a sensible way to get the full capability without paying the new car premium. The RWD Thar is only worth considering if your usage is strictly urban and highway. For your mix of highway, camping and off-road, the 4x4 is the right tool.

VehicleMahindra Thar
13h

I am using a Datsun redi-GO 2016 model and am planning to upgrade to a 5-seater automatic car. I mostly use it in city traffic, with an average daily travel of 60 km. I have a bit of a back problem, so I need a car that is suited for long-term ownership. I am open to suggestions for current or upcoming cars, except Tata and Mahindra. I initially shortlisted the Creta S (O) and later tried the Kylaq, but the Creta is expensive for my budget. My budget is Rs. 15-18 lakh.

Verified
12h

Given your requirements, the Skoda Kylaq automatic is the most sensible recommendation. Your daily running of 60 km in city traffic makes a petrol automatic the right choice, and the Kylaq's 6-speed torque converter automatic is well suited to stop-start conditions. The Kylaq also offers a comfortable ride and supportive seats, which is important given your back problem. It is also a more practical upgrade from your Redigo, offering a higher seating position and better overall comfort without stretching your budget.The Hyundai Creta S Optional is a good car, but it sits at the upper end of your budget and though it does offer additional value like a more spacious cabin. The Kylaq, on the other hand, offers a more engaging driving experience while still delivering a comfortable ride, making it better value for money for your requirements. If you are open to upcoming cars, the Honda Elevate facelift is worth considering as well, as it is expected to offer a comfortable ride and Honda's reputation for reliability. However, the Kylaq remains the stronger recommendation given your budget and requirements.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleHyundai Creta
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Popular discussions right now

6d

I want to buy a car for 40% city use and 60% long trips. I own a 2015 model of Celerio AGS. Should I buy Baleno AGS considering E20 fuel in the future.

Verified
6d

Given your usage pattern of 40% city and 60% long trips, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AGS is actually a sensible upgrade from your 2015 Celerio AGS. The Baleno offers a more comfortable cabin, better highway stability and a more refined driving experience, which will make those long trips far more enjoyable. The AGS gearbox is also well suited to your occasional city use, keeping things simple and efficient.On the E20 front, there is no reason to worry. The Baleno is E20 compliant, and modern engines are engineered to handle this blend without any long-term reliability concerns. Maruti has also stated that their E20 engines are built for a material tolerance of slightly more than E20, so on the material front the car should be good for something like E22 for example. The main impact of a higher blend would be a reduction in fuel efficiency.The only thing to consider is whether you want to stick with AGS or move to a more conventional automatic. If you are happy with how AGS behaves, the Baleno is a solid choice. If you want a smoother and more premium automatic experience, you could look at something like the Hyundai i20 IVT or the Honda Amaze CVT instead. Both offer a more refined automatic gearbox, which can make a difference on long highway drives.Overall, the Baleno AGS is a good fit for your usage and there is no E20-related reason to avoid it. The decision really comes down to whether you are happy with AGS or want to move to a more conventional automatic.

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Posted on: 14 Nov 2025