I am currently using a Baleno, and I want to switch to an electric car or a hybrid. Could you suggest some good options within a budget of Rs. 22 lakh?

autocar.india

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With a yearly running of just 6,000km, petrol is the sensible choice, and the Hyundai Alcazar is a good option. It is a comfortable, easy-to-drive family SUV with a hassle-free ownership experience, and the 1.5 turbo petrol engine paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is powerful enough and relatively efficient too. Plus, since you're coming from a Creta, you'll be familiar with the Hyundai network and could even ask for a loyalty discount. However, the Alcazar’s third row is not as spacious as some larger cars in the segment, so if you genuinely need a proper 7-seater, it may not be the ideal solution. What's more, if your Creta is the 2020 or newer model, you'll find the Alcazar perhaps a little too familiar on the inside.The Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus are good options that offer more space. However, as you have noted, they're not fuel efficient at all, and moreover, in your budget, you will only get a low to mid-spec variant, whereas you will get a fully-loaded Alcazar. Another option to consider, though not an SUV, is the Kia Carens Clavis. Its MPV shape is more space-efficient, and you actually get more passenger and luggage room than the Alcazar, with the same efficient engines, for around the same price.

Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

MG Windsor

autocar.india

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The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV does have a roomier cabin and benefits from the latest 3XO interior, improved ergonomics and a long features list. However, underneath, it is essentially a facelifted XUV400. It carries over the same 39.4kWh battery pack, 150hp motor and front-wheel-drive powertrain, rather than using Mahindra's newer INGLO architecture seen on the BE 6 and XEV 9e. Mahindra itself positions it as the replacement for the XUV400.That means you're buying a car with a much-improved body and cabin, but not an all-new EV platform. The battery size and real-world range also lag behind some newer rivals, so while performance remains strong, the underlying technology doesn't move the segment forward.If your choice is strictly between the XUV 3XO EV and the Tata Nexon EV, we'd still lean towards the Nexon EV. This Tata car benefits from a more modern dedicated EV architecture, offers larger battery options, longer range and has matured into a well-rounded package over successive updates. The XUV 3XO EV's biggest advantage is its more spacious cabin, but that alone isn't enough to outweigh the Nexon's more contemporary electric underpinnings.If you're open to looking beyond these two, the MG Windsor EV remains our top recommendation in this price bracket. It feels like a segment above in terms of cabin space, comfort and overall value, making it the most compelling family electric car unless your requirement is for a more compact SUV.

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

Mahindra XEV 9e

Tata Nexon EV

MG Windsor

autocar.india

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For a 70km daily commute with only 7-10km of city driving, the Tata Tiago EV Creative+ 24kWh is a sensible and cost-effective choice. The Tiago EV is one of the most affordable EVs on the market, and its 24kWh battery is well suited to your usage pattern. With a daily round trip of 70km, you will be using roughly 30-40% of the battery per day, depending on driving style and AC usage, which means you can comfortably charge at home overnight without range anxiety becoming an issue.The Tiago EV is also compact and easy to manoeuvre, which is useful for the city portion of your commute, and its running costs are significantly lower than petrol or diesel alternatives. Compared to the Punch EV, Nexon EV and MG Windsor, the Tiago EV is the most budget-friendly option in electric cars. The Punch EV offers a higher driving position and more ground clearance, but it comes at a higher price and is not necessary for your usage. The Nexon EV and Windsor EV are larger and more expensive, and their extra space and features are unlikely to justify the additional cost for your daily commute.The only real drawback of the Tiago EV is its relatively small boot and basic interior compared to more expensive EVs, but for a daily commuter car, these are minor compromises. Overall, the Tiago EV Creative+ 24kWh is a practical and financially sound choice for your needs.

Tata Punch EV

Tata Nexon EV

Tata Tiago EV

MG Windsor