I am new to driving and want to buy my first car. My average daily running will be around 60 to 80 km. I’m 6 feet tall, so comfort and safety are important to me. My budget is around Rs 7–8 lakh, and I’ll be buying the car on loan. Please suggest some good options that offer comfort, safety, and strong resale value in case I decide to exchange it in the future. Thank you, experts.

Autocar India

•11h

You’ve already booked the Tata Sierra Accomplished 1.5 TGDi automatic. On paper, it fits your requirements quite well: five seats, predominantly city use, and a budget capped at Rs 24 lakh.The Sierra is a more modern product compared to the Tata Harrier, and as you rightly pointed out, it has strong road presence and very distinctive styling. In the flesh, the fit and finish on the Sierra is actually quite good. Panel gaps and shut lines are tight, and overall build consistency feels improved. It’s also worth noting that the Sierra is produced at Tata’s ex-Ford plant in Sanand. It operates to higher production standards than some of Tata Motors’ older facilities. That does give some confidence that quality levels are among the best Tata has achieved so far.Both cars use the same 1.5-litre TGDi petrol engine, but in the Harrier it is tuned to produce around 10hp more. In our experience, the Harrier does feel slightly smoother and a bit stronger in outright performance. However, for predominantly city driving of 1,800-2,000km a month, you’re unlikely to really exploit that extra power. What matters more is drivability, ease of manoeuvring and day-to-day comfort.This is where the Sierra makes a strong case. The Harrier, as you’ve noticed, feels bulkier and larger. In tight urban conditions, that extra size can become a bit of a handful. The Sierra’s slightly more compact dimensions and good visibility from the driver’s seat make it easier to live with in daily city traffic. The cabin design in the Sierra also feels fresher and more contemporary, whereas the Harrier’s interior, while solid, doesn’t feel as special.In terms of long-term ownership, Tata cars aren’t as reliable as global brands, but the quality has improved, and we don’t think this is a deal breaker. Given your budget, usage pattern and preference for a 5-seater that feels modern and manageable in the city, the Sierra is the better overall fit. If you can accommodate the two-month waiting period, it is worth waiting for rather than choosing the Harrier simply because it is immediately available.

Tata Sierra

Tata Harrier

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Autocar India

•12h

If your commute is no more than 50km a day, then yes, an EV could be a good solution for you. It will certainly bring down your running costs compared to a petrol car. After-sales service is not an issue; in fact, EVs require far less maintenance and upkeep than ICE cars. It's mostly consumables - like brake pads - that get changed with subsequent services. However, what takes a hit is resale value, which for an EV is nowhere as strong as for an ICE car. As for charging infrastructure, it's always advised to have a charger installed at home or at work (or both) to reduce reliance on the public charging network. As it is still developing, and in some regions it is unreliable. In and around a big city like Hyderabad, however, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. You should, however, plot at least 2-3 charging options on any highway journey you make, as functionality and queues are potential hurdles. As for which EV to buy, none will give you quite the same thrill as a Volkswagen Virtus GT, especially in the same budget. But you can try out the Mahindra BE6 or the Vinfast VF6, both of which are fast and fun to drive, with a solid build.

Mahindra BE 6

Vinfast VF6

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Autocar India

•12h

The new Tata Punch EV facelift, which has been recently launched, is hard to fault. It now offers improved range, strong performance and an excellent ride. What makes it even more attractive is the pricing. Tata Motors has launched it at a starting price of Rs 10.3 lakh (on-road), which makes it an exceptional value and even more competitive than before.The only real weakness of the Punch EV is the cramped back seat, which may not be ideal for regular family outings. If your daily 75km commute is the priority and your family can tolerate the tighter rear space occasionally, then you can go for the Punch EV without a second thought.However, if cabin space is critical for you, then the MG Windsor EV is the better option. It has a far more spacious and comfortable cabin, making it better suited for family use, though it is not as nice to drive as the Punch EV.

Tata Punch EV

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