East Kameng

•31w

Hi, I want to buy a new car with a budget of ₹20 lakhs. I am interested in a full-size SUV, not a compact one, and I prefer an automatic transmission. My monthly running will be around 1,500 km, with about half of that on highways. Which car should I choose?

•31w

We would recommend you go for the recently launched Mahindra XUV 7XO. Although your running is not that high, we would still recommend you choose the diesel variant as the petrol engine, though silky smooth and powerful, is not very fuel efficient. And considering half your driving is on the highway, there is an unlikely chance of facing any DPF-related issues with the diesel variant.

The diesel engine is also refined, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and quick shifting, which makes city driving and highway overtakes effortless. In your budget, you can get the AX5 diesel AT, which is well-equipped.

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Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.33 Lakh

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•1d

Hi, I currently drive a Kia Sonet HTX iMT, which I purchased in December 2020. It has covered around 46,500km so far, with an annual running of approximately 10,000km. My current daily usage is 34km, mainly on the highway, as my office is in an industrial area. I am now looking to upgrade to a mid-size SUV with an automatic transmission. My priorities are a feature-rich car with a 5-star safety rating, good mileage, and enough space for a family of four, with occasional seating for six people. My expected usage will be around 80% city and 20% highway driving in the future. My budget is around Rs 21 lakh, although I can stretch it slightly for a better overall package. Please suggest some suitable options.

•16h

Given your requirements, the best option is the Hyundai Alcazar petrol DCT. It's available as a six- or seven-seater, giving you the flexibility you need when your extended family joins you on your journeys, and its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is relatively fuel efficient for a car of its size. The dual-clutch automatic is smooth enough, though it can be a bit clunky at low speeds if not driven smoothly and carefully. Also worth noting is that even the base model petrol-AT Alcazar costs around Rs 21 lakh on road, and the Alcazar has not been tested by any NCAP authority.The next best option is not an SUV but arguably a more practical option - the Kia Carens Clavis. It uses the same engine and gearbox in a lighter package with more space on the inside. Other 7-seat SUV options with more space - like the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio-N and MG Hector Plus are available, but are nowhere near as fuel-efficient and will be out of your budget as well. All things considered, the Hyundai Alcazar is your best option.

I am planning to upgrade to an SUV, preferably Tata Harrier. My driving is very less within city and more on highways. Please suggest.

•1d

The Tata Harrier is a very good choice for your usage. With predominantly highway driving, the Harrier’s strengths really come to the fore. The diesel engine is strong and relaxed at cruising speeds, and the car feels planted and stable on long runs. The ride quality is also excellent, soaking up bad patches and undulations with ease, which makes it a comfortable long-distance companion.The only thing to be aware of is that Tata’s ownership experience can be a bit inconsistent depending on the service centre, so check the dealers out in your area as Tata Motors are making many improvements with their service. If you are open to alternatives, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth considering as well. It offers a more powerful diesel engine and is very well equipped.

Tata Harrier

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•4d

Hi, I used to drive the 2.0-litre diesel Jetta, but had to sell it after six years due to recurring repair issues. I then switched to a Creta 1.4 Turbo automatic. Now I’m looking to buy a new car that is powerful, with strong torque and bhp, safe, and reasonably spacious. I’m not too concerned about the fuel type or fancy features. What I really want is something that can give me the same adrenaline rush that the Jetta did.

•2d

Go for the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG. Coming from a Jetta, you will appreciate the strong mid-range punch, quick-shifting DSG and the overall driver-focused character. The Kushaq is one of the most engaging SUVs in its segment, with a well-sorted chassis and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. It also offers good safety credentials and decent cabin space for a family. If you want something larger with more space and a similar driving focus, the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic is worth considering, but the Kushaq is the closest modern equivalent to the Jetta in terms of driving feel.

Skoda Kushaq

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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Popular discussions right now

•3d

I have a Tata Nexon Creative AMT that is only a year old, but I have already had to replace the spark plugs four times and the ignition coil once. I am still facing engine misfires and vibrations inside the car. I am honestly fed up with Tata's service, as they have been unable to resolve the issue. I am therefore planning to sell the Nexon and buy a Kia Seltos with a manual transmission this time. My priority was safety earlier, and it remains my top priority. However, I now also want peace of mind and a hassle-free ownership experience. Would selling the Nexon and switching to the Seltos be a good decision?

•2d

Yes, it is a good decisionYes, it is a good decision to sell the Tata Nexon and move to the Seltos manual. The Nexon is generally a safe and well-engineered car, but if you are facing repeated engine issues and the service centre is unable to resolve them, it is understandable to lose confidence in the ownership experience. The Kia Seltos is a very well-rounded SUV with a strong safety package, a more refined ownership experience and a good service network. The manual transmission is also a good choice if you want to avoid any potential automatic gearbox-related issues. Overall, if peace of mind and a hassle-free ownership experience are your top priorities, the Seltos is a sensible upgrade.

Kia Seltos

Tata Nexon

•5d

I currently drive a Grand i10 Manual petrol and am now planning to buy a new compact SUV that is comfortable, fuel efficient and has low maintenance. My usage is 35km of daily office commute in Delhi-NCR traffic. Please advice which option is best fit amongst Hyundai Venue HX 6T, SONET HTK+O and XUV 3XO.

•5d

Go for the Hyundai Venue. With your daily 35km commute in Delhi NCR traffic, comfort and low maintenance are key, and the Venue delivers on both. The 1.2 NA petrol is smooth, refined and easy to drive in stop-start conditions, while Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the segment. The HX6T variant also gives you a good balance of features without pushing the budget too far.The Sonet HTK+O is mechanically very similar, but the Venue is a newer model and offers a more spacious cabin. The XUV 3XO is also a good option, but its turbo petrol engine won't be as efficient as the Hyundai’s.Overall, the Venue is the most sensible upgrade from your Grand i10 for daily city use.

I am planning to buy a sub-compact SUV. My budget is Rs. 13-14 lakh, and my priorities are a smooth automatic transmission and good mileage. I am considering the Brezza ZXi AT, Sonet HXT DCT, and Venue HX6 DCT. I am very confused because the Brezza’s torque-converter automatic offers good fuel efficiency but lacks some features, while the Sonet and Venue offer all the features I need. However, I am concerned that the DCT may be less fuel-efficient and could involve higher maintenance costs. My daily commute is around 30 km, mostly in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic. Please suggest which one would be the best choice for my requirements.

•4d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI AT. Your priorities are a smooth automatic, good fuel efficiency and a daily 30km commute in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic. The Brezza’s 6-speed torque converter automatic is the best fit for this usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to stop-start conditions, and the naturally aspirated petrol engine is efficient and easy to live with. Maruti’s service reach and low maintenance costs add to the ownership peace of mind.The Sonet and Venue DCTs are good cars, but the DCT gearbox is not ideal for heavy traffic. It can feel jerky at low speeds.Alternatively, if you can arrange for home charging, the Tata Punch EV is an excellent option.

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