I am planning to buy my first car with a budget of ₹12–15 lakh (on-road with BH number plate) for weekend short and long trips. I am 6′3″, so headroom and legroom are important, and I will usually travel with my wife and infant, so comfort matters. I also want good service center availability around Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and prefer a petrol manual. I’ve heard suggestions like Sierra, Nexon, Creta, Duster (upcoming), Syros, and other Kia cars. Which car should I choose based on my needs?

Autocar India

•8w

The Tata Sierra is a very roomy and comfortable car and would suit your requirements of space and comfort well. However, within your budget, you would get the base version and the naturally aspirated 1.5 Litre engine. This variant is not very powerful, and the acceleration is very sluggish, something that would be a problem on your weekend trips.

We would thus recommend you look at the Kia Syros; it is a smaller car on the outside, but you will find plenty of headroom as well as legroom inside. The engine delivers more than adequate performance, so weekend trips will be fine. Moreover, within your budget, you will get the top spec version.

Therefore, you can enjoy all the features, including some unique ones like sliding, reclining and cooled rear seats. This will be handy for your wife if she is seated at the rear with your infant in a child seat. Moreover, Kia service centres are fairly well spread, and the quality of service is quite good.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

Kia

Syros

from ₹9.82 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Nano

•4d

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 and Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 variants, as I prefer practicality over extra features. Alternatively, should I consider waiting for the Tata Sierra?

Autocar India

•19h

If you don't mind the additional spend, we'd recommend the Mahindra XUV 7XO in AX7 trim. Elements like its larger 18-inch alloy wheels and leatherette upholstery add greatly to the look and feel of things. While auto climate control, a 540-degree camera and front parking sensors are features you will appreciate every day. The Tata Sierra is not a like-for-like alternative to the Mahindra 7XO. The 7XO is larger, more powerful and also offers three rows of seating.Further, the 7XO is slightly pricier, too. Within Tata's range, the Tata Safari is an alternative to the 7XO.

Nano

I am looking for an upgrade. Does it make sense to buy the 3XO, coming from a Honda City? Please suggest. (Also open to other options)

Autocar India

•1d

If an upgrade necessarily means a larger car for you, the Mahindra 3XO won't be the right move after a Honda City. You'd be best served by midsized SUVs, which measure between 4.3 and 4.5m. Of the current crop of mid-sized SUVs, the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra are the best-rounded. The new-gen Renault Duster that launches on March 17 also has promise.If vehicle size isn't a dealbreaker, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good pick. It's got powerful petrol engines, feels solid, and ride and handling are also impressive. The interior is also spacious for what is a compact SUV, and higher-spec versions pack in loads of equipment too. In fact, a fully-loaded 3XO is better equipped than a fully-loaded City.Within the compact SUV segment, you could also consider the Hyundai Venue, which is a well-rounded package.

Pramod Kumar

I am planning to upgrade from Baleno to either the Sierra, Thar Roxx or 7XO. My driving would be 70% city and 30% highway. Please advise me on the best pick.

Autocar India

•1d

The Tata Sierra is the most practical option for you. It has a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride, and a punchy petrol engine. What helps its case in the city, especially compared to the other two, is the compact dimensions that make it easy to park and manage in traffic. The turbo-petrol engine with the DCT would be our recommendation as the naturally aspirated version lacks performance. The automatic gearbox is smooth, the engine is refined, and the ride comfort is excellent. It is also fresh on the inside with the latest tech and features.However, if you have a big family and a third row is a must, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option. It has a strong and refined petrol engine, and it also has a comfy ride. But you will have to manage its size in the city, and it will not be as easy as the Sierra.The Mahindra Thar Roxx is not as comfortable as the Tata Sierra or the XUV 7XO. It has a lot of character in its design, but lacks the plush ride of the Sierra and the premiumness of the 7XO. If you don't venture off the tarmac or don't do much off-roading, best to avoid the Roxx. The Sierra would be a good fit overall.

Tata Sierra

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Thar Roxx

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