Delhi

•43w

Hello Autocar India, having recently sold my Mercedes GLC, I am looking to transition to a sedan that offers superior rear-seat comfort, lower maintenance costs, and stronger resale value. My absolute priority is the rear-seat experience for my parents, specifically a model with significant power-recline and a smooth ride. Considering the Camry, Lexus ES 300h, and German rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A6, which offers the best “boss-seat” experience?

•40w

Given the requirements you've listed out, it's hard to go wrong with the Lexus ES 300h. It's the only one in this price range that offers the power recline function at the rear and the ride quality of this Lexus car is superb.

Also, being a Toyota underneath, maintenance and services are fewer and more affordable than those of other luxury cars. The Toyota Camry is, of course, even better value, but it doesn't have the same luxurious interior as the Lexus.

With German brands having got significantly more expensive lately, the Lexus has somehow remained in the lower price bracket. Alongside the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series LWB, which only further enhances its value proposition.

Explore cars mentioned

Lexus

from ₹77.01 Lakh

Toyota

Camry

from ₹56.73 Lakh

Mercedes-Benz

C-Class

from ₹71.30 Lakh

BMW

3 Series LWB

from ₹73.05 Lakh

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•2d

Hi Autocar, I am looking for a vehicle under a budget of Rs. 55 lakh. My monthly running is between 700-800 km with 80% highway usage in Mumbai. I go for long trip of 2000 km around 2-3 times in a year and am looking for a car that offers space, comfort, performance and has good fit finish.

•1d

You haven't specified whether you're looking for a sedan or SUV. If you don't mind opting for a sedan, go for the Toyota Camry Hybrid. It feels luxurious - has a very comfortable seats, excellent space for four adults and their luggage; a plush ride; and its hybrid engine has ample pep to keep you entertained. Additionally, the Camry Hybrid will delivery exceptional fuel efficiency. With some mouth-watering discounts going on, you could get the Toyota at a great price.If it is an SUV that you prefer, pick the new Audi Q3. You might have to stretch your budget by a few lakhs, but it is certainly worth a serious consideration for a richly appointed cabin, strong 2.0 TSI engine; comfy ride, and overall, it feels engaging to drive.

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•3d

We have been using a 2019 Kia Seltos 1.4 DCT and are now planning to change our car. I am leaning towards a sedan, particularly the Volkswagen Virtus, for its performance, driving comfort and build quality. I have driven the Volkswagen Vento 1.0 TSI before, so I am familiar with the driving experience. However, the Virtus does not feel like a significant upgrade from our current car, especially because its interior seems dated compared with newer models. I have also considered the Toyota Camry, which looks beautiful and offers a more premium experience, but it is beyond our budget. We drive around 15,000km a year, with a mix of city commutes and highway trips. I want an engaging driving experience, good performance, comfortable long-distance cruising and a premium feel. A sedan is my first preference, but I am open to an SUV if it makes more sense. What would you recommend? Are there any cars that would feel like a genuine upgrade from the Seltos?

•2d

The Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 TSI DSG is worth considering if you want an engaging sedan with strong performance and good highway manners. However, since you already drive a Seltos 1.4 DCT, the Virtus may not feel like a substantial upgrade in cabin quality or features, even though it offers a different driving experience. The Toyota Camry would feel like a bigger step up in refinement and premiumness, but if it is beyond budget, stretching for it may not make sense.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth a serious look if you're open to an SUV. It will feel more like a genuine upgrade in cabin space, features, comfort and performance, with a more substantial family-car feel. It is enjoyable to drive, has good ride comfort, and if you do a lot of highway driving, you can also consider the diesel automatic, which is refined for a diesel and delivers strong performance.

I am planning to buy a new car and am considering the Honda Elevate VX manual. The colour I want may be available in a month or two. In the meantime, I am wondering whether I should consider the diesel Kia Seltos HTE (O) instead. I don't commute daily and mainly use my car on weekends, sometimes with my family, for city drives and occasional picnics. However, given the rising fuel costs, I'm considering the Kia diesel. What would you suggest?

•2h

Given your limited driving, a diesel car does not make financial sense. Since you primarily use your car at weekends for family outings, city drives and occasional highway trips, the additional upfront cost of a diesel is unlikely to be offset by fuel savings.If you prefer the Kia Seltos, we would recommend the naturally aspirated petrol version instead. It is smooth and easy to drive in the city and has enough performance for occasional highway runs, while saving you a healthy amount upfront compared to the diesel.The Honda Elevate VX MT is an excellent alternative too, with its spacious cabin, comfortable ride and straightforward petrol powertrain. Our recommendation would be to choose between the Elevate and the Seltos petrol based on your preferences for driving experience, features and comfort, rather than buying a diesel purely to save on fuel costs.

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•1w

Dear Autocar Team, I currently own a Dzire diesel manual (2018) and now I am planning to buy a new car but I am very confused between Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kwh and the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kwh. Although, I love diesel cars but since I live in Faridabad, my biggest concern is about increasing bans and restrictions on diesel cars. My main usage is on highways and bit within the city. I have clocked 1.3 lakh km on my Dzire in 8-9 years. I am getting the exact Harrier EV model for Rs. 22 lakh (on-road) whereas the XEV 9S will cost around Rs. 27-28 lakh (on-road) and that is my biggest confusion. Should I spend this additional amount on the XEV 9S for Harrier ev because I don't want any hassles as an since I plan to keep the car for the next several years.

•6d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

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•6d

I am looking for a petrol automatic car under Rs 12 lakh with good features. My first choice is the Honda Amaze, but I am concerned about its ground clearance and engine performance. Around 70% of my driving will be in the city. Would the Amaze be a good choice?

•5d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

Honda Amaze

•3d

For my personal requirements, I have shortlisted two cars including Mahindra 3XO Edge automatic and Brezza VXI automatic. The only reason for which I have shortlisted Brezza is because of its simple engine. Otherwise, everyone in my family wants to go with 3XO for its space, unique looks and bigger width. I want to know about TCMPFi engine. Will it be reliable and at least better than Nexon's Revotron?

•2d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO Edge automatic. The Brezza VXi automatic is a safe, simple and reliable choice, but the 3XO is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a wider cabin, more space and a more premium feel, which your family clearly values. The TCMPFi engine is a turbocharged petrol unit and is fundamentally a sound engine. It is not a new or unproven powertrain, and Mahindra has had time to refine it. It is also paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is a proven and reliable gearbox type. Compared to the Nexon’s Revotron engine, the 3XO’s powertrain is more refined and the gearbox is smoother and more conventional in its operation. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simpler and will likely be marginally more reliable over a very long ownership period, but the 3XO’s engine is not something to worry about from a reliability perspective. Given your family’s preference for space and the more premium feel, the 3XO is the better choice.

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