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Delhi
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Medipalli Murali Krishna sharma

5w

I have recently bought a Tata Safari Stealth Black Accomplished Plus X variant and also own a 2016 Maruti Suzuki Ritz diesel. I am planning to buy a new sub-compact SUV or sedan and would like your suggestion on the best car I can get for up to ₹15 lakh.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3w

Since you have a Tata Safari, we assume you want the smaller car primarily for city use, and interior space or highway stability would not be that high on the priority list. Thus, we would suggest the Skoda Kylaq. Measuring under 4 meters in length, it is easy to manage in crowded cities, and the 1.0-litre engine is peppy enough. Importantly, it comes with the option of a torque convertor gearbox, which is the smoothest type to have and something you will appreciate in stop-and-go traffic. 

If it's a sedan, then check out the Honda Amaze. This too is under 4 meters in length, has light and easy controls, and while the automatic isn't a torque convertor. It has a CVT autobox, which is still the better option to have than an automated manual (AMT). 

Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Kylaq

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DA

Daim

3w

Why would you say "highway stability would not be that high on the priority list"? Please Shed some light asI was about to buy this. And can u please suggest something better in around 13 lacs as high speed stability is on the top of my priority list. My priorities are SUV looking car with automatic gearbox with paddle shifters n a fun to drive element.

KR

Krishna

3w

I am looking for a car for city and highway and stability please suggest and also anything in 1.5 liter also recommend

Latest questions people are discussing

BP

Barun Pattanaik

6d

I’m planning to buy the Tata Harrier Hyperion (1.5L petrol), which was recently launched and costs around ₹23 lakh. I would like opinions on whether buying the petrol version at this price is a good decision. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is new and hasn’t been long-term tested in real-world conditions yet. Many reviewers say it isn’t underpowered, but I’m still concerned about real-world performance in situations like city traffic, highway overtakes, driving with the AC on, or with a fully loaded car. I also want to know the practical, real-world mileage (city and highway) that owners are actually getting, not just the claimed figures. Should I wait for more long-term reliability feedback before buying, or is it safe to purchase now? Alternatively, would it be wiser to choose the diesel version for proven reliability and better fuel efficiency? My main concerns are performance, real-world fuel efficiency, reliability of a newly launched engine, and whether paying ₹23 lakh for the petrol variant is justified.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
22h

Your concerns about Tata's 1.5-litre Hyperion engine being new are valid. If you are not in a hurry, it is advisable to wait a few months to see what buyers have to say about its reliability and efficiency. Do note that the same engine also powers the Tata Sierra, which is selling in huge numbers, so owner feedback should be coming soon.That said, the Hyperion engine is one of Tata's best engines to date. During our first drive review, we found that performance was much better than the displacement suggests. It picks up speed effortlessly and feels grunty in city driving, and even on the highway, it does not run out of breath. We also tried the same engine in the Tata Safari with six people on board and the AC on, and even then, performance was more than adequate. Real-world fuel efficiency will not be great, expect single digits in the city. The diesel will offer better efficiency and is a more proven powerplant, and if you are driving huge mileages, then it is the better choice. However, performance is not as strong as the petrol.If you are still concerned about reliability, we suggest you look at the Kia Seltos. The current generation has grown in size, resulting in a roomier interior, and the 1.5-litre TGDi petrol offers good performance and proven reliability. Before you decide, take test drives of both cars.

VehicleTata Sierra
VehicleTata Safari
PG

Prashant Gavhad

6d

I currently own a diesel Swift and am planning to upgrade to a bigger vehicle like the Tata Safari. I need advice on whether I should choose a petrol or diesel variant. My monthly city driving is around 2,500 km. Also, which is the most affordable variant with the essential features? Additionally, is it possible to buy the car from Goa to get a cheaper price?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
22h

Since your driving is on the higher side, a diesel makes more sense, particularly since you are considering a big car like the Tata Safari. The Safari is a good choice, and even in the Pure X variant (one above base). It comes well equipped with features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and a 10.25-inch HD infotainment system. Given that most of your driving is in the city, opting for the automatic will also be a worthwhile investment.We also suggest you have a look at the new Mahindra XUV 7XO. Even the base AX variant is very well equipped, the diesel engine is powerful, and the automatic transmission is seamless. Ride quality has also significantly improved with Mahindra's new Da Vinci suspension, which is standard on the base model.

VehicleTata Safari
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
SR

Sachin Rathod

5d

I am confused between the Hyundai Alcazar and the Tata Safari in the diesel manual variants. My annual running is around 40,000 km, mostly on highways. I am looking for a car that offers decent mileage, strong safety, and reasonable maintenance costs. Which one would be the better choice for my usage?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
16h

With your kind of usage around 40,000km a year, mostly on highways, the Tata Safari diesel would be the better option for you overall.The main reason is that the Safari is simply the stronger highway car, which is where you’ll be spending most of your time. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine produces more torque than the one in the Hyundai Alcazar, and that extra pulling power really helps during highway driving. Especially when overtaking or cruising with a full load of passengers and luggage. The Safari also has a more substantial feel and tends to feel more planted and stable at higher speeds, which is something you will appreciate on long highway runs. Safety is another area where the Safari has an edge.The Alcazar’s advantage lies in efficiency and ease of use. It is slightly more fuel-efficient and feels lighter and easier to drive in city conditions. Maintenance on Hyundai models is also generally predictable, and service networks are very strong. However, given that your driving is predominantly highway-based, these benefits may not be as significant for your usage pattern.In terms of running costs, both being diesel means fuel costs will remain relatively manageable, even with such high annual mileage. The Alcazar will likely return slightly better fuel efficiency, but the difference isn’t dramatic enough to outweigh the Safari’s advantages in performance, stability and overall highway ability.

VehicleTata Safari
VehicleHyundai Alcazar

Posted on: 9 Feb 2026