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Ravi Vardhan

21w

My current car will complete 15 years in February 2026, and I am looking for a suitable replacement. I am an Army officer and will be buying through the CSD. I want an SUV with an automatic transmission and an on-road price between ₹18–20 lakh. Please advise.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
21w

The Mahindra Thar Roxx is a good option for you. It suits your job role well and comes with smooth diesel and petrol engines, both paired with equally smooth automatic transmissions.

If a 4x4 is not a strict requirement, the 4x2 version is still very capable. On top of that, it will be a bit more fuel-efficient, making it a practical choice for daily use as well. Mahindra Thar Roxx price starts at ₹16.81 Lakh (on-road) in Noida for the automatic transmission variants, which falls within your price range. 

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra Thar Roxx

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Pramod Kumar

3d

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

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.

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AB

Abhinaba

1d

I own a Grand i10 2016 model. I am looking to upgrade to an SUV (not sub-4m ones) with good power and torque. I prefer a manual petrol and want to avoid a turbo if possible. Focus is also on after-sales service. 80% of my runs are in the city. What are the options that I can consider?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7h

Go for the Hyundai Creta 1.5 SX MT. As a non‑turbo manual, it balances city drivability, adequate 115hp / 144 Nm performance, and Hyundai’s large, reliable service network.Since you prefer a manual petrol and want to avoid turbos, this 1.5‑litre NA with CVT gearbox suits you. With 80% city running, its linear throttle makes crawling and short bursts easy without turbo lag. The 115hp output is enough for quick overtakes up to city speeds. Hyundai’s service network and typical 10,000 km/1‑year intervals (confirm with your dealer) keep upkeep predictable. At over 4.3m, it’s a clear upgrade, not a sub‑4 m compromise.The one thing you give up is the mid‑range surge of a turbo; quick highway passes above 90-100kph will need a downshift or two to access performance.

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Utkarsh

5d

I currently drive a Land Rover Defender, which I absolutely love for its design and capability. That said, I’m starting to think about SUVs that offer a bit more performance and sporty driving dynamics. I’ve briefly considered the Porsche Cayenne, but I’m curious if there are other options that balance power, handling, and everyday usability. For someone coming from a Defender, what would you recommend?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
11h

As you've rightly said, the Porsche Cayenne is probably your best option. No other large SUV handles as well as it does, and you get the option of two powerful turbo petrol engines - a 340hp V6 and a 500hp V8. However, if you're not concerned with having the Porsche badge, you should consider the Audi Q8, which is mechanically similar to the Cayenne, but comes in three performance levels, is set up to be more comfortable and usable, and is far more affordable too.At one end, there is the base V6 version, with the same 340hp engine, and at the other extreme is the 650hp, V8-powered RS Q8 Performance. However, Audi is about to launch the SQ8 - with the 500hp V8 - in India, and this could be the sweet spot between price and performance for you.

VehiclePorsche Cayenne
VehicleAudi Q8

Posted on: 17 Oct 2025