Hi Autocar, I currently own a Tata Indica V2, which is now 19 years old, and I am planning to upgrade. I am looking for an SUV with an automatic gearbox within a budget of ₹17 lakh. My mother and I like the Mahindra XUV 3XO for its performance, safety, and features, while my father prefers the Toyota Taisor for its mileage. Could you suggest the best car for our needs within this budget? Also, as a family, we really like the Renault Duster. Considering that the new Duster has just been launched, would it be a better idea to wait for it instead of buying a car right now?

Autocar India

•2m

While the other cars you have listed are indeed capable for the reasons you have listed, if you all agree on the new Renault Duster, then you should go for it. The SUV has just been launched for Rs 10.49 lakh to Rs 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom), though the petrol automatic option you are interested in starts at Rs 14.49 lakh.

In your budget, you should be able to get the upper-mid Techno+ variant with the 1.3 turbo-DCT powertrain. While we haven't driven the new Duster yet, signs point to it being a good middle ground between performance and mileage, and it's expected to, as before, have excellent ride comfort.

It's also got that boxy shape that made the original so popular, and it's quite well equipped too, although the rear seat isn't as spacious as we had hoped. Bookings are open for the new Duster, with deliveries starting in April. But if you really don't mind waiting, the strong hybrid version is expected by Diwali, which should easily surpass the Toyota Taisor on mileage.

Explore cars mentioned

Toyota

Urban Cruiser Taisor

from ₹8.24 Lakh

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.22 Lakh

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Emmanuel

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I am currently using a Tata Harrier and am very satisfied with it overall. Now, I am planning to upgrade and am considering two options: either going for the latest version of the Tata Harrier again or choosing the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Could you please advise which would be the better option?

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While the facelift of the Tata Harrier received in 2023 was fairly substantial, it isn’t enough of an upgrade over your Harrier. Instead, we suggest you try something new and opt for the Mahindra XUV 7XO. It is a three-row SUV compared to the two-row Harrier, is better equipped with features such as a triple-screen setup as standard, and offers a more powerful diesel engine. Take a test drive of both SUVs before you decide.

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I have been considering purchasing the Honda Elevate ZX MT and recently visited a Honda showroom, although I did not take a test drive during the visit. I understand that the naturally aspirated engine is reliable and the overall ergonomics seem well designed. However, a few aspects have made me reconsider my decision, such as the under-thigh support for both the driver and rear passengers, the relatively boxy seat design (including how comfortable the middle seat is due to the hump), NVH levels, and Honda’s service experience. I am also wondering whether it would be advisable to wait for a potential hybrid version of the Elevate, although there is no clarity on when Honda might introduce it. Could you please advise whether I should proceed with the Elevate ZX MT or consider waiting or exploring other options?

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Hi Autocar Expert, I currently own a Tata Nexon XZA diesel and am planning to upgrade. However, I have a major parking constraint at my home. I am interested in the Toyota Innova Hycross, but if it is parked in my parking space, the doors cannot be opened properly due to limited space. Because of this, I am considering buying a car that offers an automatic or self-parking feature. Could you please guide me on which cars offer this feature and would suit my situation?

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Auto parking might not solve your problem if your parking space is too narrow to open the doors. The summon feature that the Tata Harrier EV gets could be of some use, but it won’t fit your requirements if you need a three-row vehicle like the Toyota Innova Hycross.Instead, we suggest you take a look at the Kia Carens Clavis. It is narrower than the Hycross by about 45-50mm and is roughly the same width as your Nexon, so it should fit in your parking space. In terms of interior volume, while it is not as spacious as the Hycross, it offers plenty of room in the second row and a genuinely usable third row.

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