Can you suggest some good used cars under ₹1.5 lakh? This will be my first car, and I plan to use it to build driving confidence. My usage will be minimal, with occasional driving and perhaps one long trip per month.

Autocar India

•3h

Go for the 2020 Maruti Brezza petrol manual, ideally a VXI/ZXI in good condition - for your use, it will keep your parents most comfortable in the back. The Brezza’s seat height and wide door opening make getting in and out very easy, which matters for parents. The rear seat is broad, the backrest is nicely upright, and the big windows make the cabin feel airy, so they won’t feel cramped on Pune traffic runs or the Konkan drives. In the city, the Brezza feels smooth and easy, with a light clutch and gearshift, and Maruti’s service reach in Pune and along the highway is strong, which keeps ownership simple. Your Tata Nexon shortlist is not a bad pick for ride comfort and safety, but the petrol manual can feel a bit heavy and jerky at low speeds. The rear windows are smaller, so the Brezza will likely feel easier and more airy for older parents.One thing to be aware of with the Brezza is that it doesn’t feel very quick when the car is fully loaded on the highway, and the cabin is simpler than fancy. If you want an even easier entry and the most space, look for a well-kept Maruti Ertiga petrol within your budget. It rides softly and the second row is very comfortable, but it is bigger to park.When you check the cars out, in addition to an overall check, look out for a smooth clutch action and a full service record before you commit.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Autocar India

•5h

The Renault Duster Hybrid that you have booked is a very sensible choice. It will offer good efficiency without needing charging, and for long highway drives, it is completely hassle-free. You can refuel quickly and continue without planning stops, which matters a lot at your level of usage. It is also a well-balanced option for mixed conditions and long-term ownership.If you are seriously considering an EV, the Mahindra XEV 9S is a strong fit for your requirements. The Pack One 79 kWh version offers a real-world range of over 450 km, which comfortably covers your 280 km daily usage even on highways. With home charging, running costs will be significantly lower than those of a hybrid.However, the Pack One variant is not the most feature-rich, and since you are keen on top-spec features, this is an important trade-off. Higher variants with more features will push the price beyond your current budget.If you want maximum convenience and a fully loaded experience, stick with the Duster Hybrid. If you want the lowest running cost and are okay compromising slightly on features, the XEV 9S Pack One is a very strong option.

Renault Duster

Mahindra XEV 9S

Autocar India

•5h

We haven’t yet tested the Tata Harrier petrol automatic for real-world fuel efficiency, though we plan to do so soon. The official lab-certified figures are also not available at this stage, and it’s worth noting that those tend to be optimistic compared to everyday conditions.Based on its specifications, a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with the Harrier’s substantial size and weight, we expect fuel consumption to be on the higher side. You can reasonably anticipate single-digit mileage in urban conditions, with highway figures improving to the low double digits depending on driving style and traffic.In short, efficiency isn’t likely to be the Harrier petrol’s strongest suit; it’s more about smooth performance and size. If fuel economy is your top priority, you may want to wait for our full road test results or consider smaller and lighter alternatives.

Tata Harrier