I am planning to buy my first EV, but I am confused between the BMW iX1 and BYD Sealion 7. Can you suggest which car is better in terms of comfort and technology?

autocar.india

•1h

Pick the Hyundai Venue diesel. Your driving is mostly on the highway and hills, and the diesel pulls strongly at low revs, making climbs easier. It will also save you money on long runs thanks to far better fuel economy than a petrol car. Your highway use will also keep the DPF or diesel particulate filter running at its best. The flip side is size. The downside is that the Venue is smaller than the Elevate. The rear seat is not as spacious, and the boot capacity is also lower.If you want a more relaxed highway feel and a roomier cabin, the Honda Elevate is the comfier mile‑eater. It's simple petrol is fuss‑free to own for years, but you will downshift more on steep climbs, and your fuel bills will be higher. The automatic also feels busy uphill.Other options worth checking are the Skoda Kylaq (strong engine and fun to drive, but a touch small for rear seat occupants) and the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel. If cabin space is a key requirement, consider the Kia Syros diesel, which offers a very roomy interior.

Hyundai Venue

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•18h

Pick the XUV 7XO diesel automatic for the better ride-handling balance. Over broken roads and big speed breakers, it stays calmer, and with five on board, it keeps its composure without that side-to-side bob you often feel in heavier SUVs. At highway speeds, it tracks straight, the steering has a natural weight, and body control feels more reassuring when you need to change lanes or brake hard.The XEV 9e does feel flatter through bends thanks to the battery’s low position, so quick direction changes are tidy, but its extra weight makes sharp edges and patchy city tarmac come through more firmly, and the braking feel is less consistent. On a long drive with family and bags, the Mahindra diesel’s suspension tuning feels more relaxed and confident.One caveat. In city traffic, the XEV 9e is quieter and smoother, so if most of your 10-15k km each year are short urban runs, you might enjoy that. But for mixed use as a five-seater, the XUV 7XO rides better and feels more secure.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9e

autocar.india

•19h

The Honda Elevate's engine is stronger, and the dynamics are slightly better. If you enjoy driving, go for the Honda. But do keep in mind that fuel efficiency won't be as strong as the Maruti, the CNG kit is fitted at the dealer level, unlike Maruti's factory-fitted unit, and boot space (like in the Grand Vitara CNG) will be compromised.If you want an efficient CNG powertrain without sacrificing boot space, then we'd recommend you opt for the Victoris CNG instead. Thanks to its tank placement beneath the boot floor, you don't sacrifice practicality, and you also get the peace of mind of a factory-fitted CNG kit.

Honda Elevate