I am thinking of a EV car within Rs.60 lacs. My priorities are good ride quality and rear seat comfort since it will be used by my parents. I am considering th3 BMW IX1 lwb, Tesla model Y and Byd sealion. My apprehension with tesla is after sales service since I am based in Odisha. Which one would you recommend?

autocar.india

•1h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO. It is the safest compact SUV in your shortlist, and it is also the better choice for a first-time buyer. The 3XO has a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable 5-seater, and a compact footprint that makes it easy to drive and park. It also offers strong value for money with a good feature set and a proven ownership track record.The Tata Punch is a good car for new drivers, but it is a smaller SUV with lesser space, a less powerful engine and doesn't feel as premium as a package. The Hyundai Exter is also a good option, but it is not as spacious or as well-equipped as the 3XO. The Skoda Kylaq is a strong contender for driving enthusiasts, but the 3XO offers a better balance of safety, space and value for a first-time buyer.The 3XO is the most complete package out of all the options you're considering.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•2m

Go for the Kia Syros EV. With your usage pattern of 65 km runs in heavy traffic three times a week, plus local city driving on weekends, the Syros EV makes far more sense than the Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid. You have a predictable, high-frequency commute and the ability to install a home charger, which is exactly the scenario where an EV delivers maximum benefit. The Syros EV is a well-rounded package with a comfortable ride, spacious cabin and a premium feel, and it will handle your daily runs effortlessly while keeping running costs low.On the question of breakdowns and roadside assistance, Kia offers a robust support network and dedicated EV roadside assistance. In the event of a breakdown, the response time is generally comparable to that of an ICE car, and Kia can arrange for the car to be towed to the nearest service centre if required. The Syros EV also comes with an 8-year battery warranty, which covers the most expensive component of the car and provides peace of mind over the ownership period.The company lease arrangement with a buyback after three years further strengthens the case for the Syros EV. You are not exposed to long-term depreciation risk, and you get the benefit of lower running costs and a modern EV ownership experience without worrying about long-term battery degradation.

Kia Syros EV

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

autocar.india

•31m

With your usage now down to around 10,000km a year and no real requirement for seven seats, a good five seat SUV makes more sense than replacing one large Innova with another. The Elevate gives you a spacious cabin, excellent rear legroom, good ground clearance and a comfortable driving position, while the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol and CVT are simple and easy to live with. It also keeps ownership costs and purchase price sensible.The Toyota Innova HyCross is the obvious choice if maximum space and long distance comfort remain priorities, and its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating is reassuring. However, you would be carrying around a 4.75m long, three-row vehicle when you no longer need the additional seating. The petrol HyCross also returned only 9.7kpl in testing, which makes little sense for relatively low annual running.The Seltos is another option if you want a more feature rich and premium cabin, but for a retired owner looking for relaxed, long term ownership, the Elevate's naturally aspirated engine is a simpler proposition.

Honda Elevate

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Seltos