Hi Autocar team, I am looking for a premium EV. I am confused between the BYD Sealion, Model Y, and Model YL. We are a family of four with mostly city driving and take outstation trips twice a month of about 350-400 km. Which would be the best option in terms of value for money? I also like sporty looks. We plan to set up home charging. I currently drive a Skoda Superb and am looking to replace it.

autocar.india

•23m

Based on your usage, we'd recommend the Volkswagen Taigun GT 1.5 TSI DSG.Covering around 500km on most weekends, primarily on the highway, and prioritising performance over fuel efficiency, the Taigun is the most engaging SUV on your shortlist. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is strong and refined, while the DSG gearbox complements it beautifully, making it a genuinely enjoyable car to drive. It also has excellent high-speed stability and feels more involving than both the Seltos and the Sierra.One SUV that isn't on your shortlist but is well worth considering is the Mahindra XUV 7XO. While your Rs. 25 lakh budget won't get you the absolute top variant, it will still buy you a well-equipped model that feels like a significant upgrade over your current Creta. It offers a spacious cabin, strong performance and a more premium overall experience.

Volkswagen Taigun

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•1h

Pick the MG Windsor EV Exclusive Pro, because your main worry is fuel price and ethanol - an EV sidesteps both and makes daily running far cheaper if you can charge at home. In city use, an EV is happier in traffic and with the AC on, and even if the battery loses 15-20% range in 4-5 years, most owners still have more than enough for a normal weekday. MG usually backs the battery for many years, so you are covered if degradation is abnormal.The Seltos 1.5 NA is solid and E20-ready, so ethanol itself is not a deal-breaker. But mileage does dip a bit with higher ethanol, and if your monthly running is high, fuel bills will sting. Also, a manual Seltos in heavy traffic will tire you sooner than the EV’s one-pedal ease.The point to consider with the Windsor is highway convenience and charging access. If you do frequent long trips or cannot install a home charger, the Seltos will be simpler to live with today. But if your life is mostly city with occasional trips and you can plug in at home, the Windsor EV suits your concerns better and will cost less to run over time.

MG Windsor

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2h

Go for the Kia Seltos diesel. Your daily 150 km and 75% highway use suit a diesel perfectly, and the Seltos' motor is efficient on long runs - expect an efficiency on highways in the high teens so your 3,500-4,000 km months won’t bleed your wallet. The Seltos also rides comfortably over broken rural stretches, has enough space for 3-4 people every day, and a boot sufficient for those 3,000-4,000 km family tours. Pick the automatic if you’re often stuck in traffic or drive long hours; the manual will squeeze out a bit more mileage. Safety kit and highway stability are solid, and the cabin keeps fatigue low on all-day drives.One caution: it’s not a hardcore rough-road SUV. If your “rural” is truly bad roads or light off-road trails every day, you’ll need to slow down, and tyre upgrades may help, or consider something like the diesel Mahindra XUV 7XO with AWD, though this would be a pricier option.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO