I want to buy a new car in Mumbai. My priority is ride quality on Mumbai roads, including comfort in the rear seat, along with driving pleasure for occasional long trips. I’ve shortlisted the Citroen C5 Aircross, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Range Rover Evoque, Tata Harrier and Tata Sierra, but I’m open to other options. Please suggest.

autocar.india

•9h

Rs 16.5 lakh for a 2024 Tata Curvv EV Empowered+ A 55 with 45,000km on the clock isn't very tempting, and you should definitely negotiate further. The car has covered a fair distance in a short time, so the price should reflect that. The Empowered+ A 55 is a well-equipped variant, and you are not missing out on anything major compared to the Series X - it gets some cosmetic tweaks and minor feature updates, but the core mechanical package remains the same.The back seat of this Tata car has been a point of discussion, mainly due to the sloping roofline, which affected headroom for taller passengers. If you do not have tall passengers regularly sitting at the back, it is not a deal-breaker. The seat itself is comfortable enough for long journeys, but the headroom limitation is something to be aware of. In terms of known issues, the Tata Curvv EV has not thrown up any widespread reliability concerns so far. Before buying used, check the battery health report, ensure the car has been serviced at authorised Tata workshops, inspect the tyres and brakes for wear, and look for any signs of accident damage or paintwork inconsistencies. Also, check that all charging cables and accessories are present.Overall, it is a good car, but push for a better deal given the mileage.

Tata Curvv EV

autocar.india

•4h

Given your requirements, the focus should be on ease of use, comfort and long-term reliability rather than performance. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the most sensible choice here. It is easy to drive, has a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin and it is easy to get in and out of. It is also extremely reliable and inexpensive to maintain, which is important for long-term ownership. The petrol engine is smooth and efficient, and with your low low monthly running, there is no need to consider diesel, hybrid or EV options. If you prefer a slightly higher seating position for better visibility, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a good alternative, offering the same reliability and ease of ownership in a more SUV-like package. Both cars are easy to manoeuvre in the city, comfortable on occasional highway runs and backed by Maruti’s extensive service network, making them ideal for your usage.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

autocar.india

•5h

The MG Hector petrol CVT is a comfortable and feature-rich SUV, but its fuel efficiency is a known weakness, especially in city driving. However, switching to a used Skoda Kodiaq is unlikely to solve your mileage concerns. The Kodiaq is a larger, heavier SUV with a 2.0 TSI turbo petrol engine, and while it is more powerful and engaging to drive, it is not significantly more fuel efficient in real-world conditions. In fact, depending on your driving style and usage, it could even be thirstier than the Hector.The bigger issue here is the financial hit. Rs. 13 lakh offer on a 2023 top-end Hector is a steep depreciation, and moving to a used Kodiaq will likely require a substantial additional outlay. Unless you are genuinely unhappy with the Hector beyond just fuel efficiency, it is not a financially sensible move.If mileage is your primary concern, the better approach is to adjust your expectations or driving habits, or consider a hybrid or diesel SUV in your next purchase cycle. The Hector remains a comfortable and well-equipped SUV, and it is worth holding on to unless there is a stronger reason to change.

MG Hector

Skoda Kodiaq