Hi Autocar Team, I am very happy with my Hyundai i10 and am now looking to switch to an electric car, as 99% of my commute is within the city. My average monthly running is around 1,000 km, and we rarely travel to Konkan (around 500 km round trip). My main criteria are safety and comfort. I was inclined towards the Hyundai Creta Electric, but I have come across mixed reviews online. How do the Mahindra BE 6 and Tata Curvv EV compare to the Creta Electric? What would I be missing if I choose the Creta? Could you please guide me on the best option for my usage?

Autocar India

•1d

For your budget, it’s quite challenging to find an EV that genuinely delivers both a premium feel and strong road presence. Typically, those attributes come with larger electric SUVs that sit in a much higher price bracket.That said, you could consider the Mahindra BE6. It has a very striking, concept-like design that certainly stands out on the road and fits within your budget. In fact, the design is the BE6’s biggest talking point. It’s bold and quite polarising, so while not everyone may like it, it’s impossible to ignore.The interior follows a similarly radical theme, with a modern, tech-heavy layout that feels fresh compared to more conventional offerings in this price range. However, there are a few compromises to be aware of in this Mahindra car. Rear seat space is a bit tight for regular use, and there are some ergonomic quirks that may take getting used to.Given your high monthly running and predictable loop drive, the BE6 could still work well as a distinctive, urban-focused EV provided you’re willing to prioritise design and presence over outright practicality.

Mahindra BE 6

Autocar India

•2h

First, on the policy concern. E20 is the current standard, and cars sold today are fully compatible with it. The move to E85 or E100 is still at an early stage and depends on multiple things like flex-fuel engines, fuel availability and nationwide infrastructure. Even if announced, it will take years to become mainstream. It will not suddenly replace E20 across the country in the next one or two years.For existing vehicles, there is no risk of becoming unusable. Petrol cars will continue to run on available blends, diesel cars are unaffected by ethanol policies, and CNG vehicles are entirely separate from this transition. So there is no scenario where millions of current owners are suddenly stranded.Now, coming to your dilemma of ICE vs EV. With your usage of around 15,000 km a year and 60% highway driving, an EV is not the ideal fit yet unless you have very reliable charging access on highways. For your pattern, a diesel or efficient petrol still makes more sense in terms of range, flexibility and ease of long-distance travel.Between your shortlist, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is the better choice. Your usage is high enough to justify diesel, and your highway running will naturally keep the engine and emissions system healthy. It will also give you better efficiency and stronger performance on highways compared to the Amaze petrol. The Amaze is smoother and easier in the city, but it does not match the diesel’s efficiency and torque for your kind of usage.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•4h

Go ahead and buy the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Hyryder now. Waiting for E85 or E100-ready cars does not make practical sense.The current reality is that E20 is the standard fuel in India, and cars like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are already engineered to run on it without any issues. That means from a fuel compatibility and regulatory standpoint, you are already covered for the foreseeable future.While there has been talk about E85 and even E100, that is more of a long-term direction than an immediate shift. These fuels require flex-fuel engines, changes in fuel infrastructure and wider manufacturer support. Even if policies are announced, it will take time before such cars are widely available, tested and practical for everyday use.More importantly, the market direction is also moving strongly towards hybrids and electrification, not just higher ethanol blends. In that sense, cars like the Hyryder and Grand Vitara hybrid are already aligned with where things are headed.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Autocar India

•4d

Between the two, the Tata Safari does a great job of projecting toughness. It feels solid, has that reassuring heft, and its suspension setup really shines on broken roads and you can carry speed with confidence and it just shrugs off rough patches.That said, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the more rounded package overall. Its 2.2-litre diesel is not just more modern, but also noticeably smoother and stronger than the older Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre unit in the Safari. It delivers better drivability in everyday conditions, which makes a difference in city use as well as on the highway.Mahindra car has also worked well on the suspension, and the improvements show. The 7XO feels more composed, offers better ride comfort over a wider range of surfaces, and is simply easier to drive. It has lighter controls, better balance, and a more user-friendly nature overall.Where the Safari still holds an edge is in the third row. It’s more usable and accommodating, whereas the 7XO’s last row is quite tight and best reserved for occasional use.So unless third-row space is a priority, the 7XO stands out as the better all-rounder. It’s more refined, easier to live with, and ultimately the more modern SUV.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•3d

If you're comparing ride comfort, the Skoda Kylaq is easily the better pick, particularly variants with 16-inch wheels. Skoda has got its suspension tune spot on, its relatively softer setup makes it more suited to our road conditions. It rounds off speed breakers and rough patches better at slow speeds. Furthermore, the Kylaq feels stable at speeds and is surprisingly nimble and fun-to-drive around corners, too.In contrast, the Kushaq’s suspension feels a little firm at low speeds, so sharp bumps and small potholes do come through more in the cabin.

Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•6d

If your budget allows, go for a new Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 diesel automatic. It is the safer and easier pick. You get a fresh car with full warranty, no past accidents to worry about, and the latest software and small fixes that usually come after the first couple of years. Finance is simpler on a new car, resale later will be stronger, and Mahindra’s service network is wide, so upkeep is straightforward. The diesel automatic suits long drives and also handles city traffic well, with strong pull when you need it. Space, comfort and road presence are all there in this Mahindra car, which is why you shortlisted it in the first place.One thing to keep in mind is its size. It is a large car, so tight parking will need practice. Also, a diesel can sound a bit gruff at idle, and if your usage is only short city drives, you should take it on a longer run once in a while to keep the exhaust system in good condition.The only time the 2-year-old previous model with 19,000 km makes more sense is if you are saving good amount of money and it is a well-maintained, single-owner car. In that case, demand a full service record from a Mahindra workshop, get a dealer scan for error codes, check tyre and battery age, and confirm if any extended warranty can be transferred.

Mahindra XUV 7XO