Currently, I am using a Volkswagen Polo. I now want to buy a new diesel car with a budget of under Rs. 15 lakh, but I am confused about which one to choose.

Autocar India

•5d

Being a Fiat Punto Evo owner, you're likely to lean towards the Citroen Aircross for its outstanding ride-handling balance, overall comfort, and its strong turbo-petrol powertrain. Fundamentally, it is excellent, and with the new interiors and feature set, it does make you feel like you've spent your money well. The only downside and perhaps the biggest deal-breaker for many is that its sales and support network is limited, compared to other brands. But if you have a Citroen touchpoint close to you, this is a car you must surely consider.In comparison, the Honda Elevate will be a more conventional option. What's nice is that its ride quality and long-distance comfort are quite good too, and its 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers strong performance.

Citroen Aircross

Honda Elevate

Autocar India

•3d

The new City facelift does make a stronger case now because Honda has added genuinely useful features like a larger infotainment screen and ventilated front seats, while pricing has remained fairly sensible. But fundamentally, the character of the car has not changed.Against the VW Virtus, the choice still comes down to personality. The Virtus is the more fun to drive option, especially with the turbo petrol engines, because it feels stronger, more eager and more engaging from behind the wheel. The City, on the other hand, is the more balanced sedan. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol is smooth, refined and easy to live with, but if outright performance is your priority, it will not feel as quick as the turbo Virtus. The City hybrid changes that equation because it is genuinely quick and can match the 1.5 TSI for straight line pace, but it is still not what you would call an enthusiast’s car.On the fuel front, yes, it is safe to buy a petrol car in Delhi NCR. Current mainstream petrol cars are already E20 compatible, and even if India eventually pushes toward higher ethanol blends, that transition will be gradual rather than an overnight switch. Beyond a certain point, if the country were to move meaningfully toward very high blends like E85, manufacturers would need proper flex fuel engines engineered for that fuel, and the government would also need to continue offering lower blend fuel options during any transition.

Volkswagen Virtus

Honda City

Autocar India

•4d

The BMW iX1 is a solid luxury EV and does exactly what you would expect from the brand. It offers a premium cabin, good rear seat space and a polished ownership experience. But as an EV package, it feels more conservative and less exciting than the BYD.The Sealion 7 feels like the more ambitious product. The cabin technology is richer, the battery pack is significantly larger, the range is stronger, and overall, it feels like a more modern and more complete EV. In terms of sheer EV sophistication, it has the edge.On comfort, it depends on what you value. The BMW has the softer, more traditional luxury car ride, especially at lower speeds. The BYD feels more spacious and more special inside, but the ride is firmer over sharper bumps.

BMW iX1 LWB

BYD Sealion 7