For a monthly running of around 1500 km, which would be the better option - diesel, petrol, or EV?

Autocar India

•1h

Yes, sedans still make a lot of sense in 2026, and for your 80% highway use, the Hyundai Verna 1.5 turbo with the automatic is a great option. Its low, slippery shape helps you get better fuel economy at a steady cruise than most SUVs, and the turbo engine has enough punch for quick overtakes without needing a downshift. At highway speeds, it sits stable and quiet, and the boot is big enough for long trips.Driven calmly on open roads, you can see mileage in the mid to high teens, but if you drive with a heavy foot, it will drop. In slow, stop-go traffic the automatic can feel a bit hesitant, though your usage is mostly highway so that’s a small worry. If mileage edges out performance for you, the non-turbo Verna with the manual does better on fuel but is nowhere near as quick. For your brief though, the Verna turbo DCT hits the sweet spot.

Hyundai Verna

Autocar India

•2h

Its hard to recommend a car without knowing a few of your specific requirements like rear seat space, who will drive, city of highway use etc. However as an all-rounder go for the Hyundai Creta EV. Under Rs. 26 lakh, it gives you the most balanced mix of real-world range, everyday comfort and space, lots of features and a wide service footprint. It fits city life well with its easy size and smooth drive, and still does weekend highway runs without stress. The larger 51kWh battery will give you a real world range just over 400kms and if your driving is not a lot each day, you could even opt for the lower battery size model which would give you a real world range of about 250 to 300kms.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Autocar India

•5h

Pick the Honda City automatic. Over 6-8 years, it simply causes the least drama, holds value well, and its smooth automatic makes daily traffic easy while cruising quietly at highway speeds.For your 50-50 city and four-lane use, a sedan actually rides and tracks better than most small SUVs. The City is roomy, has a supportive back seat, and its engine-gearbox combo is relaxed and efficient - expect roughly 12kpl in town and 16kpl on highways. Honda’s reliability record and nationwide service mean low, predictable running costs, and resale after 6-8 years will be good. Safety is solid with a robust structure and a good spread of active and passive kit. It is not the newest 5-star poster child, but it feels secure at speed and the basics are well covered.One thing to be aware of: ground clearance is sedan-typical, so huge speed breakers taken fast will need care, and you may stretch above your Rs. 15 lakh budget. If that’s manageable, the City automatic is the most stress-free, future-proof choice for what you want.If you want to stay within your budget, opt for the Hyundai Venue 1.0 litre turbo AT, the compact SUV will also meet your criteria of reliability, good service, good resale value and safety with the new car scoring a 5-star rating in the Bharat NCAP tests.

Honda City

Hyundai Venue