I have a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, and I am extremely satisfied with its mileage (900-1000 km from 45 liters). However, I am losing the joy of driving. I migrated to this car after owning a Swift Dzire Diesel and an XL6. The mismatch between engine revs and acceleration is becoming unpleasant. Overtaking feels riskier, and even the brakes feel spongy. I have experienced a few unpleasant situations because of this. As a result, I have reduced my overall speed, making the safety of my family a bigger priority. But the driver in me is unhappy. Should I upgrade to the Duster Hybrid, the Hycross Hybrid, or the newly launched Sierra EV? Also, do diesel engines still make sense today?

autocar.india

•6h

Get the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, because it runs the same Toyota hybrid system as the Hyryder, and you already like its face more. With 1,500 km a month, the strong hybrid’s electric assist in city traffic will save you big money on fuel, and this benefit is identical in both cars since the engine-motor-battery package is Toyota’s in each.Pick the Grand Vitara if design and a bigger service network matter. Maruti dealers are everywhere, parts are easy to source, and you’ll often find better discounts. The Hyryder doesn’t give you extra efficiency or durability just because it has a Toyota badge - the hybrid hardware and driving feel are nearly the same.One thing to keep in mind: Toyota usually enjoys slightly stronger resale in some cities, and its standard warranty terms can be a touch more generous, so check local offers. But if your heart says Grand Vitara, you’re not losing out on the hybrid tech at all - you’re getting the Toyota system either way.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder strong-hybrid. At 1,300-1,400 km a month, the fuel saving is big enough to recover the higher price in around 2-3 years, especially if most of your running is in city traffic where the car often runs on electric. It is also the easiest to live with day to day - smooth, quiet and always an automatic, so no fatigue in jams.The Elevate’s 1.5 petrol is simple and cheaper upfront, but in real traffic it will use noticeably more fuel. Over your kind of monthly distance, that adds up. One honest catch with the strong-hybrid: the boot is smaller and at expressway speeds it feels relaxed rather than quick if you’re heavy on the throttle. If most of your kilometres are on the highway, the difference in fuel efficiency will be smaller, though the hybrid will still be the more economical option. If you are on a tight budget and your driving is largely highway-based, the Honda Elevate 1.5 or the naturally aspirated Hyryder makes more sense. For mixed use or city-heavy running, the Grand Vitara strong-hybrid is the smarter buy.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•2d

With 12-14k km a year, skip diesel and go for a petrol automatic or a strong-hybrid, and consider an EV only if you have home charging. At this running, the extra cost of diesel won't pay back if you keep the car for a couple of years only, and short city trips can be annoying for modern diesel filters. A good petrol will be simpler and smoother to live with, while a strong hybrid gives big savings in traffic without charging hassles.If she wants easy city use with very low running costs, and you can install a charger, look at the Tata Punch EV for compact convenience or the Tata Nexon EV for more space. If charging is a headache, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid or the Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid are the sweet spot for city-heavy driving, with quiet starts and excellent mileage. If you just want simple and affordable, a petrol automatic, the Maruti Fronx works well for mixed city-highway use.

Tata Punch EV

Tata Nexon EV

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Fronx