I am looking to buy a compact car for my family, with an annual running of 30,000–40,000 km. My father strongly prefers diesel vehicles, while I am also considering an electric vehicle within a ₹20 lakh budget. We currently own a 2017 Hyundai i20 (top model), which is nearing 3 lakh km and needs replacement. The new car will be used mostly for city driving, along with occasional long trips of 300-500 km. We also have a 2021 Jeep Compass 4x4 Model S, which has clocked 1.2 lakh km and will be retained, although its fuel efficiency is around 11 km/l. Given our usage and long-term ownership plans (up to 3 lakh km), should we opt for an electric vehicle, a diesel car, or a hybrid? We also have an 8 kW solar setup at home with surplus power generation. I am considering EVs like the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, MG Astor EV (if launched), and the upcoming Kia Syros EV. For diesel options, I am looking at the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Creta, and Tata Curvv. However, while I like Tata cars, I have some concerns about after-sales service. Could you suggest the most suitable electric or diesel automatic options for my needs?

Autocar India

•2d

Mostly city use with a 350 km round trip every couple of months, and an XUV700 already in the garage for longer highway runs, makes the Tata Nexon EV with the 45 kWh battery a good fit for you. In daily city traffic, it is quiet and smooth, so you will feel less stress than in the Creta you’re used to. You can charge at home overnight and skip fuel stops, which suits a second car that does lots of short trips. For your 350 km round trip, it can do the job with one quick fast-charge halt on the way if needed, and the XUV700 is there for the odd trip where charging is tricky.A couple of things to keep in mind. You need a fixed parking spot to install the home charger. On fast highway runs, you will plan one charging stop and check chargers on your exact route in advance. Also, the Nexon EV is a size down from your Creta, so rear seat and boot space are a bit less.If you want a similar size and a more premium feel, consider the Hyundai Creta Electric, though it costs more.Given your usage and that the XUV700 already covers long trips, the Nexon EV makes a lot of sense.

Tata Nexon EV

Hyundai Creta Electric

Autocar India

•7h

Go for either the Maruti Suzuki Victoris or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol, as both are fundamentally the same underneath and suit your requirement for long term, stress free ownership very well. Since you plan to keep the car for 15 years, your focus should be on reliability, ease of maintenance and peace of mind rather than worrying too much about E85 right now, because regular petrol cars are not expected to suddenly become unusable in the future.Between the two, the Victoris is the newer and more modern feeling car with a better quality interior, more features and a more premium overall cabin experience. The only drawback with the Victoris is that the sloping roofline slightly affects cabin airiness compared to the Grand Vitara, but overall both are excellent long term family SUVs and you can choose based on whether you value a more premium cabin or a more practical, airy feel.As for CNG, it only makes sense if your running is very high and you want to maximise fuel savings. Otherwise, a regular petrol version is the safer and simpler long term option with fewer compromises on boot space, drivability and convenience.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•3h

You should consider the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol IVT automatic for your needs. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and refined, and paired with the seamless CVT automatic, it makes for a calm and stress-free driving experience. And since your running is low, petrol makes more sense than diesel. Compared to the Kia Seltos, the Creta rides a touch softer, which you'll appreciate on your long drives. Hyundai’s dealer network and resale value are also strong, so your ownership will be simple, and you’ll likely get a bit more back when you sell later.A couple of trade-offs to note. The IVT is tuned for smoothness, not speed, so it won’t feel as quick as the turbo-petrol DCT versions. Also, the Seltos is a bit larger and has a more premium interior than the Creta. So if that's what you're looking for, then a Seltos makes sense, as both SUVs are mechanically identical.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•6d

You want a car that is comfortable in the city, easy to drive and capable of doing long trips for the next 10 years. The Toyota Innova Hycross fits this very well. The hybrid system makes it very smooth and quiet in city driving, and the automatic gearbox is effortless, which becomes more important with age. On highways, it is stable, comfortable and built for long-distance travel, which is what the Innova name has always stood for.What really works in your favour is long-term ownership. Toyota’s reliability, strong service network and resale value make it one of the safest bets if you plan to keep the car for many years. The Hycross also offers excellent space, easy ingress and egress and a comfortable ride, which are important for everyday use and for passengers as you grow older.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Autocar India

•6d

For your usage, a naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT or IVT is the best fit. These setups are smoother, easier to drive in traffic and more predictable, which matters far more in city conditions than outright performance. So yes, in your case, NA engines are better suited than turbo petrol.The Hyundai Verna IVT stands out as the most well-rounded option for city driving. The engine is smooth, the IVT gearbox is very intuitive in stop-and-go traffic, and the overall driving experience is effortless. It feels refined and easy to live with daily.The Honda City Hybrid is worth considering if your running is high. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, strong performance and is very easy to drive in the city thanks to its hybrid system. However, it comes with a higher upfront cost, and the battery placement results in a higher boot floor, which slightly affects practicality.Compared to the Verna, the standard Honda City CVT is also an option, but the engine feels a bit noisier, and the gearbox is not as intuitive as the Verna’s IVT in everyday use.

Hyundai Verna

Honda City

Autocar India

•1d

Going by your shortlist, you want a bigger family car on a tight budget and are looking at base trims. If you need the car in the next couple of months for mostly city use with some weekend trips, pick the Kia Seltos HTE (O) IVT. It is well equipped and, compared to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, gives you more back-seat space and boot room.The Brezza update will be relatively minor, though we expect the 1.5 NA engine to make way for the 1.0 turbo-petrol from the Fronx. Waiting for it only makes sense if you mainly drive in tight city areas and want an easier-to-park car.Overall, for a near-term purchase and everyday comfort, the Seltos lines up best with what you’re considering.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx