Hello, I currently drive a VW Virtus GT and absolutely love it. Lately my office commute has changed, and I now have to travel about 50 km a day in Hyderabad traffic, so my fuel bills are increasing. I want to know if switching to an EV is suitable and advisable, as I’m worried about EV after-sales maturity in India and charging infrastructure on highways (like queues at charging stations). Please advise if switching to an EV is a good idea, and if so, which model within the same budget would give me a similar feel to the Virtus.

Autocar India

•2d

These two EVs are quite different in character and how you would use them. The Hyundai Creta Electric is a no-nonsense, practical SUV that is spacious, user-friendly, and very efficient. With a 51kWh battery delivering over 400km of real-world range, this Hyundai car is well-suited for everyday commuting and family use. The interface is intuitive, and there is a strong sense of familiarity if you have experienced the regular Creta; the EV variant essentially feels like a Creta with an electric powertrain.The Mahindra BE 6, on the other hand, is all about making a statement. Its radical design will turn heads, though it may feel a bit too polarising for some. It is the more driver-focused option here, with a sportier feel and impressive ride quality. The range is competitive too, but practicality takes a hit because the rear seat is not as accommodating, and the infotainment and controls are not as intuitive as those in the Hyundai.In the end, it comes down to your priorities. If you want a comfortable, easy-to-live-with EV that works well as a daily family car, the Creta Electric is the safer bet. If you are after something more distinctive, sporty, and primarily for self-driving enjoyment, the BE 6 fits the bill better.

Mahindra BE 6

Hyundai Creta Electric

Autocar India

•5h

For a 2018 EcoSport used on mixed city roads with the odd rough patch, the safer and more balanced choice is to stick with 16-inch wheels. If you want a fuller look and better grip, shift to a 215/60 R16 tyre on a nice 16-inch alloy. This works well because the taller sidewall cushions bad roads better, you are less likely to bend a rim or cut a tyre in a pothole, and tyre choice and prices are friendlier. Steering will also feel a touch lighter in traffic compared to heavier 17-inch wheels.If you really want the Ford 17-inch alloys, it is doable, but you should be aware of the trade-offs. Ride will feel firmer and sharper over rough roads, the chance of tyre or rim damage increases on big potholes. Tyres will cost more with fewer brands to pick from. To keep the overall size close to stock, go for 215/50 R17 (this matches the original rolling size better than 205/50 R17, so your speedometer error stays small). Make sure there is no fouling with the wheel arch at full steering lock or with a full load. Pick tyres with the correct load and speed rating. If your spare remains a 16-inch, use it only to reach a tyre shop.Between the two, we would stick with 16-inch for everyday Indian conditions. It keeps the EcoSport comfortable and tough, which suits daily use best. If the look matters most, the 17-inch Ford alloys with 215/50 R17 tyres are the best way to upgrade.

Autocar India

•1d

With 40 km a day in the city and about 400 km outside each month, you drive around 1,600 km monthly, so staying with CNG makes sense for low running cost. In that use, the Maruti Baleno S-CNG mid variant (Delta) is the best step up from your Wagon R because it feels more solid on the highway, is calmer at 80-100 km/h, and is still easy to drive and park in the city.You will feel a clear jump in comfort and seat support on bad roads compared to your Wagon R. The steering is light for traffic but steadier on faster roads, so long drives feel less tiring. You also keep the Maruti service network you already know, and the CNG running cost stays close to what you are used to.A couple of things to note. The CNG tank eats into the boot, so big suitcases will need some planning. Also, CNG is only with a manual, so if you wanted an automatic for traffic, you would need to pick a petrol automatic instead and accept higher fuel cost.If you want a taller car and do more family trips, look at the Maruti Suzuki Brezza S-CNG VXi. It rides better on bad roads, the back seat is roomier, and it feels more relaxed on highways, but again the boot is smaller and it is manual only. If you prefer a compact footprint with a higher driving position, the Hyundai Exter CNG is a good city-friendly choice and it comes with a dual CNG tank setup that's below the boot floor giving you a very useable boot. Overall, for your mix of city use and monthly trips, the Baleno S-CNG lines up best with what you described. Trim availability can change, so do confirm the exact variant at the dealer.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Brezza