I use my car for a daily commute of 20-30 km, and we rarely travel outside the city, only once every few months. Should I buy an EV, a hybrid, or a petrol car? My budget is Rs. 15-18 lakh.

autocar.india

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Given your usage and aspirations, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny AT is the better fit. Your monthly running of 1,200 km in Delhi-NCR is well within petrol territory, and your intent to do long road trips to places like Leh and Arunachal points towards a car with capability rather than outright speed. The Swift is a fantastic highway car, but it is ultimately a hatchback and will not give you the sense of adventure or the ability to tackle rough terrain that the Jimny offers. The Jimny, on the other hand, is a purpose-built off-roader with a classic appeal, and it will allow you to explore the kind of destinations you have in mind with confidence. It is not the fastest car on the highway, nor is it spacious, but it is comfortable enough and excels when the going gets tough. Since you already have the Tata Punch EV for city duties, the Jimny can be your dedicated adventure vehicle, and you do not need to compromise by keeping only one car. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: an efficient city runabout and a characterful, capable highway explorer.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Tata Punch EV

Maruti Suzuki Swift

autocar.india

•1d

The choice between a torque converter automatic and a dual-clutch automatic (DCT) depends entirely on your usage. If your driving is predominantly city-based with frequent stop-start traffic, a torque converter automatic is the better choice. It is smoother at low speeds and generally more reliable over long-term ownership. The DCT, on the other hand, is designed for performance. It delivers quicker gear changes and a more engaging driving experience, but it can feel jerky at low speeds and is not as well suited to heavy traffic conditions.The Hyundai Creta offers both options. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol comes with a DCT, while the diesel engine is paired with a torque converter automatic. There's also a CVT automatic option paired with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is exceptionally smooth and well suited to city driving. If your usage is city-heavy, go for the 1.5 petrol CVT. If you do a lot of highway driving, the 1.5 diesel automatic is the best choice. Only opt for the turbo petrol DCT if performance is your top priority.

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•1d

For a 100km daily commute, you need an EV with a reliable real-world range, good comfort and low running costs. Also, ride comfort is crucial for the long daily drives. The MG Windsor is spacious and gets ventilated seats with a comfortable real-world range, but the ride isn't comfy, and the seats aren't the best either. The Tata Nexon EV is the best fit here. It offers a real-world range of around 300km from its 45kWh battery, which gives you plenty of buffer for your daily usage, and it comes with front ventilated seats in the Empowered+ trim. The Nexon EV is also one of the most proven EVs on the market, with a strong service network and good ownership experience. The only thing to keep in mind is that the boot is on the smaller side, so if you regularly carry a lot of luggage, it is worth checking if it meets your needs. Overall, it is the most practical and well-rounded EV in your budget.

MG Windsor

Tata Nexon EV