Hi, I currently own a 2018 Swift AMT ZXi and plan to replace it with an EV. My daily running is around 25-30 km in Mumbai city traffic, and I have a charging socket available in my society. My budget is around Rs. 8-12 lakh. Please advise whether I should opt for an EV or an ICE car. I am looking for a car that is similar in size to the Swift.

autocar.india

•3h

For your usage pattern of 6-8 km daily in heavy Gurgaon traffic and a monthly running of 220-400 km, an EV is the most sensible choice. Your running is too low for a diesel or CNG to make financial sense, and the stop-start nature of your commute is where EVs really shine with their smooth, silent operation and negligible running costs. The Kia Syros EV HTK would be our top recommendation from your shortlist. This Kia car offers a well-rounded package with a comfortable ride, a good feature set and a mature ownership experience. The MG Windsor Exclusive is also worth considering if rear seat space is a priority, but the Syros EV feels like the more complete product overall. The Nexon EV Creative 45 is a good value proposition, but the Syros EV feels like the more polished and premium offering. The Victoris VXI AT is a solid petrol alternative, but given your usage and budget, the EV route makes far more sense. As for the upcoming launches, the Bayon AT and Inster are all interesting options, but none are likely to fundamentally change the equation for your specific usage pattern. The Syros EV HTK is the car that will make you happiest after five years of ownership.

Kia Syros EV

MG Windsor

Tata Nexon EV

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Bayon

autocar.india

•7h

With 8,000-10,000 km a year and a mix of Ahmedabad city and highway driving, a diesel automatic might not be the best financial decision. At this running, the fuel savings from diesel are unlikely to offset the higher purchase price over your ownership period. Modern petrol automatics are likely to be more suited to your usage pattern.In case you still want to go ahead with a diesel-automatic car, in your Rs 13-15 lakh budget, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the best fit. It offers a strong turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed AMT, and a comfortable ride, making it well suited to both city driving and highway runs. It is also one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide rear seat that makes it a genuinely comfortable family car. The only drawback is that the boot is on the smaller side, but for most family needs it is still adequate.You could also consider the Kia Sonet diesel-automatic. It has a smoother transmission, and is available across a wider price range, across multiple variants. Overall, the Sonet, although due for a generation change next year, is still a very sophisticated, competent compact SUV on sale.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•7h

You could consider the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios AMT. It is a compact, easy-to-drive and a very refined hatchback. The cabin quality is excellent, and it should be a good replacement for the Micra. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT is also a good option, that's a bit larger and more spacious compared to the Nios. Alternatively, if you can stretch your budget a bit, the Nissan Magnite Turbo-CVT will be a good upgrade from your outgoing car. It is easier to get in and out, has a stronger turbo-petrol engine, and its CVT (automatic) is far smoother than all AMT options available.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Nissan Magnite

Maruti Suzuki Baleno