I have been using a diesel Ameo for the past few years. Earlier, my driving was around 5,000km, but my present job now requires me to drive between 3,000km and 5,000km every month. My car has covered 50,000km so far. I want to upgrade and am confused about whether I should go for an EV or a petrol car. I am also worried about government norms related to diesel vehicles. My petrol options are the Seltos and Sierra, and for EVs, I am considering the BE6. Kindly suggest the best option within my ₹20 lakh on-road budget.

Autocar India

•5w

If you drive 3,000-5,000km per month, an electric car is simply not an option for you. Even if you do have the adequate charging infrastructure to keep your battery topped up to cover that many kilometres a month, charging so frequently is not good for the battery's health, and it will be worn down prematurely.

Even a petrol car is not ideal as your running costs will be through the roof. While some states have restrictions on long-term diesel ownership, in the short term, within 10 years, it should not be an issue as long as the car meets the latest emissions norms. That considered, you should check out the Tata Sierra diesel, which is spacious, punchy and comfortable.

If you're still not comfortable with a diesel car, get a strong hybrid like the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, or wait for the Renault Duster hybrid, which is launching around Diwali.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Victoris

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Latest questions in the community

Abhinaba

•1d

I own a Grand i10 2016 model. I am looking to upgrade to an SUV (not sub-4m ones) with good power and torque. I prefer a manual petrol and want to avoid a turbo if possible. Focus is also on after-sales service. 80% of my runs are in the city. What are the options that I can consider?

Autocar India

•9h

Go for the Hyundai Creta 1.5 SX MT. As a non‑turbo manual, it balances city drivability, adequate 115hp / 144 Nm performance, and Hyundai’s large, reliable service network.Since you prefer a manual petrol and want to avoid turbos, this 1.5‑litre NA with CVT gearbox suits you. With 80% city running, its linear throttle makes crawling and short bursts easy without turbo lag. The 115hp output is enough for quick overtakes up to city speeds. Hyundai’s service network and typical 10,000 km/1‑year intervals (confirm with your dealer) keep upkeep predictable. At over 4.3m, it’s a clear upgrade, not a sub‑4 m compromise.The one thing you give up is the mid‑range surge of a turbo; quick highway passes above 90-100kph will need a downshift or two to access performance.

Hyundai Creta

Kushal Yadav

•1d

I am planning to buy a Brezza CNG Zxi. I have heard a facelift is expected around April-May 2026, which may come with an underbody CNG tank and a manual 6-speed gearbox replacing the existing 5-speed gearbox. Should I wait, or should I buy right now?

Autocar India

•6h

The update is expected around April-May 2026, and there are chances that the CNG version could get improvements such as a better-packaged CNG tank, like in the Maruti Victoris and possibly a 6-speed manual. Even if the exact changes are different from what is currently expected, the facelift will at least bring cosmetic updates and feature additions.Since the timeline is quite close, waiting a few weeks will give you clarity on what the updated model offers. If the changes are meaningful, you can buy the new version. If they are minor, you can still choose the current model, often with better discounts as dealers clear older stock.Given how close the facelift appears to be, it makes sense to wait a little before buying the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG so you can decide with full information once the updated model is revealed.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

JAYAPRAKASH

•4d

I currently own a 2018 Honda WR-V diesel manual (6-speed), which has run about 50,000 km, along with a Tata EV purchased in 2023, which has covered around 20,000 km. I have now decided to replace my WR-V with a BS6 diesel automatic car. Could you please suggest which diesel automatic model would be the best choice according to Autocar?

Autocar India

•1d

Without knowing your budget and more requirements, we can't recommend the ideal choice for you. We have shortlisted models that you should consider, and why they are of interest. Compact SUVs- Hyundai Venue: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, good interior space, upmarket interior | (-) Expensive for its size- Kia Sonet: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, upmarket interior, good value | (-) Rear seat space is limited, due to be replaced in the coming year Midsize SUVs- Kia Seltos: (+) Spacious interior, well equipped, good ride comfort | (-) Performance is adequate only- Tata Sierra: (+) Class-best space, feature-packed, tough build, ride comfort | (-) Engine feels noisy, road noise- Hyundai Creta: (+) Well equipped, decent performance | (-) Due to be replaced in the coming year

View all Posts