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Shobhit rastogi

•2w

I have a 2016 Maruti Brezza manual ZDI+ diesel. I am really happy with the car, but I need to upgrade, as Delhi has a 10-year limitation on diesel cars. I have a budget of ₹30 lakh. We are a family of five (including a 4-year-old child), with mostly city usage. I am looking for a good driving experience, comfort, and value for money. I am open to electric cars and have test-driven the Mahindra XEV 9S, yet to try the 9E. I have read a lot about the soft suspension on the 9S and could feel the vertical movement. However, the Pack Three variant of the 9S has more features compared to the 9E, such as electric seat adjustment for co-passengers, seven seats, rear ventilated seats, and is cheaper by a couple of lakhs. I am confused, as I do not want to spend ₹30 lakh and regret it later. My mother did not like the Harrier EV, so that is out of consideration. My running is around 500km a month.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•4h

The Mahindra XEV 9S is, in many ways, is a clean and logical upgrade from your Maruti Suzuki Brezza diesel. For a family of five, the flexibility of three-row seating is genuinely useful, even if you don’t use the third row daily.As you rightly pointed out, the Pack Three variant of the Mahindra XEV 9S is very well equipped and, in fact, offers more features than the 9E Pack Three, like the co-passenger electric seat adjustment, rear ventilated seats and the added practicality of seven seats. Given that it’s also a couple of lakhs cheaper than the comparable Mahindra XEV 9e variant, from a pure value perspective, the 9S Pack Three does look more compelling.On the suspension, yes, the 9S is tuned on the softer side, but it's not a deal-breaker. You do feel a bit of vertical movement, especially at highway speeds over undulations, and that’s probably what you sensed during the test drive. However, in daily city use (which is the bulk of your 500), a softer setup at low speeds can actually work in your favour, better absorbing potholes and broken patches.Importantly, Mahindra has responded to feedback by introducing a ‘Custom’ drive mode, which lets you choose a sportier or stiffer suspension setting while keeping steering and power delivery in Comfort. That flexibility helps tailor the car to your preference.Since your usage is just around 500 km a month and mostly in the city, an electric car makes strong sense. Just ensure you have convenient home charging, that’s key to a stress-free EV ownership experience.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
VehicleMahindra XEV 9e
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
Mahindra XEV 9S
Mahindra XEV 9S
PK

Punit Khatri

•12h

Hi, I booked the 2026 Tata Punch Pure Plus manual on 11th February, and the dealer committed to deliver it on 27th February, but now they are denying delivery. I want to cancel the booking and am planning to buy the Maruti Ignis Zeta AGS. My driving will mostly be in the city, with highway running of about 1,000 km once every three months. Will it be a good decision to buy the Ignis Zeta AGS, or should I wait for the Tata Punch Pure Plus manual? Or is there any other AMT/AGS car that I can consider within a ₹7-8 lakh budget? Kindly suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•4h

If you do not want to wait any longer, going ahead with the Maruti Suzuki Ignis Zeta AGS is a perfectly sensible decision for your usage. For mostly city driving with an occasional highway run once every few months, the Ignis fits the bill well. Its 1.2 litre four cylinder petrol engine is smoother and more responsive than the Punch’s motor, and the AMT calibration feels easy to live with in traffic. It has good space on the inside, has a comfortable ride quality and, being a Maruti Suzuki, offers a hassle-free ownership experience with low maintenance costs and wide service support.One important point to keep in mind with the Ignis is safety. When tested by Global NCAP in 2022, it scored a one-star rating, so this is something you should be fully aware of before making a final decision.If timely delivery, the Ignis Zeta AGS is a good buy. If safety rating and a more rugged feel are higher priorities and you are willing to wait, then sticking with the Tata Punch makes sense.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Ignis
VehicleTata Punch
RC

Rajendra Chitara

•12h

Hi, I am planning to buy the Hyundai Venue N Line Turbo Petrol DCT, but I want to know whether the turbo-petrol DCT will be reliable for long-term ownership (10-15 years). I have heard that turbo DCT gearboxes tend to heat up in heavy traffic. Please guide me - is the turbo DCT suitable for mixed driving conditions (city traffic and highways)?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7h

Your concern is completely valid, but the Hyundai Venue turbo petrol DCT is not as risky as it is often made out to be. The DCT used in the Hyundai Venue N Line has been in service for several years across multiple Hyundai models.Yes, DCT gearboxes can experience overheating in extremely dense, bumper-to-bumper traffic, but this is now quite rare. It was more common in earlier versions, but over the years, Hyundai has made multiple improvements to the gearbox software and cooling. The current DCT is much more mature and stable. Importantly, it also has built-in safety systems. If the gearbox temperature rises too much, the car gives a warning and limits performance to protect the hardware. From a long term ownership perspective of 10 to 15 years, the Hyundai turbo DCT is dependable enough and should not be a deal breaker.

VehicleHyundai Venue
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai Venue
MH

MD Hasan

•2d

I am planning to buy a Tata Safari petrol for my family, and I doubt the car’s service support and long-term reliability. Can you please advise?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7h

We understand your doubts about the long-term reliability and service experience of the Tata Safari, especially since Tata Motors’ reputation in this area has taken a bit of a beating in recent years. That said, the company is making a strong push to improve the overall ownership experience.While it’s still a little early to comment definitively on how the Safari petrol will hold up over many years, we don’t expect it to be problematic to own. The new Tata petrol engine is a very modern unit manufactured at the company’s all-new engine facility at its Sanand plant, known for its higher quality standards.On the whole, you can go ahead with the Tata Safari petrol with confidence. It’s spacious, very smooth, and nice to drive, making it a strong choice for family use.

VehicleTata Safari
NI

Nipen

•1d

I have been using a Ford EcoSport MT for the last 10 years and now want to switch to an automatic with an IVT/AT gearbox. About 90 % of my car usage is in the city and 10 % on the highway. I’m now confused between the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Brezza. Please suggest which one will be better for day-to-day use.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•8h

Of the three cars on your shortlist, the Kia Seltos IVT is the one we'd recommend. By virtue of being the largest and roomiest, it will feel like the biggest update from your Ford EcoSport. The Seltos IVT is well-suited to your city-centric usage. The engine isn't big on power, but the gearbox masks any power deficit. Performance is fine for city driving, with the highlight of the package being smooth and seamless power delivery.

VehicleKia New Seltos