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Hi, I am looking for any automatic SUV between Rs. 15 -20 lakhs on road price at Bangalore. Can u guide which would be the best option? My usage and criteria are as follows: 1. Heavy city usage - approx. 60kms per day (hence prefer TC or CVT transmission)- around 1200-1500 kms per month 2. Monthly 1 or 2 highway drive @ approx 300kms 3. I am ok with any fuel type 4. Is it prudent to go for ICE or EV for the above criterion 5. Want impeccable after-sales service as I would own only one vehicle (I don't even own a two-wheeler)
The Kia Seltos IVT is the best pick for your needs. Its slick gearbox delivers a very smooth experience in typical city driving, and there's enough performance for your 300km highway runs. The Seltos also feels plush, offers good ride comfort and is roomy inside. It also packs in plenty of tech, so the car won't feel outdated even over a long ownership period. Kias are reliable, and service support is generally very good.An EV would be smoother still in city driving, but few of the options within your budget would deliver a comfortable 300km on a single charge for your highway drives. The Tata Nexon EV and MG WIndsor Pro with the big battery options are worth a look.

I want a new car for my use, considering 40 kms/day in the city. Should I go for Kylaq or Tata Curvv EV, considering new tech and the future of green energy
If you consider new tech and green energy, pick the Tata Curvv EV. With 40 km a day in the city, an EV makes the most sense - you can charge at home once or twice a week, spend far less per km, and enjoy a quiet, smooth drive in traffic. The big question is, do you have a dedicated parking spot with a plug at home or office? If yes, you’re set. You will barely visit public chargers for city use, and the range will easily cover a week of commuting.The Skoda Kylaq is still a sensible pick only if you cannot install home charging or you often do long highway runs. Petrol refuelling is instant, and planning is zero, so it is easier outside the city.One catch with the Curvv EV is its higher upfront price, patchy or busy public chargers on some routes, and a likely poor resale value. However, for your daily city use, though, Curvv EV wins.
Which car to buy under 15 lakhs? EV/CNG/Diesel/Petrol, and which model to go for?
Get the Maruti Suzuki Fronx petrol. It fits under Rs. 15 lakh easily, is very easy to drive in the city, and gives good real-world mileage, so your running costs stay low without the fuss of CNG or charging. Maruti’s huge service network also keeps ownership simple for many years. The flip side is it isn’t very exciting to drive, and the rear isn’t the widest, but as a first, no-drama car, it just works.If your daily drive is mostly city and you have a private parking spot with power, an EV will save the most per km. Look at the Tata Tiago EV for the cheapest entry, or the Tata Punch EV for a more solid small SUV feel. If you do long highway trips or 1,000+ km a month, diesel makes sense - the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO diesels are the pick. If you only want rock-bottom fuel costs and don’t mind slower performance, CNG works - Maruti Wagon R CNG for city or Ertiga if you need 7 seats.
I am confused between the Creta SX Premium and the New Seltos HTK (O) model, both in petrol. Kindly suggest which is better?
Go for the Hyundai Creta SX (Premium) petrol. You’re getting a higher trim for similar money, with more everyday comfort and an easier ride for family and city use. Both cars use the same 1.5 petrol, so performance and mileage feel near identical, but the Creta’s suspension is softer, and the rear seat is kinder on longer runs.At this price point, the Seltos HTK(O) is a mid variant, so you miss a lot of the nice-to-have kit that makes living with it feel special. In the Creta SX, you step up to more features and better cabin convenience, which you will notice every single day.However, the Seltos is bigger, and its cabin is richer. It's a newer model too and has a more premium feel, but for most first-time buyers who just want a smooth, comfy petrol SUV that feels complete out of the box, the Creta SX (Premium) is the smarter pick.
Hi, Need some advice on my next car. Planning to buy either Sonet or Venue automatic. Daily usage is 75 kms overall for 5 days a week.(85% highway) So, what is suggested, petrol or diesel? EV is not considered
Pick the Hyundai Venue diesel automatic. With 85% highway and roughly 19,000 km a year, diesel will cut your fuel bills, and its strong mid-range makes cruising and overtaking easy. Also, between the two, the Venue is the fresher car and more up to date. The petrol automatics of both the Venue and Sonet are smooth in town, but with your kind of running, they will cost more to run. Your heavy highway use is also good for a diesel’s exhaust filter, so clogging is unlikely.One thing to bear in mind: the diesel costs more upfront and is a little noisier, and if you live in the NCR, it is limited to a 10-year registration. If none of that is a concern, the Venue diesel automatic fits your use best.
I am very confused about buying my first car because of the petrol fiasco. I am leaning towards diesel. I'll have a monthly 600km trip. Plus city driving of 400km a month. The budget is around 13-14 lakh. Which automatic would be the best
Consider the Kia Sonet HTK Plus diesel automatic. It fits within your budget and gets a refined diesel engine paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque-converter automatic. It also feels stable on highway trips and has enough performance for quick overtakes when needed.The downside is that the ride can feel a bit firm in the city, and rear-seat space is not the best in the segment. If that is a concern, then also try the Hyundai Venue diesel automatic, which offers a slightly roomier rear seat and a more pliant ride.Overall, if your priorities are fuel efficiency, highway ability and the convenience of a proper automatic, the Sonet diesel AT is a strong fit.
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