I have a 2016 Hyundai i20 & I'm looking to upgrade to a Turbo DCT sedan. I test drove the 3 options and between the VW twins I prefer the exterior & interior of the Slavia. The interior of the Verna is much better than the Slavia and so far I've had a positive service experience with Hyundai, while Skoda does have a bad reputation for after-sales service. The Verna however felt less fun to drive. How likely is an N-line version of the Verna being launched? I'm finding it difficult to choose between the Verna & the Slavia.

autocar.india

•2d

Yes, the Honda City V CVT is still worth buying in 2026 from a long-term ownership and reliability perspective. The City remains one of the most dependable and well-rounded sedans in the segment, with a proven naturally aspirated petrol engine, smooth CVT gearbox and Honda's strong reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. It is also a very comfortable and spacious family car, with a well-sorted ride and a premium ownership experience.The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are more driver-focused cars with stronger turbo petrol engines and a more engaging driving experience, but they do not have the same long-term reliability track record as the City. The Hyundai Verna is a strong all-rounder with a more feature-rich cabin and a more powerful turbo petrol option, but the City still feels more practical and better suited to long-term ownership.If your priority is a car that you can keep for 7-10 years with minimal fuss, the City remains the safest and most sensible choice in the segment. The only reason to look at the Virtus, Slavia or Verna would be if you specifically want a more powerful turbo petrol engine and good driving dynamics Otherwise, the City V CVT is still the benchmark for long-term ownership.

Honda City

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

Hyundai Verna

autocar.india

•2d

The Hyundai Verna HX6 IVT is better equipped, and it has a larger boot than the Seltos. If you do a lot of airport runs, this is the better option. And being a sedan, it will feel nicer to drive than the Kia car, and it is likely to be more efficient too.Pick the Kia Seltos HTK IVT for its elevated driving position, more modern interior, and high ground clearance. Also, the Seltos will be easier for the elderly to get in and out. Overall, it will feel a bit nicer and comfier; hence, it is the one we'd recommend.

Hyundai Verna

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•6h

We'd recommend the Mahindra XEV 9S. With a daily commute of 30-40 km, almost entirely in city traffic, and access to home charging, an EV simply suits your usage better than either a petrol or diesel vehicle. It offers the lowest running costs, the smoothest driving experience in stop-start traffic, and significantly lower maintenance than an ICE SUV. Since you intend to keep the vehicle for 7-10 years, you'll benefit from these lower operating costs over a long ownership period.Between the two XUV 7XO variants, we'd choose the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 Petrol Automatic over the XUV 7XO AX5 Diesel Automatic. Although your daily driving distance is enough for the engine to reach its operating temperature, DPF-equipped diesel engines perform best when they are driven on regular highway runs at sustained speeds. With predominantly urban use, the petrol variant is the safer and more hassle-free option. We also wouldn't be concerned about E20 petrol or speculate about future diesel biofuel blends. Modern engines are designed to run on the fuels currently mandated, and there is no official roadmap that should influence your buying decision today.Your concern about charging infrastructure on long trips is valid, but it's becoming less of an issue with each passing year. The charging network on major highways continues to expand rapidly, and for the occasional outstation drive, a little route planning is usually all that's required. Since the vast majority of your driving is within Chandigarh, you'll spend most of your time charging conveniently at home rather than visiting fuel stations.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra XUV 7XO