Delhi

Umamaheswar

•15w

Hi team, I am planning to buy a new car before March 2026. My budget is Rs 25 lakh. I have a family of four, and my monthly driving will be around 1,500km. The cars I currently have in mind are listed below. Please suggest the best option from these, or recommend an alternative if required. 1. Hyundai Creta Diesel AT (top-end) 2. Kia Seltos (should I wait for the facelift?) 3. Volkswagen Taigun (wait for facelift) 4. BYD Atto 3 (top model or wait for facelift) 5. Tata Sierra

Autocar India

•13w

Given your high usage of 1,500km per month, an electric car is not advisable, and thus we would rule out the BYD Atto 3, which, while an excellent vehicle, is also priced considerably higher than the others you have listed.

Of the remaining cars, we would recommend a diesel, given your usage. That would also rule out the Volkswagen Taigun facelift, which will continue with petrol engines only.

The Tata Sierra has a strong enough diesel engine, which comes with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, but it's quite loud and lacks a strong punch.

While not enough is known about the new-generation Seltos yet, between it and the Hyundai Creta, the former is probably the better bet. It will likely use the same smooth, refined 1.5-litre diesel and 6-speed automatic gearbox, but on the whole, the Kia Seltos is expected to be larger and packed with even more tech. We think it is the one you should hold out for.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

Hyundai

Creta

from ₹12.56 Lakh

Volkswagen

Taigun

from ₹12.33 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

BYD

Atto 3

from ₹26.52 Lakh

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pooja

•3d

I am planning to buy a new petrol car with a manual gearbox. My budget is around ₹13 lakh. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway. Could you please suggest SUV options within this budget?

Autocar India

•1d

With a daily running of around 50 to 60 km, a diesel automatic makes good sense as your monthly usage will easily justify the better fuel efficiency and relaxed nature of a diesel engine.Between the two options, the Kia Seltos diesel automatic is the better choice overall. The diesel engine is refined, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and well-suited for normal city traffic as well as highway drives.The Tata Sierra is also a strong Midsize SUV with more cabin space. But its diesel engine is noticeably noisier and less refined than the Hyundai-Kia diesel. It is also over a lakh more expensive in comparable automatic variants.For your usage and preference for an automatic, the Seltos diesel automatic is the more balanced and sensible option thanks to its refinement, smooth gearbox and lower price.

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•6d

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 and Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 variants, as I prefer practicality over extra features. Alternatively, should I consider waiting for the Tata Sierra?

Autocar India

•2d

If you don't mind the additional spend, we'd recommend the Mahindra XUV 7XO in AX7 trim. Elements like its larger 18-inch alloy wheels and leatherette upholstery add greatly to the look and feel of things. While auto climate control, a 540-degree camera and front parking sensors are features you will appreciate every day. The Tata Sierra is not a like-for-like alternative to the Mahindra 7XO. The 7XO is larger, more powerful and also offers three rows of seating.Further, the 7XO is slightly pricier, too. Within Tata's range, the Tata Safari is an alternative to the 7XO.

JAYAPRAKASH

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

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