Hi sir, I own a 2016 Hyundai Creta 1.6 diesel SX with 1.17 lakh km on the odometer. I am planning to replace it with a budget of up to ₹30 lakh. I drive 60 km on alternate days with a mix of highway and city usage. I want a vehicle with at least the same power and fuel efficiency as my current car. Also, should I consider an EV?

Autocar India

•11h

The Mahindra XEV 9S and XEV 9e would both be excellent choices within your budget. The key difference comes down to your space requirements. The XEV 9S is the one to choose if you need the flexibility of a 7-seat layout, while the XEV 9e is a 5-seater with a sleeker design and more emphasis on style. Beyond that, both models share the same battery packs and electric motors, so there is little to separate them in terms of performance, charging capability or range.While both have claimed ranges comfortably above 500km, in the real world you should expect closer to 450-470km on a full charge, depending on your driving style, speed and usage conditions. Even so, that remains among the best figures available in this price range.Your 5kW solar setup is an added advantage and should help keep charging costs very low over the long term.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra XEV 9e

Autocar India

•1d

For your usage as a second car that will spend most of its life in the city, the Tata Punch EV Long Range would actually be the first choice. It is compact, easy to manoeuvre, offers more than enough range for daily duties and is based on a dedicated EV architecture rather than an ICE conversion. It also gets a modern feature set and feels purpose-built as an electric vehicle.If you want something larger and more spacious, the MG Windsor EV is the alternative to consider. It offers exceptional cabin space and comfort, and feels like a segment-above product for the money.As for the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, it carries over the 39.4kWh battery pack and electric motor from the XUV400, rather than using the newer INGLO-based technology seen on the BE 6 and XEV 9e. So while it benefits from the new 3XO interior and feature set, the underlying EV hardware is not all-new.

Tata Punch EV

MG Windsor

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

Mahindra XEV 9e

Autocar India

•2d

If you can install a charger at home and have charging stations on the route to your destination, an EV does make sense for your heavy use. Under Rs. 20 lakh, consider the Tata Curvv EV with the 55kWh battery pack. In our real world tests, it managed 352km on the highway which means your 350km journey is possible with a quick stop in between to top up. It also has good ground clearance and rides well, so it will deal with village roads nicely.For under Rs. 30 lakh, consider the Mahindra XEV 9e with the 79kWh battery pack. In our tests, it managed 488km on the highway meaning with some care, your 350km journey is possible in one go. You will need to charge at your destination though. EVs are less efficient on the highway and particularly with a full load require care to ensure the battery doesn't deplete too quickly. Your charging stops will also need to be planned in advance and there is possibility that you will have to wait at a stop for charge to become available. If this seems like too much work, then stick to a diesel. Under Rs. 20 lakh, consider the Kia Seltos diesel or the Hyundai Creta diesel. Under 30 lakh, you could consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO or the Scorpio N. All of these will comfortably manage village roads and do long highway stints without worries.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Tata Curvv EV

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N