I need an automatic car for my wife for 90% city driving. My budget is around 15 lakh. I am considering the Venue DCT, Brezza AT, and Creta CVT. Please also advise EV options. I need light steering and a car that is easy to manoeuvre in the city with reasonably good fuel economy.

autocar.india

•14h

Since you already own a sedan, you could consider replacing it with the updated Skoda Slavia. It gets a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine and now comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It is very good to drive, feels solidly built, and with ample ground clearance, you don't need to worry about unusually tall speedbreakers either. The 2026 version also comes with an updated air-con unit for better cabin cooling.Alternatively, you could look at the Hyundai Verna 1.5 Petrol IVT. It is a smooth, feature-rich sedan, and is backed by Hyundai's widespread support network.Since there are no EV sedans in the market, you will have to opt for a crossover like the Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor or Kia Syros in that price point. Out of these, the Syros feels the most comfortable and user-friendly, and if you don't mind the way it looks, it is worth a serious consideration. But opt for an EV only if you can arrange for home charging, as relying on public charging can be a bit tricky.

Hyundai Verna

Skoda Slavia

Tata Nexon EV

MG Windsor

Kia Syros

autocar.india

•18h

Given your usage pattern, the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L diesel automatic is the best car under 30 lakh. Your annual hill trips with a full load, including four adults, a teenager, a dog and substantial luggage, are the key factor here. The XUV 7XO's 2.2-litre diesel engine is significantly more powerful and torquey than the Alcazar's 1.5-litre diesel, which will make a noticeable difference on steep climbs with a full load. The XUV 7XO also offers a more spacious and comfortable cabin, especially in the third row, which will be appreciated on long journeys.The Hyundai Alcazar diesel automatic is a good value proposition, especially with current discounts, and it will handle hill climbs with a full load, but it will not feel as effortless as the XUV 7XO. This Mahindra car XUV 7XO also feels more premium inside and offers a more luxurious overall experience.In Delhi's bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Alcazar's smaller size and lighter steering make this Hyundai car slightly easier to manoeuvre, but the XUV 7XO's automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with, and the difference is not significant enough to outweigh the XUV 7XO's advantages on your hill trips.The MG Hector is worth considering if you are willing to wait, but it is unlikely to match the XUV 7XO's diesel performance and overall package. The XUV 7XO AX7L diesel automatic is the most complete upgrade from your Hyundai Creta, offering the right balance of power, space, comfort and luxury for your needs.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Hyundai Alcazar

MG Hector

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•1d

Yes, the Hyundai Creta is going to be replaced by an all-new generation, rather than just receiving another facelift. The third-generation Creta is expected in India in 2027, and test cars have already been spotted. It will move to the newer K3 platform, which also underpins the new Seltos, and is expected to be larger and more sophisticated than the current car.There is also a strong possibility of a strong-hybrid powertrain for the new Creta. Hyundai is working on a hybrid based around its 1.5-litre petrol engine, although the exact launch timing and specifications haven't been confirmed yet.As for the styling, don't expect the Creta and Seltos to look identical. They will share the K3 platform and some design themes, but Hyundai and Kia will give them distinct identities. The test Creta does appear to borrow some cues from the Seltos, particularly around the grille, but the headlights and other elements are different.If you're not in a hurry, waiting for the new Creta makes sense, particularly if you're considering a strong hybrid. You'll get a newer platform, larger dimensions, more features and potentially the hybrid option.However, the new Kia Seltos is already here and is a more compelling proposition than waiting indefinitely. It has moved to the K3 platform, grown in size, gained more space and improved ride comfort, while retaining its wide choice of powertrains.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos