Hi Autocar, I am looking to upgrade from my Kia Seltos to a bigger and more spacious car, preferably a 6 or 7 seater. I have shortlisted a few cars: Mahindra XUV 7XO, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron. Is it worth paying the premium for the Kodiaq or Tayron over the 7XO? I liked the XUV 7XO in a short test drive. I still need to test drive the Kodiaq. Please give me your opinion on the same. Thank you.

Autocar India

•1d

After almost a decade with your Hexa, a good idea is to replace it with a tough and powerful diesel SUV, and we'd recommend the Tata Harrier Adventure X Diesel AT. It gives you the relaxed, solid, long‑distance feel that you liked in your Hexa, but in a newer and easier‑to‑drive package.It works for you because the diesel has strong pull at low and mid speeds, so overtakes on two‑lane roads need less effort. The 6-speed automatic is the torque-converter type that uses a fluid coupling, which is known for smoothness and long life, and it does not get hot and fussy in traffic. Safety is strong too, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and must‑have features like 6 airbags and stability control. Ride comfort is good, and though not quite as tough-feeling as your ladder-frame Hexa, this Tata car feels softer and more comfortable overall.If you want the option of a third row of seats, there's also the Tata Safari at a slightly higher price point, which has all the same strengths of the Harrier. There's also the XUV 7XO, which is a better all-rounder and more fun to drive, but it doesn't feel quite as solid and commanding from behind the wheel as the Harrier or Safari.

Tata Harrier

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•1d

With a family of six, a 50:50 mix of city and highway use, and some rural roads in the mix, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is a good choice. It rides well on rough roads, has good cabin space, and fits your budget well.The diesel has strong pull at low speeds, so it moves easily with a full load and makes safe passes on two-lane highways. The layout works for your family since the second row is roomy, and the third row is fine for your young kids.There are trade-offs as well. With all three rows up, the boot is small, so you will need to plan luggage. The third row is also more cramped than the Tata Safari, which is worth considering if you plan to seat adults there.If you regularly deal with very rough rural roads, then the ladder-frame Scorpio N is an alternative, but you will be compromising on-road dynamics, interior space, and features. Overall, for your use, the Mahindra car is a great choice.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Autocar India

•2d

With mostly short weekly trips, a 200-300 km run once a month, and a few long mountain drives each year, I would still pick diesel for you, and within your two, the Mahindra Scorpio N diesel 4x4 automatic fits this use best. It pulls strongly at low speed, so steep climbs with a full family and luggage feel easy, and its tougher build and 4x4 give you extra grip and confidence on broken roads or wet, uneven patches. On long highway and hill runs, the diesel will also use less fuel than the petrol in a big 7-seater like this.The one thing to watch with any new diesel is the exhaust filter. Lots of very short, stop-start trips can clog it over time. Your monthly highway run should help, but try to give the car a 20-30 minute continuous drive at a steady speed every couple of weeks to keep it happy. Also expect a bit more engine noise at idle than a petrol.If you want a softer, more family-friendly feel and mostly stick to good roads, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is the other strong choice from your list. If your weeks turn into only short city hops and you do not want to think about a diesel filter at all, the XUV 7XO petrol automatic will be smoother in town, but it will drink more fuel on hills and with seven on board.Overall, for your mountain plans and rough patches, the Scorpio N diesel 4x4 suits you best if you can give it those regular, longer runs.

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra XUV 7XO