Delhi

Prateek

•4w

I currently own a Creta 1.4 diesel, and after nearly 10 years of reliable performance, I am planning to upgrade to a car with better road presence and visibility. My budget is up to ₹25 lakh. However, with the government expected to implement CAFE-III norms from April 2027 and stricter BS-VIII emission standards around 2026–27, it feels risky to go for a diesel vehicle as the resale value may drop in the future. Because of this, I am considering the petrol version of the Tata Harrier. Would it be a worthwhile choice? Can I realistically expect a fuel efficiency of around 12–14 km/l? Is it a prudent decision to go for the Harrier petrol, or would you suggest other options within this budget?

Autocar India

•3w

If you're uncertain about buying another diesel car, that's okay, as there are plenty of great petrol options available these days. The Tata Harrier is certainly big on presence and visibility, and its new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is smooth with more than enough performance.

However, fuel economy won't be great as this is a big and heavy car, and while 12-14kpl might be possible on the highway, in the city, expect that to drop to single digits.

You could consider the Tata Sierra, which uses the same turbo petrol engine but is a slightly smaller and lighter SUV. The fuel efficiency gains may be marginal, but you will see some improvement, and the Sierra is big on road presence, too.

You could also consider the new Kia Seltos or even the Hyundai Alcazar, both of which have potent yet relatively efficient 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, and good road presence.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

Kia

New Seltos

Hyundai

Alcazar

from ₹16.83 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

JAYAPRAKASH

•4d

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

•21h

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

Nano

I am looking for an upgrade. Does it make sense to buy the 3XO, coming from a Honda City? Please suggest. (Also open to other options)

Autocar India

•2d

If an upgrade necessarily means a larger car for you, the Mahindra 3XO won't be the right move after a Honda City. You'd be best served by midsized SUVs, which measure between 4.3 and 4.5m. Of the current crop of mid-sized SUVs, the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra are the best-rounded. The new-gen Renault Duster that launches on March 17 also has promise.If vehicle size isn't a dealbreaker, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good pick. It's got powerful petrol engines, feels solid, and ride and handling are also impressive. The interior is also spacious for what is a compact SUV, and higher-spec versions pack in loads of equipment too. In fact, a fully-loaded 3XO is better equipped than a fully-loaded City.Within the compact SUV segment, you could also consider the Hyundai Venue, which is a well-rounded package.

Pramod Kumar

I am planning to upgrade from Baleno to either the Sierra, Thar Roxx or 7XO. My driving would be 70% city and 30% highway. Please advise me on the best pick.

Autocar India

•2d

The Tata Sierra is the most practical option for you. It has a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride, and a punchy petrol engine. What helps its case in the city, especially compared to the other two, is the compact dimensions that make it easy to park and manage in traffic. The turbo-petrol engine with the DCT would be our recommendation as the naturally aspirated version lacks performance. The automatic gearbox is smooth, the engine is refined, and the ride comfort is excellent. It is also fresh on the inside with the latest tech and features.However, if you have a big family and a third row is a must, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option. It has a strong and refined petrol engine, and it also has a comfy ride. But you will have to manage its size in the city, and it will not be as easy as the Sierra.The Mahindra Thar Roxx is not as comfortable as the Tata Sierra or the XUV 7XO. It has a lot of character in its design, but lacks the plush ride of the Sierra and the premiumness of the 7XO. If you don't venture off the tarmac or don't do much off-roading, best to avoid the Roxx. The Sierra would be a good fit overall.

Tata Sierra

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Thar Roxx

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