Is the Hector diesel coming back? If yes, which would be a better choice: the Hector Diesel Smart Pro or the XUV 7X0 AX3? These variants fall within my ₹20 lakh budget, and they are the only variants I can consider.

Autocar India

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Pick a used Hyundai Creta petrol automatic. It keeps the easy, fuss-free feel you’re used to in the City, adds a higher seat and better ground clearance, and within Rs. 10 lakh, you’ll find clean 2018-19 cars with good kit or even the new 2020 model with a higher mileage. Cabin and boot space are plenty for family use, the automatic is smooth in traffic, and Hyundai’s wide service network helps when you’re buying used.You may see lower mileage than your i-VTEC and the drive is relaxed rather than exciting. If sheer cabin space is the priority and you can stretch a bit, a first‑batch MG Hector petrol automatic is huge and very feature rich, but it usually sits just above Rs. 10 lakh and drinks more fuel. If you prefer a fresher feel and sharper features, an early Kia Seltos petrol automatic can land near your budget in some cities, though its rear seat is a touch tighter than the Creta.

Hyundai Creta

MG Hector

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

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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

Autocar India

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The Hyundai Creta SX Premium 1.5 Petrol IVT would be the recommendation here. On paper, the Tata Nexon Fearless Plus A DCA looks like the stronger value proposition because it offers a long list of features for significantly less money. However, the Hyundai Creta justifies much of its price premium through its larger cabin, superior rear-seat comfort, better refinement and a more polished overall driving experience. The naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT is also exceptionally smooth in city traffic.The Tata Nexon counters with stronger safety credentials and a richer feature-to-price ratio, but it still cannot quite match the Creta's sense of space, comfort and overall maturity. If you regularly travel with family, the difference is immediately noticeable.As for resale value, both cars perform well, but the Creta traditionally enjoys stronger demand in the used car market and tends to hold its value exceptionally well.

Hyundai Creta

Tata Nexon