With respect to my earlier query, I have booked the Maruti E Vitara Zeta variant, which is 61kW. Will this be a sensible buy, as I am replacing it with a 2016 Brezza diesel manual that has done 1.07 lakh km? The E Vitara would be automatic, as electric cars are. I plan to keep it for 10 years for city driving and occasional highway use, or would you suggest any other electric in this price band with the same battery pack and reliability as MS? Monthly run is 900km.

Autocar India

•1w

The Maruti Suzuki E Vitara is a sensible electric car, backed by Nexa's widespread sales and support network. It is also equipped with a large 61kWh battery, with which you can expect a highway range of approximately 370km on a full charge - city range will be better. The interiors feel premium, performance is smooth, and its light steering and tight turning radius make it very easy to manoeuvre. That said, the E Vitara's user experience is flawed, the floor is high, which results in a knees-up seating, and its suspension isn't as sorted as some rivals.

We would suggest that you consider the entry-level variants of the Kia Carens Clavis EV or Hyundai Creta Electric, both of which cover the basics well. Yes, these have a smaller 42kWh battery, but their powertrain is very efficient, which will deliver impressive real-world range. Overall, both these are excellent options for similar money as the E Vitara.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Creta Electric

from ₹19.08 Lakh

Kia

Carens Clavis EV

from ₹19.05 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

e Vitara

from ₹16.95 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Rajesh R

•3d

My weekly car travel is 700 km, with 60% on state highways (two-lane) and 40% in the city. I'm confused between the Creta EV Excellence LR 51.4kWh and the Kia 2026 Seltos diesel manual or automatic. My yearly run is approximately 33,000 km. It is also for business purposes, with occasional visits to rural village areas up to 200 km, about three times a week. The above annual run includes all of this.

Autocar India

•2d

Since most of your driving is outside the city and even in rural areas, an electric car might pose some challenges like recharging. Rural areas don't have as many chargers as small towns or cities, and even if you do find one, voltage fluctuations are a common occurrence. Also, for long highway trips, an EV requires a lot more planning and factors like waiting queues at charging stations.Your best bet for a hassle-free ownership experience would be a diesel SUV. The Kia Seltos is new, updated and gets a tried and tested diesel engine that suits your needs the best. We would recommend the Seltos diesel over the Hyundai Creta Electric.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Kia Seltos

Sidhant Singh Chandel

•18h

I am currently driving a Maruti Suzuki WagonR (2017), and I now feel the need to upgrade as my monthly running is around 1,500-2,000 km. What car should I buy within a budget of ₹14 lakh?

Autocar India

•1h

Since your monthly running is on the higher side, a diesel SUV would make sense. The newly updated Hyundai Venue in HX 5 trim would fit in your budget and is a big upgrade from the WagonR. The engine is refined, frugal and tried and tested, and should you get the manual gearbox, it has a light clutch that makes it easy in traffic. The HX 5 also gets a good level of kit, like a sunroof, cruise control, touchscreen, reversing sensors, TPMS, etc. The ride quality is good too, and it has a decent-sized boot for outstation trips. Hyundai's after-sales network is also one of the best, and it would be a hassle-free ownership experience.

Hyundai Venue

JAYAPRAKASH

•3d

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

•3h

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

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