The Mahindra Scorpio N is a tough, dependable SUV built to handle rough terrain with ease. Its body‑on‑frame construction gives it the strength to handle rough roads and punishing conditions. Prices start at around Rs 16 lakh and go up to about Rs 28 lakh for the top‑spec Z8L variant. You can choose between powerful petrol and diesel engines. But if you plan to buy one, the 2.2‑litre diesel remains the better option for its strong torque and efficiency. Unlike the older Mahindra Scorpio Classic, which continues to be on sale. The new Scorpio N has a forward‑facing third row and a cabin that feels hard‑wearing yet well-equipped. The ride quality can get a bit choppy on uneven surfaces, and it does lean through corners, but overall, it’s a solid, go‑anywhere SUV that’s built to last.

Since you are learning to ride and haven't specified your budget, we will stick to recommending 125-150cc machines as they are affordable, fuel-efficient and beginner-friendly. Since you want a bike that stands out from the crowd, we would recommend considering the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R and Honda CB125 Hornet in the 125cc class. All are peppy, frugal and have catchy styling while being very easy to ride. All three come with single-channel ABS on at least one variant, and we'd recommend going for one of the ABS variants, considering you are a newer rider. In the 150/160cc class, bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer and Honda SP160 would be a good bet.

For your driving pattern and the amount of driving you do every day, it's best to go for a strong diesel. The best diesel 7-seater for your budget is the Mahindra XUV 7X0, which will be launched early next month. The 7X0 is an upgraded Mahindra XUV700 and comes with the same strong 2.2 diesel engine and smooth 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 7X0 will be a great highway car, and the light steering makes it easy to drive in the city, too. Do bear in mind the third row isn’t spacious at all.

If you want your car to be feature-loaded, we suggest you wait for the launch of Mahindra 7XO, which is coming on 5th January, and is expected to get an updated exterior and pack new features too. Since you primarily drive in the city, we recommend you go for the petrol engine of the Mahindra XUV 7XO.