Hi Autocar Team, I am based in Chennai and currently use a Toyota Innova Crysta, which is mostly chauffeur-driven. I am now looking to upgrade to a larger 7-seater with ample luggage space for my family. My usage includes occasional long drives of around 600-700 km once every five months. I have shortlisted the Kia Carnival and the MG M9, as both fall within my budget of ₹1 crore. However, I have never owned or used an EV before. Could you please suggest which would be the better option for my needs?

Autocar India

•22m

You should check out the Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK (O) manual, it fits your budget and needs best for safe, easy city driving. Your use is very low and only in the city, so the simple 1.2 petrol with no turbo is the right call. It is a 4-cylinder engine, so it feels smoother and quieter than most 3-cylinder engines. The HTK (O) trim includes a rear camera, though if you can increase your budget slightly, consider moving up to the Sonet HTK+, which will get you features like keyless entry and go, a wireless phone charger, a 60:40 split rear seat and alloy wheels.The 1.2 in the Sonet doesn't get an automatic option, so if you decide you must have one, you would need to look at a different model. Consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 Delta+ AMT, which also gets a rear-view camera and a four-cylinder engine. If you don't mind a hatchback, there's also the Hyundai i20 1.2 IVT Sportz, which gets a smoother CVT automatic gearbox.The only 1.5-litre engine in your price bracket can be found in the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. But as that very engine capacity disqualifies it from small car tax breaks, its price is higher than others, and you will only get a base model.

Kia Sonet

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Hyundai i20

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Toyota Innova Hycross VX Hybrid 7‑seater for your father’s highway plans and comfort needs, it is the most relaxed, spacious and easy-to-drive choice in your list. The strong-hybrid setup makes city and highway driving very smooth and quiet, and the automatic is an e-CVT. It is a type of automatic that doesn’t shift gears in steps, so there are no jerks in traffic. The high seat, light steering and clear view out make it friendly for a senior driver, and the second-row captain seats (in the 7‑seat) are truly lounge-like on long days. The third row is usable for adults, and Toyota’s wide service network and proven reliability mean low stress over the years. It is also the only petrol option here that consistently meets your 15 kpl aim in mixed use; the diesels can match that mainly on highways. We feel it's worth stretching your budget for the hybrid trims If you want a stronger highway punch and don’t mind diesel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is a fine long-distance cruiser with lots of features, but its third row is cramped, and it's not as nimble in town. If Toyota wait times or pricing are a concern, look at the Maruti Invicto Hybrid. It drives the same way as the Hycross, with a simpler feature set, and you could get some discounts on it. Given the frequent highway usage, we don't think an EV is a good idea. Fast chargers on many routes are patchy, and stops take longer, which adds planning and stress your father does not need.Given your past low yearly use but future highway plans, the hybrid is the most sensible pick here

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Autocar India

•1h

Opt for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 L diesel automatic. For your 50km daily running and occasional highway trips, diesel is the more suitable choice overall, as it will be more efficient over time, and its strong low-speed torque makes it easier to drive in stop-and-go traffic. On the highway, it feels relaxed and effortless, which makes longer intercity drives more comfortable. The automatic is smooth enough for daily use, and the overall package suits long hours behind the wheel.Please keep in mind that modern diesels utilise a DPF system that requires occasional steady runs to remain clean. With your usage, this should not be a concern, as your daily distance and highway drives will naturally allow the system to regenerate.If your usage becomes more city-heavy with shorter trips, the petrol automatic version is worth considering, as it is quieter and smoother in traffic, though it will be less efficient.

Mahindra XUV 7XO