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

•10h

With 80% city use and five in the family, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder E fits your needs best. It is from a segment above your other two choices and has the roomiest back seat, so three people in the second row feel less cramped. In traffic, it feels easy thanks to light steering, a smooth ride over bad roads, and good all-round visibility, which will help the driver feel relaxed. Toyota’s service is also simple to deal with.Do note one thing. The E trim is basic and usually comes with a manual, so if you must have an automatic, you will need to look at a higher Hyryder trim. The E trim doesn't come with an audio system, so you will need to add it through the dealer. If you want a smaller footprint for daily city runs, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi is your next-best pick. It is very easy to drive and park, but the back seat will feel a bit tighter for three adults. Overall, for five-up city use, choose the Hyryder E.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•10h

There aren't many sedans left in the market, especially at that price range, but with your low yearly use, and a budget of Rs 50 lakh cap, the Audi A4 is the right fit. It feels just as solid and quiet as your BMW X1, but with a comfier ride and a quieter cabin on highways. With your usage, a petrol engine's running costs should be palatable, and the A4’s seats and sound insulation make long drives easy. It is also easy to drive in the city, with light controls and good all-around visibility for a sedan. Alternatively, the Toyota Camry - though it doesn't have a luxury badge - is among the best all-rounders for the money, offering space, comfort, mileage and tech on par with the best.Two things to note coming from the X1: you sit lower, so the view of the road is not as high, and speed breakers need a bit more care than in your old, taller car. If you want to stay in the BMW family and enjoy a sportier feel, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is also within budget. It is fun and feels premium, but the back seat is less spacious, the engine is less powerful, and the ride is firmer than the A4. If you are open to an EV and have home charging, the BYD Seal brings strong performance and a very premium cabin under Rs 50 lakh.

Audi A4

BMW X1

Toyota Camry

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

BYD Seal

Autocar India

•10h

Go for the Hyundai i20 Sportz MT for your needs. The hatchback has a spacious and comfy cabin, a premium interior, and it is very easy to drive thanks to its light controls. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is smooth, peppy and reasonably efficient too, while the slick 5-speed manual and the light clutch make driving in the city easy. The i20 is also fairly compact, so driving in narrow lanes and parking will not be an issue either. Also coming from your i10, the i20 will feel like an upgrade while still keeping you in the Hyundai family. The i20 has proven to be reliable, and Hyundai's service centres are widespread in the country, so your ownership experience will be stress free.

Hyundai i20