I own a kwid rxt, in a few months want to buy a new car, i narrowed down kia clavis petrol automatic and xuv 7xo diesel, clavis felt very refined and powerful but would have to use usb for android auto and heard reviews that engine is troublesome. Not sure how true that is. Xuv 7xo has unmatched power and buid quality is solid. However, the 3rd is not much usable and no boot space with all rows up. I dont want to go for xuv 7xo petrol because of its poor mileage. My usage is 50 km daily with 1 to 2 highway trips in a month. Please suggest which is best?

autocar.india

•22m

With a monthly running of 1,500 km and 70% highway usage, a diesel car makes the most sense. The higher torque and better fuel efficiency on long runs will pay off over time, and your usage pattern justifies the premium over petrol. Since you prefer a manual car, you will also avoid the complexity and cost of automatic gearboxes, which is a plus for long-term ownership.The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel manual in a lower trim would be our first recommendation. It is a genuinely strong highway car with a punchy diesel engine, good stability at speed and a comfortable ride over long distances.If you want something a bit more compact and easier to live with in the city, the Kia Seltos diesel manual is also a very good option. It is more affordable, feels premium on the inside and is still very capable on the highway.Overall, the XUV 7XO diesel manual is the best fit for your usage and budget.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•1d

Given your requirements, the best option is the Hyundai Alcazar petrol DCT. It's available as a six- or seven-seater, giving you the flexibility you need when your extended family joins you on your journeys, and its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is relatively fuel efficient for a car of its size. The dual-clutch automatic is smooth enough, though it can be a bit clunky at low speeds if not driven smoothly and carefully. Also worth noting is that even the base model petrol-AT Alcazar costs around Rs 21 lakh on road, and the Alcazar has not been tested by any NCAP authority.The next best option is not an SUV but arguably a more practical option - the Kia Carens Clavis. It uses the same engine and gearbox in a lighter package with more space on the inside. Other 7-seat SUV options with more space - like the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio-N and MG Hector Plus are available, but are nowhere near as fuel-efficient and will be out of your budget as well. All things considered, the Hyundai Alcazar is your best option.

Hyundai Alcazar

Mahindra Scorpio N

MG Hector

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Kia Carens Clavis

autocar.india

•2d

The Tata Harrier is a very good choice for your usage. With predominantly highway driving, the Harrier’s strengths really come to the fore. The diesel engine is strong and relaxed at cruising speeds, and the car feels planted and stable on long runs. The ride quality is also excellent, soaking up bad patches and undulations with ease, which makes it a comfortable long-distance companion.The only thing to be aware of is that Tata’s ownership experience can be a bit inconsistent depending on the service centre, so check the dealers out in your area as Tata Motors are making many improvements with their service. If you are open to alternatives, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth considering as well. It offers a more powerful diesel engine and is very well equipped.

Tata Harrier

Mahindra XUV 7XO