Hi AutocarIndia Team, I am really interested in the Tata Sierra EV. Any scoops or news on when we can potentially expect the same to be launched here in India? Thanks, TechiePetrolhead

autocar.india

•1d

First, a quick clarification: diesels are unlikely to be phased out anytime soon. There are tighter emissions norms and some city-specific restrictions to keep an eye on, but there is no immediate reason to avoid a modern BS6 diesel purely on the assumption that it will soon become unusable. Mahindra, in particular, is likely to continue offering diesel SUVs for as long as there is meaningful demand. The XUV 7XO AX7T’s 2.2-litre diesel remains a strong fit for frequent highway use, long-distance touring, heavy loads and buyers who value effortless torque and quick refuelling.Your EV reliability concern is understandable, but it should not be a deciding negative by itself. An electric car has fewer mechanical moving parts than an ICE vehicle, which can reduce routine powertrain maintenance requirements. The more relevant question is whether your charging situation and typical driving pattern suit one. If you have dependable home or workplace charging, the Harrier EV makes a compelling case with its quieter, smoother driving experience and substantially lower running costs. The Fearless+ gets a 65kWh battery with a claimed 538km range, while 75kWh versions claim up to 627km, though real-world range will naturally be lower and depend on speed, weather and driving style.If you do regular intercity runs, especially in areas where charging stops may be inconvenient, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is still the easier all-round ownership proposition. It is also likely to be the better choice if you plan to keep the car for a long time without changing your travel routine.If a hybrid is what you are after, there are now two relevant options. The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV offers a useful EV-only range of around 100km, backed by a 1.5-litre petrol engine. However, a plug-in hybrid only makes sense if you can charge it regularly. The Kia Sorento is a conventional strong hybrid, so it does not need external charging and should offer better refinement and economy than a regular petrol SUV. It is, however, considerably more expensive than the XUV 7XOOur advice: Choose the Harrier EV if you have home charging and most of your running is urban or predictable. Choose the XUV 7XO diesel if long highway trips and maximum convenience matter more.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Sorento

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV

Tata Harrier EV

autocar.india

•11h

With your low annual running of 4,000-5,000 km and a budget of Rs 10-12 lakh, a petrol compact SUV is the most sensible choice. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the strongest recommendation here. It offers the most spacious cabin in the segment, making it a genuinely comfortable 5-seater for a family of four, and the turbo petrol engine is punchy enough for occasional highway runs while remaining efficient in the city. This Mahindra car also comes well equipped and offers excellent value for money.The Maruti Suzuki Brezza Turbo is the alternative if you prioritise long-term reliability and low maintenance costs above all else. It is a proven, dependable product with Maruti's extensive service network, and it is also a comfortable 5-seater. The 1.2 petrol versions of the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet are also worth considering if you want a more premium-feeling cabin and a wider feature list. They might not have the same performance as the turbo-petrol versions, but their engine is responsive and both are very user-friendly with light controls and good visibility.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•14h

The Hyundai Exter is a very sensible first car, especially for a new driver. This Hyundai car is compact and easy to manoeuvre, which makes city driving and parking far less intimidating. The H8 variant is well-equipped with essential features, so you are not missing out on anything important. Hyundai’s service network is extensive, and ownership costs are generally reasonable, which is reassuring for a first-time buyer.The Exter’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and predictable, making it easy to drive in traffic and forgiving for someone still building confidence behind the wheel. The ride quality is comfortable for a car of this size, and the cabin feels well put together. It also offers a decent amount of space for a small family, so it can comfortably serve as your primary car for several years.

Hyundai Exter