Hello Autocar, I am confused between buying the Mahindra XEV 9S and the Toyota Innova Hycross ZX (O). My usage is around 70% city driving, but I also enjoy occasional highway trips. Which of these would be the better choice for my needs?

autocar.india

•3d

The choice really depends on what you're looking for, but if your budget allows, we'd recommend the Toyota Innova HyCross.The HyCross is the more accomplished product overall. It offers outstanding ride comfort, a far more spacious cabin, excellent practicality and, in strong hybrid form, exceptional fuel efficiency. It is also backed by Toyota's excellent reputation for long-term reliability and should be the easiest car to own over many years.The Kia Carens Clavis is a very capable MPV in its own right. It offers a premium cabin, a long list of features, and good value for money. However, it is positioned a segment below the HyCross and doesn't quite match it for rear-seat comfort, refinement or overall long-distance ability.If your budget stretches to the HyCross Hybrid, that would be our pick. If not, the Kia Carens Clavis offers excellent value and is a sensible choice for buyers looking for a well-equipped family car at a lower price.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Carens Clavis

autocar.india

•8h

The Hyundai Venue Diesel is the better choice for this usage. With an annual running of around 15,000km, split between 60 percent city and 40 percent highway, a diesel is well-suited to the driving pattern. It will deliver excellent fuel efficiency on long highway drives while remaining refined and easy to drive in the city.For a first-time buyer planning to keep the car for around 10 years, the Venue also makes a strong ownership case. Hyundai has a widespread service network, the 1.5-litre diesel is a proven engine, and the Venue's compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre in traffic while remaining comfortable enough for family trips.The Kia Sonet HTK+ Diesel uses the same engine and is a capable alternative. However, the Sonet is expected to be replaced next year, whereas the Venue is the newer product, making it the more sensible long-term buy. The Maruti Brezza ZXi continues to be an excellent petrol SUV with lower maintenance costs, but for your annual running and highway usage, the diesel Venue is better aligned with your requirements and will be more fuel efficient on longer journeys.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•18h

Given your usage, go for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. Considering you have extremely low city running and the occasional long, infrequent highway trip, in this scenario, the naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT automatic is the most sensible choice. It is smooth, reliable and stress-free in the city, and on the highway, it is relaxed and easy to live with. The Turbo DCT variant is not the right fit for your usage - DCTs are best suited to buyers who want a sporty driving experience and are willing to accept the higher complexity and potential long-term maintenance costs that come with the technology. Plus, the 1.5 turbo engine won't be as efficient in the city, and the DCT nowhere near as smooth. The Kushaq 1.0 TSI Prestige AT is a good car and packs a surprising punch, but the 1.0 TSI is not as refined or as effortless as the Seltos 1.5 IVT, and the Seltos offers a more premium and spacious cabin. The Seltos HTX IVT is the most balanced and ownership-friendly option for your needs.

Kia Seltos