Delhi

Every helpful action can earn a badge.

•6w

Hi, I am planning to buy the XUV 3XO EV AX7L but am a little confused, as many people are saying that it uses an older NMC battery pack. I am also considering the Tata Punch EV top-spec variant, but overall, I prefer the XUV 3XO EV. Please suggest which one would be a better choice and also explain the NMC battery technology.

•6w

The NMC battery chemistry is not a reason to avoid the car. NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) batteries are widely used in EVs and are proven technology here in India and globally. They offer good energy density and performance, but need proper thermal management, which is what every manufacturer, including Mahindra, has engineered the battery pack for. The concerns around NMC are often overstated – the key is how the battery is managed, not just the chemistry.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is also a more spacious car and offers better performance; however, the overall powertrain calibration in terms of throttle response, easy drivability and power efficiency is better in the Tata Punch EV. So, keeping that in mind, if you are ok with the smaller size, we would lean towards the Punch EV. A good alternative would be the Kia Syros EV, which will offer you a very well calibrated and tuned powertrain, excellent reliability and a lot of interior space too.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Punch EV

from ₹10.24 Lakh

Kia

Syros EV

from ₹14.31 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 3XO EV

from ₹14.73 Lakh

•6w•

@sourabh28 if you have predominant city driving, Go for XUV 3XO EV because of wheelbase and Ton of features along with power.

•6w•

@sourabh28 Go with Mahindra XUV 3XO EV 👍 but it gives max range of 275 only and punch will give upto 325 but small size..

More posts on similar cars

•1w

I have pre-booked the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC, but the India-spec version does not get air suspension or rear-axle steering, despite being advertised as the fully loaded, top-spec AMG 400 4Matic. This is disappointing, especially since EVs need to manage their added weight. However, the extra weight could also help the car handle undulations and potholes on Indian roads, much like how the Kia Syros EV reportedly rides better than the ICE Syros. Is this reasoning sound? Also, what do you think of Mercedes-Benz leaving out these features despite the high price? I understand that a final verdict should wait until a test drive, but could Autocar India question Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer about this at the launch? The two features reportedly cost only Rs 2.5 lakh together, and it seems disappointing that they might have been omitted to compete with the upcoming BMW iX3.

•1d

Your logic is partially sound, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The extra weight of an electric car does help the suspension settle over small undulations and broken patches, which is why cars like the Kia Syros EV can feel more planted than their ICE counterparts. However, that same weight also puts more strain on the suspension over larger bumps and potholes, which is where a more sophisticated setup like air suspension and rear axle steering really makes a difference. Air suspension can better manage the weight and provide a more consistent ride, while rear axle steering improves agility and stability, especially in a heavy EV.As for Mercedes-Benz not offering these features on the India-spec car, it is disappointing, especially at this price point. The decision is likely driven by cost and positioning relative to the BMW iX3, but it does feel like a compromise on what should be a flagship product. We will certainly raise this with Mercedes-Benz India at the launch.Ultimately, the best way to judge the car will be to drive it on Indian roads. If the suspension tuning is well sorted, the absence of air suspension may not be a deal-breaker, but it is something to be aware of given the price.

Kia Syros EV

BMW iX3

•2w

How does the Nissan Tekton N-Connecta turbo compare with the Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi Plus turbo?

•1d

The Nissan Tekton N-Connecta turbo and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi Plus turbo are both strong contenders in the compact SUV segment, but they appeal to slightly different priorities.The Nissan Tekton turbo is the more engaging car to drive, with a punchy turbo petrol engine and a well-sorted chassis that makes it genuinely enjoyable on the road. The N-Connecta trim also offers a good balance of features without pushing the price too high. Nissan's service network is not as extensive as Maruti's, but the Tekton is a well-engineered product and should not pose major ownership concerns.The Brezza VXi Plus turbo, on the other hand, is the safer ownership bet. Maruti's service reach and low maintenance costs are its biggest strengths, and the Brezza is a proven, reliable product. The turbo petrol engine is also strong, but the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is not as engaging to drive as the Tekton.If you prioritise driving enjoyment and a more dynamic experience, go for the Tekton N-Connecta turbo. If you prioritise hassle-free ownership and long-term peace of mind, the Brezza VXi Plus turbo is the better choice.

Nissan Tekton

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•6d

Hello Autocar Team, I’m planning to buy an EV in November 2026. Please suggest one between the following options: Hyundai Creta Electric 51.2kWh Smart (O) and Tata Nexon EV Empowered Plus

•4d

There's a substantial price difference between the top-end variants of the Hyundai Creta Electric and Tata Nexon EV. But since you're comfortable with spending more for the Hyundai, we'd certainly recommend it over this Tata car. The Creta Electric is the more mature product, with a larger battery, a more spacious cabin and a more premium overall feel. Also, you're likely to get an additional 100km (or more) real-world range with the Creta Electric, and its DC fast charging capability is also better than the Tata's. Additionally, it also benefits from Hyundai's strong service network which is important for long-term ownership.We would also recommend you to consider a Kia Syros EV, that is a compact offering with a large battery, excellent cabin space, a posh interior, and is priced a bit more affordable than the Creta Electric.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Tata Nexon EV

Kia Syros EV

View all Posts

Has E20 fuel affected your mileage?

Expert reviews worth reading

Is ADAS worth paying extra for in a car?

Popular discussions right now

•6d

I am a 6 ft driver who loves driving. I've driven the Swift 2013 petrol, Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto and the XUV500 the most on long trips. Now that I am planning to buy a car with a strict budget, do you think the 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol variant will be a wise decision to make, as I will be travelling once a month for short trips from Bangalore to Coorg, Pondicherry, GOA, and Mangalore? Which other car can be a perfect match for me, keeping a budget of 12 lakhs max? Also, the 3XO AX5 I'm getting from a friend who has hardly driven 6k km for 10 lakhs.

•5d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol from your friend for Rs 10 lakh. At that price, it is a very good deal and a sensible upgrade from your Creta 1.6 diesel automatic. The 3XO is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin and good rear seat comfort, which will make your long drives to Coorg, Pondicherry, Goa and Mangalore more comfortable. The turbo petrol engine is smooth and is well suited to both city driving and highway cruising. At Rs 10 lakh for a car with only 6,000 km on the clock, you are getting a nearly new car at a significant discount, which makes it a far better value proposition than buying new.If you are looking for alternatives under Rs 12 lakh, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is the best option for an enthusiast driver. The new Brezza turbo-petrol could also be a good choice. Overall, the 3XO from your friend is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, reliability and value, and will serve you well on your monthly road trips.

I’ve almost finalised the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, and I really like the car. However, I’m a little worried about Skoda’s long-term service and maintenance costs, especially after the warranty period. I’m planning to keep the car for around 7–8 years. Would you recommend taking the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) along with the car? Is it worth the additional cost considering regular servicing and potential maintenance expenses? Also, compared with the Brezza and Nexon, how is the Kylaq Signature Automatic in terms of long-term reliability, service costs and parts replacement? Would really appreciate your advice before I make the final purchase decision.

•1d

If you like the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, go ahead and buy it. It is a genuinely good car and one of the best driver’s cars in the segment. The 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven combination, and Skoda’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years. The bigger concern is not reliability but long-term maintenance costs, which can be higher than Maruti or Tata once the car is out of warranty.This is where the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) makes sense. It locks in your service costs for the first 4-5 years, covers all scheduled maintenance and gives you peace of mind during the most expensive ownership period. If you are planning to keep the car for 7-8 years, it is worth the additional cost because it protects you from unexpected bills and helps you budget ownership costs more accurately.Compared to the Brezza and Nexon, the Kylaq is the better driver’s car with a more engaging driving experience and a stronger engine. The Brezza is the benchmark for long-term reliability and low maintenance costs, while the Nexon sits somewhere in between. The Kylaq is not unreliable, but parts and service can be more expensive once you are out of warranty.If you are buying the Kylaq, take the SMP and enjoy the car. If long-term ownership costs are your absolute priority, the Brezza is the safer financial choice.

I currently own a Jeep Compass and want to get an additional car for my father, with good reliability, unlike the Jeep. My father still drives a 2008 Honda City, and I am torn between a few choices: the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Nissan Tekton and Toyota Hyryder. Or should I wait for the Virtus facelift or the new-generation Creta? His usage is low, at almost 500 km per month. Please suggest.

•1d

With just 500km a month, petrol is the clear choice, and reliability and ease of ownership become the most important factors. The Honda City is the safest recommendation here. It is a proven product with a strong reliability record, a comfortable ride and a familiar ownership experience that your father will appreciate, especially coming from a 2008 City. The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are both excellent to drive, but the 1.0 TSI engine can feel a bit laggy at low speeds, and the 1.5 TSI is overkill for this kind of usage. The Nissan Tekton is a good value proposition, but engines are not responsive at low speeds and Nissan's service network is not as strong as Honda's, which matters more for a low-running, long-term ownership scenario. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a solid option if you specifically want an SUV, but the hybrid premium does not make financial sense at this running, and the naturally aspirated petrol is not as refined as the City's engine. The new-generation Hyundai Creta is worth waiting for only if your father specifically wants an SUV; otherwise, the City remains the more sensible choice. Overall, the Honda City is the most reliable, comfortable and hassle-free option for your father's usage.

Honda City

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Nissan Tekton

View all Posts

Upcoming launch buzz

Community discussions on upcoming launches