Hi Autocar, I am looking to buy a 6-seater car under 35 lakhs. I have checked out the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel Automatic and the Tata Safari Accomplished Ultra Diesel Automatic. Now I am in confusion about what to buy since I want a balance of both performance and comfort in the 2nd row seats. Tata Safari excels in 2nd row comfort, but the engine is moderate, whereas the Mahindra XUV 7XO engine is excellent to drive, and 2nd row comfort is good. But the waiting period of 7XO is making it difficult to choose what to buy. Please provide your suggestions on this.

autocar.india

•1h

Go for the Kia Seltos diesel. Your daily 150 km and 75% highway use suit a diesel perfectly, and the Seltos' motor is efficient on long runs - expect an efficiency on highways in the high teens so your 3,500-4,000 km months won’t bleed your wallet. The Seltos also rides comfortably over broken rural stretches, has enough space for 3-4 people every day, and a boot sufficient for those 3,000-4,000 km family tours. Pick the automatic if you’re often stuck in traffic or drive long hours; the manual will squeeze out a bit more mileage. Safety kit and highway stability are solid, and the cabin keeps fatigue low on all-day drives.One caution: it’s not a hardcore rough-road SUV. If your “rural” is truly bad roads or light off-road trails every day, you’ll need to slow down, and tyre upgrades may help, or consider something like the diesel Mahindra XUV 7XO with AWD, though this would be a pricier option.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•2h

Pick the XUV 7XO diesel automatic for your use. Your driving is mostly highway and those 1000 km runs every 2-3 months give the exhaust enough steady heat to keep the DPF happy. The diesel also suits long trips better - it pulls stronger with a full family and luggage, and it will use less fuel than the petrol at cruising speeds, so your trip costs stay sensible.If you live in Delhi-NCR, the 10-year cap on diesels is the real spoiler. In that one case, go petrol automatic to avoid resale and usage headaches later. Elsewhere in India, diesels are fine to keep beyond 10 years. The petrol is smoother in town but will feel thirstier on the highway and when pushed. With your pattern, the diesel’s torque and economy make the drive easier and cheaper, and your occasional long runs are exactly what prevent DPF trouble.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•1d

Pick the Tata Safari 6-seat. It keeps the family happiest on long trips thanks to the comfiest ride and the most adult-friendly third row in this class. The suspension soaks bad roads, it stays settled at highway speeds, and the captain seats are wider with better thigh support. The third row sits a touch higher, has better recline and vents, so even two adults can manage a few hours without grumbling. Luggage space with all rows up is tight on both.Behind the wheel, the Safari is a relaxed mile muncher. The driving position is upright, visibility is great, seats are supportive, and the automatic is smooth. It is not the quickest to kick down, the engine is gruff and not as refined as the Mahindra, and there is some lag at low speeds, but on open roads, it cruises quietly. Coming from a Duster automatic, the ride upgrade is big.The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L is the sharper drive with a stronger diesel and snappier responses, and its ADAS feels better tuned. If you often climb hills fully loaded or love brisk overtakes, it makes life easier. For all-row comfort, choose the Safari.

Tata Safari

Renault Duster

Mahindra XUV 7XO