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•6w

I own a Maruti Suzuki Brezza diesel which is going to be 10 years old next year. I want to switch to a 7-seater for a monthly driving of around 1800-2000 km mainly for office commute mainly on highway. Shall I go for either EV, PHEV or other fuel? Also, which is the best car within the maximum budget of 20 lakh?

•6w

Unfortunately, there are no plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or even strong hybrid options available in the market at this price point. Also, the only seven-seater EV that'll fit into your sub-Rs 20 lakh budget is the entry-level Kia Carens Clavis EV, which will be equipped with a small 42kWh battery, that should give you a real-world range of around 260-300km. Even so, if you can arrange for home charging, this is an excellent option - one that you should definitely consider as it will drastically reduce your running costs.

If home charging isn't possible, and you still prefer the flexibility of an ICE vehicle, we'll recommend you to consider the diesel version of the Clavis EV instead. With a monthly running of 1,800-2,000 km and predominantly highway usage, a diesel 7-seater is still a very sensible choice.

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Kia

Carens Clavis EV

from ₹19.13 Lakh

•6w•

@autocar.india I just got an notification that mg hector tomahawk is also available at same price..kindly review for that. Also if there are any upcoming cars planned within 6-8 months, that would also be fine

•6w•

Creta owner · 35,000 km

@sandeep07 After driving the Carens Clavis EV, I felt

•6w•

@khyatii your experience of driving is missing..looks like content miss

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•2d

I am buying a new seven-seater EV and have shortlisted the MG Hector Tomahawk Exclusive and Kia Clavis SR HTX. I am confused about which one to choose. The Clavis has better build and ride quality, but it uses a smaller NMC battery and does not come with a 7.5kW charger. The MG Tomahawk is slightly larger and offers better range, although I have some concerns about its build and ride quality. I expect to drive around 2,000km a month, mainly in semi-urban Goa, with a mix of short highway and city driving. I am not planning many outstation trips. Which one would suit my usage better?

•53m

Goa, 2,000 km a month, semi-urban mix, mostly short highway and city runs, not many outstation trips, that’s a very clear brief. The MG Hector Tomahawk EV Exclusive is the better fit here. The bigger battery and better range are exactly what you want at this usage level, and the fact that you’re not doing long outstation runs means you’re not going to be pushing the car into situations where charging infrastructure becomes a headache. The Clavis SR HTX is the more polished product, but the smaller NMC battery and the lack of a 7.5kW charger are real drawbacks at 2,000 km a month.The MG’s size is also an advantage, but the Kia Carens Clavis EV actually has a better third row. The Tomahawk's ride and build quality are not as tight as the Clavis, but they’re not deal-breakers either. Overall, the MG Hector Tomahawk Exclusive offers better value for money for your usage.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Kia Carens Clavis EV

•2d

I want to move from a hatchback to a midsize SUV. I am looking for a reliable family SUV with good comfort, legroom and boot space. My daily driving is only 10-20 km, but every fortnight I drive 200km to work. I have no fixed budget and am ready to buy now, but the reviews of the new Kia Seltos are confusing. With so many new cars being launched, should I wait? Petrol seems ideal, but should I consider a diesel or hybrid instead? I am based between Bengaluru and Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh and work at both places for 15 days each. I am also considering buying the car from Gujarat, my home state, as I could save a significant amount. Is this sensible, or could I face any issues with the RTO?

•2h

Go for the new Kia Seltos petrol, and there's no need to wait. Your driving is fairly light: short daily runs plus a 200km trip every fortnight, and that's exactly what the 1.5 petrol with the IVT gearbox does well. It's smooth in Bangalore traffic and settles down nicely on the highway. A diesel only pays off if you drive a lot more than you do. A strong hybrid would sip less fuel in town, but it costs more and eats into the boot, and you've said boot space matters.As for waiting, the Seltos you're looking at is the brand-new generation, so it isn't about to be replaced. If you want a second opinion on the road, drive the Hyundai Creta too, but keep in mind that an all-new one is due next year.On buying in Gujarat, we'd advise against it. Road tax goes to the state where the car is registered and used. Once it's running in Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh, you'll have to re-register it and pay tax there anyway. Whatever you save upfront will likely disappear, and you'll have the paperwork on top. Register the car where you live and drive most, and check the exact charges with your local RTO.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

•1d

Hello Experts, We are looking to replace our Suzuki Ciaz and are considering the new Seltos. Although mileage is not a major concern, could you please suggest whether going for the IVT would be a better option than the DCT? I have personally driven the IVT, and it does feel a bit underpowered for the weight of the new Seltos. Also, please suggest other cars that we should consider. We are upgrading from a sedan and are open to other options as well. Thank you.

•3h

Go for the Seltos 1.5 turbo petrol DCT. Coming from a Ciaz, you will appreciate the stronger performance and the DCT’s quick shifts, especially on highways and during overtakes. The IVT is smooth and reliable, but it does feel a bit flat in a car of this size, and since mileage is not a big concern for you, the turbo petrol is the more satisfying choice. The DCT is not as seamless in stop-start traffic as the IVT, but it is a well-sorted unit and should not be a deal-breaker.If you are open to alternatives, the Tata Sierra is worth a look. It offers a more premium cabin, excellent ride comfort and a genuinely spacious rear seat, which makes it a great upgrade from a sedan. The turbo petrol is mated to a torque converter auto that is smoother than the Seltos' DCT in stop-and-go traffic.Another option is the new Honda Elevate. It has a naturally aspirated CVT engine like the Seltos IVT but it offers a bit more performance.Overall, the Seltos turbo petrol DCT is the best fit for your requirements. It offers the right balance of performance, refinement and features, and it will feel like a genuine step up from your Ciaz.

Kia Seltos

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Honda Elevate

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Popular discussions right now

•5d

Hi Autocar Team, I am confused between the XUV 7XO AX7T diesel manual and automatic. My current ride is a Fluidic Verna diesel manual, which is nearing 15 years of ownership and has clocked nearly 2.5 lakh km. My usage consists of mixed city and highway driving, with around 40km daily and weekend highway runs of about 400km. For long-term ownership, which would be the better choice: the manual or automatic?

•5d

Go for the XUV 7XO AX7T diesel automatic. The diesel engine is well suited to your high running, and the automatic gearbox is a proven torque converter unit that is reliable and well matched to the engine. This Mahindra car will make your daily city driving far less tiring, while still being smooth and efficient on the highway. Coming from a 15-year-old Hyundai Verna diesel manual, the automatic will feel like a significant upgrade in terms of comfort and ease of use, without compromising on long-term reliability. The manual is still a good option if you strongly prefer the engagement, but for your usage and ownership horizon, the automatic is the smarter choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Hyundai Verna

•1d

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.

•4h

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 test-drove both the Kia Seltos GTX(A) IVT and the Hyundai Creta N10 Turbo DCT. For some reason, the Creta felt more balanced over rough roads and was also quieter. I initially wanted to purchase the HTX(A) Turbo DCT, but it wasn't available for a test drive. Now, I'm confused about two things: Seltos vs Creta and manual vs DCT. Around 60-70% of my driving will be in the city, but I still want a punchy engine. Having driven manual cars for years, I've always enjoyed them and am comfortable with them. However, considering the advancements in automatic transmissions in 2026 and the fact that I plan to keep the car for 7-8 years, a DCT seems like a convenient option. I'm now unsure which combination would be the right choice for my needs. What would you recommend?

•6d

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX(A) Turbo DCT as it strikes the best balance for your needs. The turbo petrol engine is punchy and enjoyable, while the DCT makes city driving far less tiring than a manual. You enjoy manuals, but with 60-70% city usage and a 7-8 year ownership horizon, the convenience of an automatic becomes hard to ignore. The Seltos also feels slightly more premium inside than the Hyundai Creta, and the HTX(A) is a well-equipped variant without pushing the budget too far. The Creta is also the older model, and the next-gen version is right around the corner. The difference in terms of stability and ride comfort between both is marginal, and the Seltos counters that with a more premium cabin and a slightly wider rear seat. The IVT is smooth but lacks the punch you are looking for, while the DCT delivers the performance you want without the fatigue of a manual. Overall, the Seltos HTX(A) Turbo DCT is the most complete package for your usage pattern and long-term ownership plans.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

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