I am planning to buy the 2024 Mercedes GLC. My question is whether I should go for the diesel or the petrol engine. I usually drive in the city, covering around 8,000 km a year. I’m also getting the diesel version for Rs 2 lakh less. Please give me a detailed answer to help me with this dilemma. Hoping for a quick reply.

autocar.india

•10h

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

•20h

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

autocar.india

•11h

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) Petrol Manual is the better value for this usage. With monthly running of less than 1,000km and predominantly city driving, a petrol engine is the right choice, while the Seltos' naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine offers a smooth, reliable and low-maintenance ownership experience. It is also comfortable enough for the occasional 1,000 km-plus family road trip.The additional features on the HTK (O) do add to the ownership experience, but not all of them are equally important. The front parking sensors are genuinely useful in daily city driving, and the wireless charger is a convenient feature to have. The panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, sporty pedals and LED personal lamps are more about enhancing the cabin ambience than adding functionality.If the price difference is manageable and the car will be kept for five years or more, the HTK (O) is worth stretching for, as it will feel more special to own and should also be a little more desirable in the used car market. However, if the premium is significant and those additional comfort features are not a priority, the HTK remains the better value buy because the core driving experience, safety and mechanical package are identical.

Kia Seltos