Monthly running of 1500–2000km: Should you choose a diesel or petrol car?

Autocar India

•34w

Given your monthly running of around 1,500 to 2,000 km (or roughly 50–60 km a day), the diesel version of the Thar Roxx makes more financial sense. The petrol variant, while smoother in certain conditions, will prove significantly more expensive to run over time.

The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel is also one of the best in its class—refined, torquey, and strong on performance—so you’re unlikely to feel short-changed or wish for a petrol instead.

The only thing to keep in mind with the BS6 diesel is the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) system. To keep it working efficiently, it’s advisable to take the car out on longer highway drives now and then so the system can regenerate properly.

All things considered, the diesel Roxx is the more practical and rewarding choice for your usage. The Thar Roxx on road price in Bhilwara for the diesel variants ranges from Rs 16.59 lakh to Rs 27.29 lakh.

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Related questions you may find helpful

Nagesh K S

•2d

Planning to purchase a new automatic car for my wife, who is currently learning to drive. The primary usage will be daily commuting from home to office in Bengaluru city traffic, with occasional highway drives once every couple of months. We are looking for a compact car, as we already own a Kia Seltos Diesel. We are open to considering electric or hybrid options, provided they fit within a budget of ₹14 lakhs (ex-showroom). The purchase will be made under her company’s employee car loan scheme. Her key priorities are safety, ease of driving, comfort, and reliable service support. Which models would you recommend?

Autocar India

•10h

Since you're open to electric cars, consider the top-spec Tata Punch EV Empowered+ S 40. Thanks to its compact dimensions, elevated seating, good visibility and light steering, it will be very easy to drive in the city. Additionally, its powertrain is far smoother, seamless and more refined than any ICE vehicle. Also, the Punch EV is equipped with all the safety kit, and it has also been awarded 5 stars by Bharat NCAP for its crash safety.If you want ICE options, you can test drive the Hyundai Venue 1.0 turbo-petrol DCT and Skoda Kylaq 1.0 turbo-petrol AT.

Raghu

Hi Autocar team, please suggest an EV for elderly parents. Usage will mostly be in the city, with occasional highway trips of 200 to 250 km. Budget is approximately ₹10 to 17 lakh.

Autocar India

•11h

Choose the Tata Punch EV Empowered 40. For elderly parents’ city use and occasional highway trips, it combines easy ingress, a comfortable ride and a decent real-world range.Since most drives are in the city, the 40kWh battery should deliver around 280-300km of range, which means charging once a week is feasible. Highway use will see this drop, but a 200–250km run on a single charge is still achievable. The tall seating position and wide-opening doors make ingress and egress easier for elderly occupants, while the compact footprint and good visibility make it easy to drive and park. Ride quality is also superb, and high-speed stability is reassuring.The one trade-off is rear seat space for three passengers. It is possible to sit three abreast, but the narrow width means it can feel a bit cramped. For slightly more range and a more spacious rear seat, consider the Tata Nexon EV Empowered 45.On the test drive, have your parents check ease of entry, seat height, brake feel and the regen modes. Plus, take note of battery consumption based on their driving style.

Tata Nexon EV

Tata Punch EV

Shiva Kunal

•1d

My budget is around ₹13 lakh on-road. Can you please suggest a car with good mileage and a boot space of around 350 litres or more?

Autocar India

•12h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi+ MT. It stays well within your Rs 13 lakh budget, delivers a 24.79kpl ARAI efficiency, and offers a roomy 382‑litre boot.The Dzire also offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, and it has received a 5-star crash safety rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. You also get the peace of mind associated with Maruti ownership. The one thing you give up is the high ground clearance and elevated seating position you'd get in a compact SUV.If you want SUV-like clearance and a taller driving position, consider the Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK+(O) petrol instead. It has a claimed ARAI mileage of 18.83kpl, and its 385‑litre boot can fit in more cargo than you'd think.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Kia Sonet

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