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•19w

I am currently using a 2016 Ford Aspire Petrol. My budget is up to Rs. 20 lakh, and my annual running is around 7,000 km, mostly in the city. I am extremely confused about whether I should buy a petrol car in 2026, considering the ongoing ethanol-blending developments, or switch to an EV. EVs seem very attractive, but I am unsure about long-term maintenance concerns since the technology is still relatively new, and my usage is quite low. The one factor that works strongly in favour of an EV is that I have a solar power plant at home, so charging would not be an issue and would effectively be free. On the other hand, buying a petrol car would involve a much lower upfront investment. I have received an offer for a 2025 Kia Syros top-end variant at an on-road price of Rs. 14.5 lakh, with features such as ventilated front and rear seats, ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and Harman Kardon speakers. However, I am concerned about owning a petrol car over the next 10-12 years. Please guide me on what would be the better choice.

•19w

With your low usage, most of which is in the city, an EV actually makes a lot of sense. With solar panels installed, your daily running costs will literally be zero, and we assume you'll be able to set up a home charger that makes use of this. With fuel prices the way they are at the moment, this will go a long way in offsetting the added upfront cost of an EV. Plus, there are the inherent benefits of an EV like refinement, smoothness and instantaneous response, which is great for traffic. While there are downsides to EVs, hidden maintenance problems aren't one of them. In fact, maintenance is much lower compared to an ICE vehicle, as there are fewer components to repair or replace, and the same goes for fluids and consumables. Things you will need to note: Range will always be on your mind and longer journeys will need planning, should you take them in your EV. In the long run, as the battery deteriorates, you may notice minor losses in power and range; and finally, when the battery reaches the end of its life, which is usually expected to be at least 10 years, the replacement cost is very high, and thus resale value of EVs tends to be quite low.

Yes, there's uncertainty about petrol blending at the moment, but at the current standard of E20, all new cars are compatible and safe. The Kia Syros is an excellent car with loads of space and features, and good engines. So if you're getting a good deal and are happy with the car, consider going for it. An EV for the same money will not get you the same amount of space or features.

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Kia

Syros

from ₹9.39 Lakh

•19w•

Thank you for your detailed response. Actually I very much concerned about the future availability of the E20 Blend. I am unsure if the government would be conitnuing the supply of this blend over the next 10-12 years. And if they decide after say 5 years to start E27 or E30, how much effect the engine of this car be affected? Should I continue with this purchase? Seeing the monthly Petrol cars sales YOY increments, it does not seem like an issue at all.

More posts on similar cars

•1w

I am looking for a diesel car priced around Rs 15-16 lakh with good fuel efficiency. I already own a Kia Sonet and a Hyundai Venue. What else should I consider?

•6d

Since you're already using the Sonet and Venue, you could consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel this time around. It offers a strong diesel engine, respectable fuel efficiency, excellent ride comfort, and a more spacious cabin than the Sonet and Venue, making it a good family car.If you don't mind its looks, then the Kia Syros is an excellent car, and it's certainly worth considering. It has the same efficient, refined powertrain as the Venue and Sonet that you're using. Furthermore, cabin space is huge, and overall quality feels top-notch.

Hi, I am Akshay and I currently drive a 2019 Fiat Punto Abarth. I'm hooked on the thrill it offers while driving. I also really appreciate how it stands out from the crowd, with people turning around to take a look at the car. I'm not too concerned about the fuel economy. I have my eye on the Škoda Octavia RS if it becomes available. Which other cars can offer a similar driving experience for a similar or slightly lower budget? I have no preference among a hatchback, sedan, SUV, or crossover.

•21h

The Skoda Octavia RS will seem like a natural upgrade from your Punto Abarth. Its 2.0 TSI delivers strong performance, and its handling feels sharp thus delivering a genuinely engaging driving experience, while also feeling more premium, more comfortable and more usable as a daily driver. Overall, the Octavia RS feels like a mature, sophisticated performance sedan, which lacks a bit of the Abarth's drama visually or as far as power delivery goes, it is a car that should rank high up on your shortlist.If you're keen on something of a similar size with stronger performance and excellent (go-kart-like) handling, consider the Mini Cooper S. As far as practicality and value gom the Octavia RS is far better, but the Mini is a lot more thrilling to drive, and has a lot more character. A Mini Countryman JCW All4 is a more expensive alternative, but if you're getting a good deal on one, it has the performance, sporty handling, drama and the practicality to be the right upgrade for you.Lastly, if you're open to 2-3-year-old pre-owned options a Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 AMG under Rs 40 lakh, and a BMW M340i under Rs 55 lakh are excellent options, as far as performance and thrill of driving go.

Skoda Octavia RS

Mini Countryman

Mini Cooper Convertible

BMW 3 Series

Mercedes-Benz GLA

•20h

Please suggest a suitable automatic car for monthly running of 2000km which includes 20% city and 80% highway use in and around Shimla Hills. I am looking for a car within a budget of Rs. 9-14 lakh which should be driver friendly, convenient, reliable and comfortable with a 2nd row and ample boot space. I plan to retain it for at least 10-12 years.

•18h

With 2,000 km a month, 80% highway and hilly terrain, diesel is the clear recommendation. The torque and efficiency of a diesel engine make a big difference on long climbs and overtakes, and at your running, the cost savings over petrol add up quickly. Additionally, keeping your requirements of back seat comfort, as well as a 10-12 year ownership plan, a Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel-AMT seems like the right fit.It is powered by a refined, strong and punchy diesel engine that's mated to a 6-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Now, the AMT is not as smooth as a torque converter available in the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue diesel at the same price, but with a light foot, the Mahindra's unit works reasonably well and doesn't feel jerky or confused at low speeds. And compared to the Hyundai and Kia offerings, the 3XO feels more spacious, particularly for rear seat occupants. On paper, its boot is small, but actual usable space is similar to other compact SUVs on sale.If you want a proper diesel-automatic, with a large boot and spacious second row, consider the Kia Syros HTK+. It has an excellent diesel engine, a seamless torque converter (automatic transmission) and for its size, it is extremely spacious. Also, with an adjustable second row, it gives you the flexibility of increasing boot space or legroom for rear occupants. The on-road price might be a little over your Rs 14 lakh budget, but with substantial discounts going on, you could just end up getting one within your budget.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a seven-seater car. I have test-driven the Renault Triber Turbo and Citroen Aircross X and was impressed by what both offer at their price points. However, the Aircross put a wide smile on my face. As a current Maruti Suzuki user, I did not consider the Ertiga because it feels similar to our Swift. I liked the Aircross X but am sceptical about Citroen's service network and spare parts availability. However, there are three Citroen showrooms within 45 km of my place. Please suggest which car I should choose. My budget: Rs. 15 lakh Current vehicle: Second-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift petrol (2017) Annual usage: Around 10,000 km, with a 50:30:20 split between town, highway and city driving Requirement: A seven-seater car

•6d

The Citroen's interiors feel more special, its engine is more powerful, and its ride-handling balance is outstanding; however, for seven adults, it won't be as comfortable as the Triber.In fact, the Triber's superb packaging makes it genuinely comfortable for passengers in all three rows, despite its compact sub-4-meter dimensions. The new turbo-petrol engine makes it an effortless performer, and its ride quality feels very mature too. Moreover, the Triber Turbo is also much more affordable in comparison, making it outstanding value for money. Yes, the Aircross X will appeal to your heart, but given Citroen's limited service network and cramped third row, the Triber Turbo is the more sensible choice.

Renault Triber

Citroen Aircross

•3d

Please advise which car would be the best choice for long-term ownership: the Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari, Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass, Volkswagen SUV, or any other suitable option. My priority is reliability, long-term durability, and hassle-free ownership over the next 10 years or more. I would appreciate suggestions based on real-world ownership experience, maintenance costs, spare parts availability, and after-sales support.

•3d

For long-term ownership, the Mahindra Scorpio N is the safest recommendation from your shortlist. It has a proven track record, robust mechanicals and a strong service network, making it a dependable choice for 5-10 years of ownership. The Tata Harrier and Tata Safari have improved significantly, but the Scorpio N still has the edge on long-term reliability and ownership confidence. The Jeep Compass is a good product, but it is now an ageing model and does not offer the same value proposition as the Scorpio N. If you are open to alternatives, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth considering. It is a more modern product with a better balance of comfort, features and refinement, and it is a strong long-term ownership proposition as well. The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are excellent driver's cars, but they are smaller and do not offer the same level of space or road presence as the Scorpio N or XUV 7XO.

I am planning to buy my first car. I want to have a 7-seater and need it for long term ownership. I liked the Citroen Aircross X design for 5+2. I am planning to choose a car with automatic transmission. I have couple of major concerns for which I would like your advice. First one is Mileage, I heard Aircross has a mileage issue and its real-world city mileage is 8 kpl while on highway it is 14 kpl. Is it the same for X version also? Second advice is for its service network. I have heard from the people that its service is slow. Regular servicing also takes around 2 days of time. I have a service center within 10 km from my home. My budget is Rs. 20 Lakh and I need an automatic transmission with rear and front parking camera or 360-degree camera since I am a new driver. Are there any 7-seater alternatives within this budget?

•2d

The Citroen Aircross X is a good-looking car, now with a premium interior. It is the only SUV in its category which offers a 5+2 seating configuration, and even though the third row is not particularly spacious, it works for occasional use. The real-world fuel efficiency figures as per our tests are 9.5kpl and 13.62kpl in city and highway conditions, respectively, which is quite decent given the strong and smooth performance this 1.2-turbo-petrol-AT delivers. What's more is that ride comfort is outstanding, perhaps the best among all midsize SUVs. So as far as comfort and practicality goes, the Aircross X is a good car.Citroen's service centre network is limited, but since you have a touchpoint close to your home, your vehicle's regular servicing and maintenance is likely to be taken care of smoothly. If you love the Aircross X for what it is, go for it - as far as value goes, it is an outstanding proposition. If you're looking for proper seven-seater alternatives, we'd strongly recommend the Kia Carens Clavis HTK+ turbo-petrol automatic version. All three rows are properly spacious, well-suited for adults. This variant will be within your Rs 20 lakh on-road budget, and it has front and rear parking sensors, as well as rear-view camera to make parking easy for you. Sure, it isn't an SUV, but it is a very sensible car, if you need a proper seven-seater.

Citroen Aircross

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