I'm looking to buy a C-segment SUV (like the Creta or Seltos). My running is low (~7,500 km/yr) but may rise if I switch jobs. I want a reliable, safe vehicle that I won’t need to upgrade soon. Driving is ~75% city, with a highway trip once every two months. My budget is ₹15 lakh max on-road. I’m waiting for the Seltos and Sierra, but plan to buy in about six months - which car should I choose?"

Autocar India

•18w

We are not in a position to give you a definitive answer just yet. Prices for the Tata Sierra will only be out on the 25th of November, and we have yet to drive the model. Do stay tuned to our website and YouTube channel for the review that goes up in the coming days.

As for the Seltos, Kia will showcase the new generation model on December 10. We expect sales to start by the first quarter of 2026.

Among the current lot of SUVs on offer, the mild hybrid versions of the Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are good options that are reliable and low on maintenance. The Hyundai Creta is also a good choice, but it is slightly pricier to maintain than the Toyota and Maruti cars.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.60 Lakh

Toyota

Urban Cruiser Hyryder

from ₹13.01 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Grand Vitara

from ₹12.75 Lakh

Related questions you may find helpful

Atiqueul Islam

•5d

I have read the recent comments about the Duster on your website, and I am impressed by the overall rating of the Duster. I am planning to purchase the 1L turbo manual version of Duster and seeking advice on the power delivery and torque. Is it sufficient for city drives and, very occasionally, driving on highways?

Autocar India

•2d

For your requirement, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol Renault Duster should be adequate for your usage, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Although we haven’t driven this engine in the Duster yet, we have experienced it in cars like the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. In those cars, the engine feels peppy and responsive, especially in city conditions.Now, the Duster is a larger and heavier car, so performance will take a slight hit compared to those smaller SUVs. However, for city driving, it should feel more than sufficient, and thanks to the turbo, it will still offer good low-end torque, making it easy to drive in traffic. On the highway, it should be able to keep up with fast-moving traffic comfortably, and overtaking should not feel stressful.That said, we strongly recommend that you test drive the 1.0-litre version before deciding. Since it is a 3-cylinder engine, you may notice some vibration at idle and hard acceleration, something we have experienced in the Kiger and Magnite.If your priority is smoothness and refinement, you can also consider options like the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos, which offer more refined petrol engines. However, in terms of outright punch and torque feel, the turbo Duster will still feel stronger.

Praneeth

I need some help in choosing my first car. I live in Hyderabad, in the IT area. My usage might be 60:40 city and highway. I’m looking for a top petrol automatic variant. I have evaluated the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Tata Sierra, and narrowed it down to the Kia Seltos GTX(A) DCT variant. Recently, I saw the new Renault Duster and Skoda Kushaq as well. Can you suggest what I should do?

Autocar India

•2d

Since you have evaluated the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and the Tata Sierra, it would be wise to check out the others in your shortlist too, namely the Renault Duster and the Skoda Kushaq. Checking out your options is always wise, especially when the purchase is of high value.If interior space and features are a key criterion, then the Duster and Kushaq aren't really better off than the Seltos. However, where the Duster and the Kushaq are really good is if you enjoy driving, as both SUVs have responsive engines and provide an entertaining handling feel with good road grip and body control around corners.

Amit kumar

Hello Team, I would like your advice on purchasing a new car. I have been driving a Hyundai Creta E Plus diesel manual for the past 7 years. Now, I want to buy an automatic car, as my daily running is around 110 km. Please suggest the best car with good mileage and comfort.

Autocar India

•1d

Given your high daily running of 110km, a diesel-automatic makes sense for you. If you had a good experience with your older Creta, go for the new Hyundai Creta SX (O) diesel automatic. The Creta diesel-auto stands out for its smooth and refined powertrain, spacious and feature-rich cabin and a comfortable ride quality. The smooth 6‑speed torque converter automatic works well in traffic and on open roads, too. Hyundai claims the Creta diesel-auto will do 19.1kpl, but realistically, expect 13-15kpl in the city and 17-19kpl out on the highway. Since you’ve lived with a Creta for 7 years, the familiar driving position, visibility, and ride comfort will feel natural. You will also be familiar with the after-sales experience.The one thing you give up is a whisper‑quiet experience at idle; the diesel is a bit louder than a petrol or hybrid, though noise settles down once you’re cruising.If most of your 110 km is slow, stop‑go city traffic, and you want maximum km/l over diesel punch, consider the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Strong Hybrid V e‑CVT instead; expect roughly 20-24 km/l in city and 18–22 on highways.

Hyundai Creta

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

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