Hi, I have been following Autocar’s Q&A section closely and find it very insightful. I am currently exploring options for my next car, although I do not plan to purchase 2027. The new Renault Duster (2026), especially the 1.3 Turbo variant, has really caught my attention, and I am keen to take a test drive. My primary usage will be city driving, with occasional long-distance trips. Since this will be my first new car purchase, there is also an emotional aspect attached to it. I really like the interiors of the Kia Seltos, although I am not a fan of its exterior design. I was also excited about the Tata Sierra, but I was somewhat disappointed after seeing it in person. The Tata Curvv, particularly the petrol (Hyperion) variant, seems more appealing in comparison. Overall, the new Duster stands out to me, and I have yet to find any major drawbacks with it. On the other hand, my wife prefers the Tata Harrier for its strong road presence and overall appeal, but I am unsure if it justifies the higher cost for a small family of two (plus a dog). What would you advise in this situation? I have seen you advise the Honda Elevate to a lot of people who mention that city driving is the majority. Also, since my purchase is planned for 2027, do you expect more suitable options to be available in this segment by then?

Autocar India

•43m

The Honda Amaze CVT is a great option for you for several reasons. For one, it's got a powerful AC unit as well as rear AC vents, which together do a great job of cooling the relatively compact cabin quickly. It's got a 416-litre boot that's well shaped and can accommodate quite a lot of luggage. While it doesn't have a surround camera like its rival, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, it does have a pretty crisp rear-view camera and rear parking sensors. Also, its compact dimensions, large mirrors, and good general outward visibility mean parking is not a chore.It's uncertain what may have caused the wobbling you've experienced while overtaking at high speeds, or in which car, but that won't be an issue here. The Amaze's 1.2-litre petrol is smooth, as is its CVT automatic, which is a highlight in this segment. The chassis and suspension are robust and work well both in the city and out on the highway. You could also consider the Maruti Dzire, which has good space and features, but its AMT gearbox is nowhere near as smooth as the Honda's CVT.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

•1h

The Skoda Kushaq will nicely meet most of your priorities. The car is very safe, with an extensive list of standard safety features. It includes 6 airbags, ESP, hill hold control, and multi-collision braking, which automatically applies the brakes after a severe accident to prevent the car from rolling further. As for the driving experience too, you will find this very good with the Kushaq, the 1.5 litre unit is really very lively, and even the smaller 1.0 litre engine is peppy enough in most scenarios. Mileage and space will not be as much as some rivals, but efficiency is quite acceptable; the 1.0-litre automatic should get you about 8 to 10 kpl in the city and 14 to 15 kpl on the highway, while the larger 1.5-litre TSI engine with the DSG gearbox, should also return similar figures. As for comfort, there's a decent level on offer with adequate all-round room and supportive seats. Uniquely, the Kushaq also offer rear seat massagers. Since the Kushaq is also not as long as rivals like the Hyundai Creta, you should find it a bit more manageable, given you drive a bit more in the city.

Skoda Kushaq

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•18h

Go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless+ 75 AWD. At your budget, it meets your priorities of space, power, safety and a strong highway-city balance. The Harrier EV offers a large, comfortable cabin with excellent rear-seat space and strong safety credentials, while the dual-motor AWD setup gives it effortless performance and added confidence on highways and in low-grip conditions. With your 70 km daily running, the larger battery also ensures you can comfortably go multiple days between charges, and highway drives feel relaxed and stable.The Mahindra XEV 9S is a close alternative if you specifically want a three-row layout and a more tech-focused cabin. It offers greater seating flexibility and a feature-rich interior, but the third row is best suited for occasional use. At highway speeds, it does not feel as planted or as polished as the Harrier EV.Smaller EVs like the Tata Nexon EV or MG ZS EV make sense if you want to spend less or prefer something easier to drive in tight city conditions, but at your budget they feel like a compromise on space and overall performance.

Tata Harrier EV