I currently own a Renault Kwid AMT (RXT/O) and am planning to upgrade to the Renault Kiger CVT. Is the Kiger CVT a good choice, or should I consider other alternatives in this segment?

Autocar India

•21m

As per your location and usage, we would suggest you go for the petrol-automatic Mahindra XUV 7XO. Yes, its fuel efficiency is on the lower side, especially in crawling bumper-to-bumper traffic. On the open road, though, with steady acceleration and maintaining speeds below 100kph, you could maximise fuel efficiency. Also, besides having a longer registration life of 15 years (vs diesel's 10 years), the petrol is also not prone to DPF-related issues. It could crop up in the diesel version if you don't drive adequately on the highway. Go for the diesel-automatic only if you will certainly drive adequately on the open road every fortnight or month to burn off the soot collected in the filters. If you plan on keeping this vehicle for 3-5 years at the max, in which case, its shorter registration life won't matter much. Lastly, if you opt for the diesel-automatic, rest assured, new-age diesel vehicles aren't likely to face temporary bans and limitations to ply on the road when pollution increases.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•2h

Go for the Hyundai Creta diesel automatic. With your 20,000 km yearly usage and ₹16-18 lakh budget, it offers the best balance of comfort, space and running efficiency. The diesel engine suits high running, and the automatic gearbox is smooth in traffic while keeping the engine relaxed on highways. Compared to your current cars, it will feel like a proper upgrade with a higher driving position, a more spacious cabin and better ride comfort over long distances.If you are open to stretching your budget slightly, it is worth considering strong hybrid options like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder or the Maruti Grand Vitara. With your kind of running, hybrids can make more sense today. They offer better real-world efficiency, especially in city conditions, along with a smoother and quieter driving experience without the concerns typically associated with modern diesel engines.

Hyundai Creta

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Autocar India

•5h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic (2.0 turbo with the 6‑speed auto) for your use – with 10–15k km a year and mostly city driving, it will be the easier and cleaner choice. In traffic the petrol feels smoother and quieter, the gearbox shifts gently, and you will not have to worry about the diesel’s exhaust filter. City running is where modern diesels can struggle because the DPF – a filter that traps soot – can clog if the car only does short, slow trips. When that happens it asks for a “regen”, which means you need to drive at higher speeds for a while to clear it; ignore it and you may need a workshop visit. Diesel also brings a higher on‑road price, slightly higher service bills, and you must top up AdBlue (DEF) from time to time.The diesel automatic still makes sense if you do many highway trips, often carry a full load, or you really value lower fuel use – it pulls strongly and sits at low revs on the open road. One thing to be aware of with the petrol is that in heavy traffic it will use more fuel than the diesel, and you will hear the engine when you press hard.If you’re still split, drive both back to back in slow traffic and ask the dealer to show you the DPF regen process on the diesel. Given your pattern, the petrol auto will keep ownership simple and stress‑free.

Mahindra XUV 7XO