I am planning to buy a 7-seater. I am obsessed with the Scorpio classic from my childhood. But the current Scorpio Classic seems outdated compared to the Scorpio N. Now, I am confused about shortlisting a car. Is Scorpio Classic still relevant in the modern era? I am looking to own a long-term car.

autocar.india

•48m

Given your usage pattern of mainly city driving with occasional long runs, the Lexus RX 350h would be our recommendation. The hybrid powertrain is particularly well-suited to your needs, offering excellent refinement and efficiency in urban conditions while still being capable and comfortable on longer journeys. Lexus cars also have a strong reputation for reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs, which addresses your concerns with the E 250 CDI.The Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 are both excellent SUVs, but they are more performance-oriented and can be more expensive to maintain over time. The GLE 300d is a strong diesel option, but with your limited usage, the benefits of a diesel are less compelling. The X5 xDrive30d is similarly impressive, but again, the Lexus hybrid makes more sense for your driving pattern. There are also these cars' respective petrol versions, but coming from a diesel, you might find their respective running costs much higher.The RX 350h strikes the right balance between luxury, efficiency and long-term ownership peace of mind. The only downsides are that it's not that exciting to drive, and that Lexus' network isn't anywhere near as big as Mercedes or BMW cars. But if you have a dealer close to you, and don't mind a more relaxed drive, it is a genuinely premium SUV that should prove to be a more satisfying ownership experience over the long term.

Lexus RX

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5

autocar.india

•1h

The Mahindra XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kWh is the stronger choice from a customer ownership perspective. Both are impressive electric cars, but Mahindra currently has an edge in powertrain maturity, charging performance and, importantly, the ownership feedback emerging from early customers and enthusiast forums.From an ownership perspective, both Tata and Mahindra have improved significantly, but public discussions continue to highlight more consistent showroom and service experiences with Mahindra. Tata's service quality remains more dependent on the individual dealership, and there are still recurring reports of inconsistent quality control and after-sales support. Mahindra is not flawless either, but early XEV owners have generally reported greater satisfaction with the buying and ownership experience.

Mahindra XEV 9S

autocar.india

•3h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature automatic. It is the most complete package here, offering a higher seating position, better visibility and a more confidence-inspiring driving experience, which is especially helpful for a new driver. The Kylaq is also a genuinely safe car with a strong crash-test rating, and the 1.0 TSI engine, paired with the 6-speed torque-converter automatic, is smooth, reliable, and well-suited to both city and highway driving. The Signature trim is well-equipped, so you won't miss out on key features.Between a manual and an automatic car, go for the automatic. It removes the stress of clutch control in traffic and makes driving far easier, especially as you build confidence. The Kylaq’s automatic is a conventional torque converter, which is smooth and proven.The Honda Amaze VX and Maruti Dzire ZXi are both good value, reliable and comfortable, but they are smaller inside and do not offer the same level of driving experience as the Kylaq. The Baleno Zeta is spacious and feature-rich, but as a hatchback, it does not offer the same visibility or ground clearance as the Kylaq.Overall, the Kylaq Signature automatic is the best fit for your priorities of comfort, safety and value for money.

Skoda Kylaq

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire