Mumbai

Rahul Singh

•40w

I have the Tata Punch AMT right now. I need another second car. With a low budget, maybe under 4-5 lac. Should I go for the AMT or the manual version? And which is the better option: S-Presso or Alto?

Anshuman Singh

•40w

For Rs 5 lakh, you will only get the entry-level manual variants of the Alto and S-Presso. Between the two, the S-Presso is the better pick due to its tallboy design, making it easier to get in and out of, and as a result, its cabin also feels a touch roomier than the Alto's.

More questions on similar cars

Sufiyan

•3d

Hyundai Verna 2026 top model vs Honda City 2026 top model - which is the more practical and value-for-money car? Also, what would be Autocar India’s recommendation between the two?

Autocar India

•9h

Considering the naturally aspirated engines in both, the Honda City is the better pick. It rides and handles better, has a nicer back seat, and performance is livelier. Add Honda’s typically higher resale value and lower running costs, and it becomes the better long-term proposition.Where the Hyundai Verna fights back is with more features and the option of a turbo-petrol engine. If you want the faster, flashier sedan at this price, then the Verna turbo-petrol is the one to have.For a practical, value-for-money buy over the years of ownership, the City is the smarter pick. Choose the Verna only if performance and extra features matter more than everyday ease of use and efficiency.

Honda City

Hyundai Verna

Siba Prasad Dash

•3d

I am planning to buy either the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AT Petrol or the Tata Harrier Pure X Petrol AT, but I am confused between the two. The XUV700 costs around Rs. 3 lakh more. My driving will be around 70% city and 30% highway, and there will usually be four people travelling in the car. Could you please suggest which would be the better option for my needs?

Autocar India

•9h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 petrol automatic; with 70% city use and four people on board most of the time, it is smoother and more powerful. Space and seat comfort are also slightly better in the XUV, and it gives you a third row as well. While the Harrier is more affordable, it misses out on a few features like leatherette seats, a powered driver's seat and dual-zone climate control. The XUV also has a larger infotainment screen, a front passenger display and that extra third row.If you do not see the value in these features, then the Tata Harrier is a good choice. Performance from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is stronger than the displacement suggests, and while it does not have the outright performance of the XUV, it is more than adequate in day-to-day driving. Test drive both and see if the extra space, performance and features on the XUV 7XO feel worth the premium to you.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Harrier

abhishek sharma

•3d

I bought a Honda City V MT about two years ago and absolutely love the car. At the time, it was the perfect choice for my usage. However, my circumstances have changed significantly since then-I now have two large dogs (a Labrador and a German Shepherd), and the City is no longer practical for transporting both dogs comfortably, especially on longer highway trips. I am trying to decide between keeping the City and buying a second EV primarily for dog transport and city use, or replacing the City altogether with a single-car solution. The vehicles I am considering include the Kia Carens Clavis EV, Mahindra XEV 9S, Mahindra XEV 9e, BYD eMAX 7, and Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. My priorities are: Comfortable transport for two large dogs Highway touring ability Ease of parking and city usability Long-term ownership (8–10 years) Good ride comfort Reasonable running costs Would you recommend: 1. Keeping the Honda City and adding a practical EV (such as the Clavis EV), or 2. Moving to a single-car garage and choosing something like the XEV 9S, eMAX 7, or Hycross? Also, is there a midsize SUV (EV, hybrid, petrol or diesel) that offers: A low boot loading lip, Rear seats that fold nearly flat, Enough cargo length and width for two large dogs to comfortably lie down on highway trips, While still being manageable in city traffic and parking? Which vehicle would you choose for this specific use case and why?

Autocar India

•6h

Pick a single-car solution and buy the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. Your dogs get a low loading lip and a long, near-flat space with the third row folded, so they can actually lie side by side on highway runs. The hybrid makes touring simple with no charging hassles, calm cruising and a comfy ride, and Toyota’s durability fits an 8-10 year plan with sensible running costs.EV MPVs like the Kia Carens Clavis EV and BYD eMax 7 are great for city runs and dog space, but long trips with two dogs mean 30-40 minute fast-charge halts and patchy chargers once you leave big corridors. That’s a hassle you do not need. Mahindra XEV 9S and 9e are good choices, but their higher boot floors make them poorer dog haulers.You will wrestle with the Innova's size in tight parking, and it costs more upfront than adding a small EV, but day to day, it is still easy enough with light steering and cameras.If you must go smaller, the Kia Carens Clavis turbo petrol DCT is a solid choice, but fuel efficiency in the city won't be as good as the Hycross hybrid.

Toyota Innova HyCross

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Popular discussions right now

Balaji

•2d

I am looking to buy a 6/7-seater EV. My primary usage will be as a 4-seater, with occasional 6-seater use. I will mainly drive it in the city for my daily office commute and undertake long-distance trips of around 500 km once every two months. I have a solar setup at home and can charge the vehicle comfortably. My budget is Rs 30-40 lakh, although I can stretch it slightly if required.

Autocar India

•1d

You should go for the Mahindra XEV 9S. It's a proper three-row EV, and it fits your use case perfectly. With home solar charging, your running costs are very low, and the smooth, quiet drive is just right for city runs as a 4-seater. When you do need six or seven seats, the third row is reasonably spacious, and for your 500 km trip every couple of months, you’ll need just one quick top-up at a highway charger.Do note that with all three rows up, boot space is tight, so your highway trips will require some planning.Alternatively, consider the Kia Carens Clavis EV. It isn't as feature-rich and doesn't have as much range as the XEV 9S, but its third row is more comfortable for adults.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Arun Sharma

•1w

I am looking to buy a new car, preferably an EV or a strong hybrid, mainly for my daily office commute. My monthly running is around 600–700 km, and I rarely take my own car on outstation trips, as I usually prefer to hire a cab or a chauffeur-driven vehicle for long journeys. I currently drive a Maruti Wagon R CNG and want to upgrade to an automatic car for a more premium, comfortable experience. My budget can stretch up to around ₹22-25 lakh, and my main priorities are: Hassle-free long-term ownership for the next 8–10 years Reliability and low maintenance Comfortable automatic driving experience Practical and sensible design without unnecessary gimmicks or flashy features Good efficiency and peace of mind

Autocar India

•6d

Pick the strong-hybrid variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris or Toyota Hyryder. The hybrid powertrain is very efficient; it is an automatic, and Toyota’s hybrid tech has a proven track record worldwide, so keeping it for 8-10 years should be stress-free.Since you don't drive out of the station at all, you could also consider the Hyundai Creta Electric with a 42kWh battery. For your daily office commute, it is a smooth, reliable option.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Hyundai Creta Electric

Vihaan Kumar

•1w

Dear Auto Experts, I need a merciless, data-backed verdict to complete my garage. Around 3 months ago, I sold my Toyota Fortuner Legender 4x2 (which was just 2 years and 9 months old) because I grew highly frustrated with its hard steering and lack of modern tech features, specifically ADAS. To replace it, I purchased a Mahindra Thar Roxx AX7L Diesel Automatic 4x2 a month ago. However, I only plan to drive it 2 days a week. Additionally, my wife purchased a Mahindra Thar Roxx MX1 Manual last year in November. I am now looking to finance another vehicle via an auto loan, with a budget of Rs. 18 Lakh to Rs. 28 Lakh. This new vehicle will be used for rough-and-tough regular city driving 3 to 4 days a week in heavy traffic. It will also serve as the primary vehicle for occasional long highway trips with my family. My Strict Requirements include: Status & Road Presence: This is non-negotiable. Even though it is my 3-to-4-day city vehicle, it must command road respect and serve as a status symbol, while offering the light steering and ADAS tech my Fortuner lacked. Fuel & Transmission: Diesel Automatic is preferred, but I am very open to considering Strong Hybrids (especially the upcoming generation of high-efficiency models). I can manage DPF requirements without issue if going with diesel. Ownership Cycle: I do not hold onto cars for long; my replacement cycle is strictly 3 to 4 years. End Goal: Exceptionally high resale value. I need a vehicle that second-hand dealers can easily flip to out-of-state buyers for a premium when I am ready to sell, clear the loan, and upgrade. Dealbreakers: Absolutely no to Toyota HyCross (my family finds it bulky, dated, and associated with the taxi segment). No Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (I strictly avoid the Maruti-shared build quality). No grey or silver exterior colors. My Shortlist (That I can buy now): Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT: It solves the steering and ADAS issues perfectly and commands massive road respect. However, considering I just bought a Thar Roxx AX7L and my wife owns a Thar Roxx MX1, do you think that buying a third Mahindra vehicle for the family will be a logical and financially sound move? Kia Seltos GTX / X-Line Diesel AT (New 2026 K3 Platform): It offers the modern platform and tech that I need, but does a mid-size SUV command elite resale value and "status symbol" respect? (Note: I am highly hesitant about this option, as I have seen a lot of cons and complaints regarding it on YouTube ownership reviews). Hyundai Venue HX10 Diesel AT (2026): Fits easily at the bottom of the budget, but it likely lacks the sheer road presence, status factor, and highway dominance I need compared to larger SUVs. Or Should I Wait For Upcoming Hybrids/Updates (2026-2027): Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Rumored to arrive in India in late 2026. Is it worth waiting for and potentially stretching my budget, or will it be overpriced?) Upcoming K3 Platform Hyundai Creta Strong Hybrid. Next-Gen Toyota Fortuner (ADAS / Mild Hybrid) or Toyota Land Cruiser FJ. Mahindra Vision S. Given my strict 3-4 year ownership cycle, the demand for top-tier resale value and road respect, the fact that I will be financing this purchase, and the specific dual-use case (rough regular city driving + occasional family highway cruiser), which exact car and variant should I finalize today? Or does waiting make actual financial sense for my cycle? Thank you for your definitive and merciless verdict. Vihaan Kumar

Autocar India

•6d

The XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT is the cleanest fit for your requirement today, and frankly, none of the other current options line up as well with the exact brief you have laid out.The fact that you already own two Mahindra cars is not necessarily a negative from a financial point of view either, because right now Mahindra SUVs have some of the strongest demand and resale momentum in the market. In fact, from a resale perspective over a 3 to 4 year ownership cycle, the 7XO is probably the safest bet in your shortlist. It also solves the exact frustrations you had with the Fortuner by offering much lighter controls, modern ADAS tech and a far more feature rich experience while still maintaining proper SUV presence.The new Seltos diesel AT is a very polished product and will likely feel more premium inside, but you have already identified the key issue yourself. It still feels like a size smaller in terms of sheer road presence and overall “status factor” compared to something like the 7XO.The Venue diesel AT should not even be in this discussion. It may be sensible, but it does not deliver the sense of occasion, size or highway authority you are clearly looking for.As for waiting, the upcoming Creta and Seltos strong hybrids expected next year will make sense from an efficiency perspective, but they will still fundamentally remain mid size SUVs. The RAV4 Hybrid is not even a confirmed India launch yet, and even if Toyota does bring it here, expect it to be priced aggressively high because it will almost certainly come in as a CKD or CBU initially. By the time it lands on road, it could sit far beyond the sweet spot you are targeting today.So the verdict is simple: buy the XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT now. It is the one that best balances presence, tech, ease of use and resale value over your intended ownership cycle.

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Posted on: 25 Aug 2025