Autocar India
5w

I am planning to buy a new 2026 Innova Crysta VX model. My average running will be around 25,000 km per year, and I want to keep the car for the next 7-8 years. Should I go for it? Will diesel cars remain a good choice in 2032?

Verified
5w

Yes, go for the Toyota Innova Crysta VX diesel if you will do 25,000 km a year and keep it for 7-8 years. High yearly running suits the diesel well, so your fuel cost per km stays low, and this Toyota’s ladder-frame build and 2.4 diesel are proven to run trouble free well past 2 lakh km. This Toyota car is also the most comfortable way to carry family and luggage long distances, with a strong chassis and tough suspension that can take a beating, and Toyota service and resale are strong, which matters when you exit around year 8.

One thing to keep in mind is policy. Diesel is unlikely to vanish by 2032, and fuel and service support will remain, but rules may tighten in big cities. If you are in Delhi-NCR, there is a 10-year cap on diesel ownership. Also, if most of your use is short, stop-start city trips, any modern diesel’s DPF can need extra attention. With your usage, however, it would seem that regular highway runs to regenerate the DPF are not out of the question.
 

Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota Innova Crysta

5w

I plan to buy an SUV with a budget of 12 to 18 lakhs. I travel 20 to 25 km per day in the city, and 2,000 km once every two months on the highway. I want a comfortable drive with good mileage, and I plan to keep this vehicle for at least the next 10 years.

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8h

I've had a TUV 300 for 10 years and have driven around 1.5 lakh km in it, mostly on long trips in the hills and on treacherous roads. I now want to buy another car with a budget of approximately Rs. 16 lakh on-road. I live in Gurgaon and am confused about whether I should stick to a diesel car or switch to petrol, considering the current E20 situation. I am also wondering if I should move to an automatic. Is an EV a possibility? I do not want a sunroof. My city driving is minimal, at around 200 km a month. Please suggest a low-maintenance car.

Verified
47m

Given your usage, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is the most sensible recommendation. Your running is predominantly long highway and hill trips, and diesel still makes the most financial sense in this scenario. The XUV 7XO diesel is a proven engine, and the automatic gearbox will offer you ease of use on steep inclines. The car also offers a comfortable ride, good ground clearance and a robust build, which is important given your experience with treacherous hill roads.On the E20 front, there is no reason to switch to diesel purely because of ethanol. Modern petrol engines are unaffected by E20. The main impact is a drop in fuel efficiency, not reliability. However, in your case since your running is high opt for diesel. EVs are not the right fit for your usage. Your running is low in the city, but your long trips in the hills would make charging infrastructure and range planning a hassle. The XUV 7XO diesel automatic is a lower maintenance car than your TUV 300, and Mahindra's service network is strong in Gurgaon and across North India.If you want a petrol alternative, the Kia Seltos petrol IVT is a good option. It is smooth, reliable and easy to drive, but it will not be as efficient as the diesel on long highway runs. Overall, the XUV 7XO diesel automatic is the best fit for your usage and budget.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleKia Seltos

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6d

I want to buy a car for 40% city use and 60% long trips. I own a 2015 model of Celerio AGS. Should I buy Baleno AGS considering E20 fuel in the future.

Verified
6d

Given your usage pattern of 40% city and 60% long trips, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AGS is actually a sensible upgrade from your 2015 Celerio AGS. The Baleno offers a more comfortable cabin, better highway stability and a more refined driving experience, which will make those long trips far more enjoyable. The AGS gearbox is also well suited to your occasional city use, keeping things simple and efficient.On the E20 front, there is no reason to worry. The Baleno is E20 compliant, and modern engines are engineered to handle this blend without any long-term reliability concerns. Maruti has also stated that their E20 engines are built for a material tolerance of slightly more than E20, so on the material front the car should be good for something like E22 for example. The main impact of a higher blend would be a reduction in fuel efficiency.The only thing to consider is whether you want to stick with AGS or move to a more conventional automatic. If you are happy with how AGS behaves, the Baleno is a solid choice. If you want a smoother and more premium automatic experience, you could look at something like the Hyundai i20 IVT or the Honda Amaze CVT instead. Both offer a more refined automatic gearbox, which can make a difference on long highway drives.Overall, the Baleno AGS is a good fit for your usage and there is no E20-related reason to avoid it. The decision really comes down to whether you are happy with AGS or want to move to a more conventional automatic.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Baleno
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Posted on: 10 Jul 2026