I am planning to upgrade the Swift Car 2016 petrol variant to a Hyundai Creta and need advice based on my usage. My daily commute is 10 - 15 km within the city, with occasional outstation trips totalling about 600 - 800 km per quarter. Low maintenance and generous boot space are my top priorities. Given this driving pattern, which engine and variant would you recommend? Should we go for a hybrid car or a petrol one?

autocar.india

•6h

Go for the Hyundai Creta Diesel AT at Rs 21.6 lakh - and potentially less after further discounts. The Kia Seltos Diesel AT at Rs 25 lakh is simply too much more expensive for what is essentially a very similar car underneath. Both cars use the same diesel engine and the same 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The new-gen Seltos does have a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, while the outgoing-gen Creta has not been tested by BNCAP yet, but is not an unsafe car by any means. Hyundai has a strong global safety record, and the Creta is a well-engineered product. The next-gen Creta, built on the same K3 platform as the Seltos, is at least a year away from going on sale, and will see a similar - if not greater - price jump as seen on the Seltos. Similarly, these discounts you're getting on the current model will disappear, and frankly the benefits you're getting today are too good to ignore. If you simply must have the latest tech and a bit more space, get the Seltos, but the Creta with the same features at a far discounted price gives you far more bang for your buck.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2d

While your concerns are valid, do note that all cars will see a mileage drop running on E20 petrol; it's just that E10 compliant cars like your 2021 Maruti Suzuki Brezza will see a relatively higher impact due to the engine not being calibrated for the fuel. As for which car to pick, since mileage is your maximum priority, we recommend the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta (O). It remains the mileage king in its segment, and even when you factor in the efficiency drop, it will do better than the others you have shortlisted. Bear in mind, however, that it uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine as your Brezza, so in terms of powertrain, it won't feel like much of an upgrade on that front. As for the new launches, the Grand Vitara may get a minor facelift later this year, but it will not really impact the overall ownership experience (or mileage), so we recommend going ahead and buying it now. The next-gen Hyundai Creta is not due until sometime in 2027.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•1d

You are clearly an enthusiast who values a strong diesel punch and sharp handling, and the Figo S TDCi was one of the best cars in that space. At 9 years and 1.3 lakh km, the car has served you well, but the hard clutch and knee pain are a clear signal that it is time to move on. Resale value will be modest given the age and Ford’s exit, so the decision should be driven by your usage and comfort rather than the resale number.On the replacement, there is no direct hatchback equivalent today. The Skoda Kylaq is the closest in spirit, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The automatic is also a big plus if you want to avoid clutch fatigue in traffic. The fact that Skoda has opened a showroom in Shillong is a significant positive, and Skoda is a far more stable brand in India today than Ford was at the time of its exit. If you can stretch the budget, the Kylaq is the right move. The Skoda Kylaq price range extends from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).If the budget is tight, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is the best hatchback alternative. It is not as powerful or as sharp as the Figo S, but it is light, nimble and fun to drive in its own way. The Hyundai i20 N Line is another hatchback option that is quite fun to drive and looks nice and sporty too but its costlier than the Swift. In summary, replace the Figo now and stretch for the Kylaq if you can. It is the closest modern equivalent to what you love about the Figo S TDCi. If the budget does not allow, go for the Swift. Do not hold on to the Figo purely for sentimental reasons, and do not worry too much about resale value at this stage. The decision should be about comfort and driving enjoyment for the next 5-10 years.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Hyundai i20