Hi, I want to buy a large SUV (XUV, Scorpio, Safari) under ₹20 lakh, but I am concerned about petrol mileage. My driving is 40–50 km per day (city + highway), and every 3–4 months I take a 500 km trip. Should I buy a diesel car, and if yes, will it have any impact on the DPF?

Autocar India

•2d

If you can install a charger at home and have charging stations on the route to your destination, an EV does make sense for your heavy use. Under Rs. 20 lakh, consider the Tata Curvv EV with the 55kWh battery pack. In our real world tests, it managed 352km on the highway which means your 350km journey is possible with a quick stop in between to top up. It also has good ground clearance and rides well, so it will deal with village roads nicely.For under Rs. 30 lakh, consider the Mahindra XEV 9e with the 79kWh battery pack. In our tests, it managed 488km on the highway meaning with some care, your 350km journey is possible in one go. You will need to charge at your destination though. EVs are less efficient on the highway and particularly with a full load require care to ensure the battery doesn't deplete too quickly. Your charging stops will also need to be planned in advance and there is possibility that you will have to wait at a stop for charge to become available. If this seems like too much work, then stick to a diesel. Under Rs. 20 lakh, consider the Kia Seltos diesel or the Hyundai Creta diesel. Under 30 lakh, you could consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO or the Scorpio N. All of these will comfortably manage village roads and do long highway stints without worries.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Tata Curvv EV

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Autocar India

•2d

Consider the Mahindra Thar Roxx AX5L 4x4 diesel; it’s a true all-terrain SUV with strong pull and serious road presence at around Rs. 25 lakh. Coming from an i20 diesel, you’ll like the step up in torque for easy highway overtakes, the tall driving position, and the space for family and luggage. The proper 4x4 with low-range, terrain modes and a tough ladder frame means bad roads, slush and rocky hill trails are a non-event.It isn’t perfect. The ride can feel busy in the city and you will notice its size in tight lanes. If you need a third row then the Scorpio N 4x4 is also an option.If your use is mostly city with only light trails, the 4x2 versions should also suit you just fine.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra Scorpio N

Hyundai i20

Autocar India

•7h

Get the Tata Punch EV 40kWh Adventure. It fits closest to Rs. 12 lakh and comfortably does a 100 km daily city run with AC, leaving a buffer so you are not range-watching. It is easy to park in tight spots, and you still get fast charging for quick top-ups if plans change. Running costs are low, and Tata’s EV network is the widest today.The honest catch is that the rear seat is comfortable for two but a squeeze for three because of the narrow width.If you want a smaller footprint for city use, then the updated Tiago EV 24kWh is also a solid choice. It can now also charge at up to 30kW, so quick top-ups are possible, but total range will be significantly less than the Punch EV.

Tata Punch EV

Tata Tiago EV