Hello Autocar Team, I am confused between buying an EV or a CNG car with a budget of around ₹15 lakh. I understand that EV technology is still evolving and may take some more time to mature fully. My expected running over the next five years will be around 80,000 km, and my main priority is saving on the overall ownership cost. Considering the purchase price, running cost, maintenance, and long-term practicality, which option would be more economical and sensible: an EV or a CNG car? Please advise.

Autocar India

•4d

An electric vehicle would be cheaper to run than a CNG if you are charging at home. And frankly, you should go for an electric car only if you have home charging, as relying solely on public charging is not convenient at all.

However, if you cannot charge at home, a CNG car would be better, though in some areas, there are still long lines to fill with gas. You would also likely get a better resale value on a CNG car than on an EV, as the pre-owned EV market is yet to mature and establish some set residual values.

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Tarun

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I am confused between the Hyundai Venue SX(O) Petrol 1.0-litre Turbo Automatic (DCT), Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 Petrol 1.2-litre Turbo Automatic (Torque Converter), and Hyundai Venue SX(O) Diesel 1.5-litre Automatic (Torque Converter). Which of these would be better in terms of hassle-free ownership, reliability, and long-term peace of mind? I plan to keep the car for many years for my family, so comfort and reliability are very important to me.

Autocar India

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Hyundai Venue

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I am unable to decide between the Honda Amaze ZX CVT, Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite, and Skoda Kylaq Signature. My budget is ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom). I am primarily looking for a car with a good automatic transmission and comfortable interiors. My driving will be around 60% in the city and occasional highway trips, and my monthly running is less than 800 km. Which of these cars would you recommend?

Autocar India

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Skoda Kylaq

Sylvester Mathew

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I have been driving a 2012 Ford EcoSport diesel with a manual transmission, and I am quite impressed with its performance. Since the fitness certificate (FC) renewal is due soon, I am planning to upgrade. I am specifically looking for a diesel manual SUV and have shortlisted the Tata Sierra and Tata Harrier. However, I am inclined towards the Harrier mainly for two reasons: Build quality The Fiat-sourced diesel engine That said, the Sierra appeals to me because of its design and features. I am comfortable with the Pure+ variant, but I am not convinced that a sunroof should be mandatory on higher variants. Could you please suggest which of these two would be the better option? Also, if there are any other alternatives, please let me know. My main priorities are build quality and ride comfort.

Autocar India

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Given what you're looking for in your SUV, the Tata Sierra makes more sense than the Harrier for you. It will feel like a considerable upgrade from your Ford EcoSport Diesel MT, most notably in size and features. And yes, as you mentioned, its standout design is really one of its biggest selling points. The Harrier has a much stronger engine, though build quality isn't too far off, but the premium Tata Motors is asking over the Sierra, spec for spec, doesn't feel worth it when the latter is such a good package. The sunroof, unfortunately, has become an inescapable feature in modern cars, especially in these segments, and it's something that you'll just have to accept and not use if you want the rest of the features as well. Tata is known to update its models regularly and add new trim levels, and maybe it will introduce more variants that have the rest of the features minus the sunroof. All things considered, the Sierra represents far better value than the Harrier.

Tata Sierra

Tata Harrier

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