Hi everyone, I am from Kerala, Alleppey. I am confused between the new-gen Kia Seltos Turbo Petrol GTX A and the Kia Carens Clavis EV HTX E. Both options are available at a price of ₹25 lakh (the Clavis EV is available with a good discount, so the price is almost matched). I need genuine suggestions. I considered many vehicles and finally shortlisted these two. I am not exploring any other options as of now. We are now a 3-person family, but occasionally, 5 to 6 people may travel together. I liked the middle and back row seats of the Carens Clavis EV. The 3rd row might be useful after 3 years. I built a new home, and a 3-phase connection is available. A facility for daily charging at home is available. Solar is being installed, so literally, charging will be taken care of. There is no daily travel. Less than 1000 km monthly travel. Mostly up-and-down 200 km on weekends or 2 times in a month. I am not planning for any long travel of 400 or 500 km at a stretch in the future also. Other travels are in the city only, within a 30 km range. I need good power. I enjoyed the EV's instant torque and the tuning of power in the Clavis EV (BE6 and XEV 9E felt overpowered for me). I plan to keep the car for 8 to 10 years. If both cars are reliable, I was thinking why I should waste money on petrol in the future if I can charge my EV at home almost every day. I may not even use an outside charger, maybe rarely. I was almost settled with the Seltos, but I was tempted by the EV after the test drive. It felt good. So please help me. Thanks in advance.

Autocar India

•23m

Since a large part of your driving will be on the Kochi-Bengaluru highway and you enjoyed the performance of your old Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, choosing a car with strong performance and relaxed cruising ability will make your drives more enjoyable.Between the two, you will likely be happier with the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI with the 7-speed DSG. It offers superior performance and refinement compared to the Kia Sonet diesel automatic, especially for highway usage. The Slavia’s turbo-petrol engine delivers effortless acceleration, and the DSG gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly, which makes overtaking and long-distance cruising feel easy.Another advantage is that the 1.5-litre engine features cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders under light loads such as steady cruising. This helps improve fuel efficiency when driving on the highway. The Slavia also feels more planted and stable at higher speeds, which will be noticeable on your frequent intercity drives.However, we would recommend waiting a little before making the purchase. The Slavia facelift is expected soon, and with it around the corner, it makes sense to see what updates and features the refreshed model brings before committing to the current version.

Skoda Slavia

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. In Delhi traffic, it's automatic is very smooth, and the ride is mature on broken roads, and although not as supple as the Mahindra XUV 3XO, it is not a sore point. The 6-speed torque converter is known to be reliable and futureproof, as most torque converters are.For your stop‑and-go NCR commute, the Kylaq's calibration makes creeping and low‑speed shifts feel natural, reducing head‑nod in queues. You’ll also appreciate the 446‑litre boot on occasional highway trips. Ownership is predictable with 15,000 km/1‑year service intervals, and you can add an extended warranty (up to 6 years; confirm coverage in your city). Expect roughly 9kpl in Delhi traffic and 13kpl on relaxed highway runs at 90-100kph.The one thing you give up is the XUV 3XO TGDi’s stronger low‑end punch and overall power; the Kylaq AT feels calmer off the line and asks for kickdown for quick overtakes.If you prioritise a punchier engine and more rear seat space, consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 TGDi AT instead, but if that is not a high priority, the Kylaq is more enjoyable to drive.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•3h

You should go for the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) if you want a true 7-seater with the roomiest third row of seats. The HyCross's 2,850 mm wheelbase and flat floor make the third row friendlier for adults than the Tata Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Furthermore, it's backed up by Toyota’s proven reliability and hassle-free ownership in India.However, you will have to compromise when it comes to the powertrain. The Hycross' 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn't as punchy as the Tata Safari and XUV 7XO's turbocharged units, and real-world mileage is quite poor, as we managed 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway. The Toyota also doesn't get a diesel engine option like the other two.If you prioritise performance and high-end features, either the Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO makes more sense. As for pricing, the Innova HyCross GX (O) is priced between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO