I am planning to buy the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7T. My monthly running is 500km. Should I go for petrol or diesel? I am also confused between AX7T and AX7L. Please suggest.

Autocar India

•2d

During our first drive of the Tata Safari petrol, we were pleasantly surprised by its effortless performance despite its modest 1.5-litre displacement. Initial testing revealed a 0-100kph time of just 10.5 seconds, which is very respectable. Moreover, the engine has a lot of low-down grunt, allowing it to pick up speed effortlessly. On the highway, it was able to maintain high speeds with ease and make swift overtakes when required. We even drove it with six passengers on board, and even then, performance felt more than adequate. While we haven’t yet driven it in the hills, all the evidence suggests it should cope just fine.That said, there is no denying that for similar money as the Safari Petrol Adventure X +, you could get a Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5, which produces 203hp and 380Nm, 33hp and 100Nm more than the Safari. This extra power means the Mahindra XUV 7XO always feels like it has performance in reserve, a feeling you don’t quite get with the Safari petrol. It is also very well equipped and rides superbly, although the third row is not quite as comfortable as the Safari’s.Since you’ve already made a booking for the Safari, you can proceed with it, and you won’t be disappointed with the performance. However, do request a longer test drive of the Safari petrol, and if you still find it lacking, then consider the XUV 7XO.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•1h

Since both the Venue and Syros share the same diesel engine and automatic gearbox, you can take reliability, performance and fuel efficiency out of the equation. In day-to-day use, both will feel very similar in terms of how they drive, how they perform in traffic and even how much they cost to run.So the decision really comes down to overall experience and what matters more to you.The Kia Syros has the edge in terms of cabin experience. It feels different, premium and offers a better sense of space, especially in the rear seat. If your priority is a car that feels upmarket from the inside and a bit more special every time you step in, the Syros does a better job.The Hyundai Venue, however, is the more sorted and familiar choice. You already have experience with Hyundai, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of service quality, parts availability and overall ownership experience. It is also a well-proven product, which reduces uncertainty when you are planning to keep the car for a long time.

Kia Syros

Hyundai Venue

Autocar India

•3h

Unfortunately, Toyota has absolutely no plans to launch the GR Corolla hatchback in India. This is a car with very limited demand, so it would not be worth Toyota's time and effort to launch such a low-volume model. Go ahead and buy the Hyundai i20 N line, which, though nowhere near as exciting or powerful as the GR, is nonetheless a fun-to-drive car.

Hyundai i20