I want to buy a full hybrid car, and I've shortlisted the Suzuki Victoris and the Toyota Hyryder. I like the Victoris for its features, but does the Toyota command a better resale price versus a Suzuki after five years?

Autocar India

•1d

The Hyundai Creta is the better all-rounder and offers more space, a stronger and smoother powertrain (1.5 P IVT) and marginally better comfort. However, given your priorities of mileage and maintenance costs, it's hard to beat Maruti Suzuki on these fronts.Whether you choose the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Victoris is a matter of preference (and which dealership is more accessible to you - Arena or Nexa), as they are essentially the same car underneath, using the same 1.5-litre petrol engine and 6-speed AT gearbox. Despite using a torque converter automatic gearbox, which is not typically associated with good mileage, both Maruti SUVs offer exceptional fuel economy, and maintenance costs over the course of their lives will be among the lowest in the segment.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•31m

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

Between the Altroz and Punch, we would suggest going for the Tata Altroz. It is a larger car and will feel nicer to drive on the highway, which suits your current usage of 55 km daily, with 90% highway driving, much better. The Tata Punch is easier to drive thanks to its higher seating position, but on highways, the Altroz feels more planted and confidence-inspiring.On the question of petrol vs CNG, considering your running of around 1,600 km per month, CNG can help reduce running costs. However, a year later, when your usage shifts to occasional family trips, the compromised boot space and lower performance can start to feel limiting. If you want a simpler ownership experience with better performance, the petrol makes more sense.As for the Altroz diesel, it can work well for your current high running and will feel more effortless on the highway. But since your usage is expected to reduce to short family trips later, diesel may not be the best long-term fit.

Tata Altroz

Tata Punch