Dear sir, I have been watching your Deep Drive podcast every Saturday. It is always very informative, and the timing of your recent episode couldn't have been better. I am planning to buy a Toyota Camry in the next 2-3 months. As we know, the Camry is currently tuned for E20 fuel, but if the government introduces E25 or E27, it may not perform as intended. Should I wait for a few more months before buying it and see if Toyota introduces an E25/E27-compliant version? Your suggestion would be much appreciated.

autocar.india

•1d

Both your shortlisted cars are excellent options, but given your requirements, the Toyota Camry is the better bet. The main consideration is mileage, and there is nothing quite like a hybrid to maximise that. Toyota has been a pioneer of strong hybrid tech for decades, and the latest Camry showcases the best of that know-how, with a smooth and efficient drive that uses the e-motor regularly to save on fuel. With a total system output of 230hp, it has more than enough grunt for highway use as well.What's more, Toyota's reliability and low-maintenance reputation precede it, and you should be able to use the Camry for years without issue. Only possible downsides are that its ground clearance isn't as much as that of an SUV, and it isn't particularly exciting from behind the wheel, since you drive yourself.The Skoda Kodiaq is a good option too, especially on the driving front, with its punchy 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and solid-feeling chassis. It's also got more space as well as better ground clearance, which should come in handy on road trips. However, on most other fronts, it can't hold a candle to the Camry, and that's especially true of mileage, which will be in single digits for the most part.

Toyota Camry

Skoda Kodiaq

autocar.india

•31m

Pick the Kia Carens petrol automatic with captain seats. It is the easiest way to get a true 6-seater that your wife will find simple to drive, yet it feels calmer and stronger than your Baleno when you load all six and head out on the highway. A well-specced mid variant sits within Rs. 25 lakh on-road Hyderabad, gives you a smooth auto, light controls, a genuinely usable third row, and still some boot for airport runs.Choose petrol and stop worrying about DEF and regen cycles. With your mix of city and a monthly trip, expect low-teens in the city and mid-teens on the highway if you drive gently. Strong-hybrids and EVs that make sense as 6 or 7 seaters simply do not exist in this budget right now; mild-hybrid MPVs like XL6 or Rumion save a little fuel, not a lot, and feel weaker with six on board.One point to keep in mind, the Carens’ dual-clutch can feel a bit hesitant in bumper-to-bumper and prefers smooth throttle. If most of your commute is crawling traffic, the Maruti XL6 6AT is simpler and silkier, just slower on the highway with a full family and less plush inside.

Kia Carens

Maruti Suzuki XL6

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Toyota Rumion

autocar.india

•1h

Go for the Hyundai Creta petrol automatic. You already know the Creta’s seat height and visibility, and this automatic is easy going and very smooth in traffic, which takes strain off your left knee and shoulders. If most of your trips are short or within the city, moving to petrol also avoids the clogging issues that today’s diesels can get on short runs.You will miss your diesel’s easy pull on the highway and its mileage, so overtakes will need a firmer press of the accelerator and fuel use will be higher. If you still do long highway hauls every month, the Creta diesel automatic is a fair backup, but for everyday comfort, the petrol auto suits you better.Pick a variant with front parking sensors and a 360 camera to make tight parking stress free, and avoid the biggest wheels for a comfier ride. The cabin is quieter than your diesel too, which you’ll appreciate.

Hyundai Creta