I am looking for a 7-seater car with a lower running cost. I think Mahindra XEV 9S is satisfying the need. Can I purchase it, or should I wait so that Plugin Hybrid EVs or Safari EV might be launched? Need your advice. Thanks.

autocar.india

•3d

Pick the Creta Electric. For your Rs 25-27 lakh budget, it is the safest bet, and Hyundai’s huge service network will make long-term ownership hassle free. As an EV, it is smooth, quiet and quick enough, and Hyundai’s software and battery management have been trouble-free for most owners, which matters more than a flash spec sheet five years down the line. It is also known to reliably deliver the closest real-world range to its official rating amongst its peers, thanks to a highly efficient powertrain. The Harrier EV and XEV 9S are tempting for space and power, but are likely to sit higher than your budget and have been known to have some niggles especially in the software and electronics departments. The Sierra EV has now been launched and is certainly worth considering. It offers a larger battery, a spacious cabin and a premium overall package. However, being a brand-new product, we'd prefer to wait and see how it settles in before recommending it over the more established Creta Electric. You should also expect a waiting period on popular variants.Another EV you could consider is the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara. Though not as spacious as the others, nor as efficient, being from the house of Maruti Suzuki, it is expected to offer hassle-free reliability and a smooth ownership experience.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Tata Harrier EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

Tata Sierra EV

autocar.india

•17m

The Hyundai Verna 1.5 petrol manual is the one to buy. It will sit at 120kph calmly and still return a good mileage figure, and the lower trims fit under Rs 15 lakh on-road. Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is a clear step up from your Aura’s 1.2. More power for safe overtakes, and a more settled, quiet highway feel.You will also find ownership easy since you already live with a Hyundai, and the Verna’s cabin feels a class up for long trips. The only catch is that fully loaded variants push past your budget, so you'll have to prepare to give up a few creature comforts.If you want a punchier engine and don’t mind settling for a base-model car, the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI manual is worth a look. It feels steady at 120kph and stronger getting up to that speed, but the on-road can nudge past your budget once you add accessories and insurance.Between the two, pick the Verna for the best mix of highway economy, ease of ownership, and a clear upgrade in power over your Aura without blowing the budget.

Hyundai Verna

Skoda Slavia

autocar.india

•1h

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