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I want to buy a new car with a budget of ₹25 lakh. I’m torn between the Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV700. Many online reviews recommend the XUV700, but I’ve heard a new version is due next year. Is it sensible to buy the XUV700 now? This would be my first SUV; I currently own a Baleno.

Asked by: Akash Agarwal

It would be worthwhile to wait for the Mahindra XUV700 facelift, which is coming early next year, as it will be getting a big upgrade, especially in terms of features and tech. It is expected to retain its wide selection of variants, which includes 5-, 6- and 7-seat versions, petrol and diesel, manual and automatic, as well as 2WD and AWD.

In your budget, you should be able to find something in the middle of the range. This is a big reason why it is preferred over the Tata Safari, which currently only comes in 6- and 7-seat guises, and only with a diesel engine, and is a little more expensive than the Mahindra, spec for spec.

However, the Tata Safari petrol version is due for a launch in December 2025, with a 170hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, which should provide more choice to buyers, and could be worth considering. However, there will still be no AWD version.

Tata Safari

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Autocar India team25 Nov' 25

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Latest questions

Asked by: Dr T Durganna

I have shortlisted the Innova HyCross Hybrid and the XEV 9S. Please advise which one I should buy. My usage is mostly city driving with occasional long trips.

The Toyota Innova HyCross is a good option for you. It is spacious, comfortable, and its strong hybrid powertrain will deliver an efficiency of around 13kpl in the city and 16kpl on the highway. Also, as a 7-seater, it is more comfortable, with ample space for adults in all three rows. Its ride quality is impressive in the city, and out on the highway too.The Mahindra XEV 9S is much better equipped in comparison, and on account of its pricing, it is a better value for money. But while the XEV 9S is comfortable in the city, its ride feels a bit bouncy on the highway, and space in the third row is much tighter than the Hycross. Hence, as a 7-seater, the Toyota car is the one to go for.

Autocar India team

Asked by: Rithvik

I need a car that suits my 60km daily city commute, along with weekend highway drives. It should be fuel-efficient, and my budget is Rs 15 lakh. I am looking for an EV.

The Tata Punch EV is a good pick for your requirements. It's an easy-to-drive electric car whose relatively small size comes in handy in city confines. You could get a top-spec Punch EV within your budget with all the bells and whistles, like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, sunroof and leatherette seats. If you'd prefer something larger, more powerful and with more range, there's the Tata Nexon EV, the Creative 45 variant to consider. It's down on features to a fully-loaded Punch EV, though.

Autocar India team

Asked by: Piyush

Please suggest a car under 8 lakhs with CNG for comfortable highway drives, as 70% driving will be for highways only.

Among the CNG options under Rs 8 lakh, the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch are worth a look. The Hyundai Exter CNG offers better performance than the Punch CNG, making it more suitable for highway usage. Do note, neither car feels absolutely effortless on the highway, and the lack of power is noticeable when you need to overtake. The Punch packs in a few more features in Smart CNG trim versus an Exter 1.2 EX, which is comparable in price. There's also a newness to the Punch that is fresh from a facelift. The Exter is due for an update of its own towards the middle of 2026.

Autocar India team

Asked by: Varun Jain

I want to buy a car within 12 lakh that offers a luxury feel and all the features, for a family of 4.

If you don't mind going a bit above your budget, you should consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the RevX A turbo-petrol manual variant. It comes with a long list of features, including premium items such as leatherette upholstery, a large sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and dual 10.25-inch screens.The XUV 3XO also scores well for space, which is something your family members will appreciate. A strong petrol engine also gives this Mahindra car an upmarket feel.

Autocar India team

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