Hi, I currently own a Hyundai Elantra CRDi (2012) and I’m planning to change it. I usually keep my cars for at least 10 years. My budget is ₹20 lakh and my annual running is about 12,000 km, including a daily run of 20 km. This time I want an automatic, so I’ve shortlisted the new Kia Seltos diesel HTE(O), Kia Carens Clavis EV, Hyundai Creta EV, or a used 2-year-old Tata Harrier or Mahindra XUV700. I know these options are from different segments and power sources, and I’m open to that. My concern is that after 12 years of use, if I sell a diesel car, I might get only about ₹3 lakh, whereas if I buy an EV and use it for 12 years, won’t I get at least ₹2 lakh+ back while saving on fuel and service costs? I make a 350 km trip only twice a year, and both diesel and EV cars cost almost the same with EVs offering more features. I’m confused — isn’t it a good plan to go for an EV?

Autocar India

•22h

The Hyundai Creta IVT is the best pick of the three models on your shortlist. It's got the smoothest gearbox, and engine performance is also significantly better than the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara AT and Victoris AT. Fuel economy is decent too, and should not pinch over your 5000-6000km of annual usage.What also strengthens the Creta's case is that it's more spacious than the Maruti Suzuki models.However, we'd also recommend checking the Kia Seltos IVT. As you may know, the Seltos and Creta are closely related products. The recently-launched second-gen Seltos is built on the Hyundai Group's latest platform (the Creta continues on the last-gen platform). IIt comes with better tech as well as the promise of better safety. The new Seltos is also roomier than the Creta, making it better suited to family use.

Hyundai Creta

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Kia New Seltos

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Autocar India

•1d

The Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI you are driving uses VW’s EA189 1.5-litre diesel, which is known more for its strong mid-range punch and excellent efficiency than for outright refinement. It has a slightly gruff note and a typical diesel clatter, especially at idle and under hard acceleration.The 1.5 diesel in the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos (Hyundai’s U2 CRDi engine) feels smoother and quieter. That’s largely down to newer-generation injection systems that use multiple injection pulses per combustion cycle, better insulation, and tighter control of combustion noise. The power delivery is also more linear and less “peaky” than the old VW unit, so it feels more refined in everyday driving.On efficiency, your older BS4 Rapid has an inherent advantage. BS6 engines must meet stricter emission controls (higher EGR rates, DPF systems, different injection strategies), which affect outright fuel economy in real-world use. That said, the latest 1.5 diesels in the Creta and Seltos are still very efficient and won’t feel like a major step down.If engine smoothness and quietness are your top priorities, the Creta/Seltos 1.5 diesel will feel more polished than your Rapid. If you love that strong, slightly raw mid-range surge and bulletproof efficiency, the old Volkswagen diesel still has a character that’s hard to replicate today.

Hyundai Creta

Kia New Seltos

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Autocar India

•1d

If you prefer to stick with a 5-seater SUV format, the new Kia Seltos is a good option. In your budget, you can get the top-of-the-line X-Line diesel automatic. It is a proven engine mated to a slick automatic gearbox, and Kia's service is amongst the best in this segment.However, if you'd like to move to a bigger 7-seater SUV, then the new Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth considering. The AX7 trim with the diesel automatic fits in your budget and is a spacious, feature-packed, powerful SUV with superb ride quality. Mahindra service also generally has a better reputation than Tata. Before you make your choice, make sure you take a test drive of both vehicles.

Kia New Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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