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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?

Asked by: PREETHAM RODRIGUES

Since you are able to purchase a new Kia Seltos or Carens Clavis EV, we would suggest you not look at a used Tata Harrier or XUV700, as these are quite close in size, performance and features. If you are buying used, it makes sense to get something from two segments above. 

As to your query about a diesel or electric, yes, both are not likely to have a high resale value. There's certainly a cloud over diesel's long term future, and the pre-owned EV market is too nascent to judge future potential. 

We would, however, recommend the EV as you will be keeping your car for about 10 years, and in that time with your running you would save on fuel bills. Between the Hyundai Creta electric and the Clavis EV, we would suggest the Kia as it's very similar mechanically. But also offers you the benefit of the third row of seats, which is quite spacious and usable. 

New Kia Seltos

New Kia Seltos

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team28 Jan' 26

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Asked by: PREETHAM RODRIGUES

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?

Since you are able to purchase a new Kia Seltos or Carens Clavis EV, we would suggest you not look at a used Tata Harrier or XUV700, as these are quite close in size, performance and features. If you are buying used, it makes sense to get something from two segments above. As to your query about a diesel or electric, yes, both are not likely to have a high resale value. There's certainly a cloud over diesel's long term future, and the pre-owned EV market is too nascent to judge future potential. We would, however, recommend the EV as you will be keeping your car for about 10 years, and in that time with your running you would save on fuel bills. Between the Hyundai Creta electric and the Clavis EV, we would suggest the Kia as it's very similar mechanically. But also offers you the benefit of the third row of seats, which is quite spacious and usable.
AI
Autocar India team
28 Jan' 26
Asked by: Rohini Patil

I want a 5-seater diesel car with good fuel efficiency and a budget of up to ₹15 lakh. Please suggest suitable options.

Given your requirements, you should consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The XUV 3XO is powered by a 117hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual. It has a claimed mileage of 20.6kpl, or a 6-speed AMT automatic gearbox, which is said to do 21.2kpl. The Mahindra XUV 3XO also has a comfortable ride quality and a spacious rear seat that can accommodate three adults. Furthermore, it also comes with features like a large touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone auto climate control, leatherette upholstery and much more. It gets 6 airbags, Level 2 ADAS features, and it has received a full, 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP. Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel prices range from Rs 8.95 lakh to Rs 13.43 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
AI
Autocar India team
28 Jan' 26
Asked by: Bharatkumar

Which variant should I buy the Creta diesel base model or the Creta petrol base variant within a budget of ₹13-14 lakh?

The Hyundai Creta 1.5 MPI in base E trim and the Creta 1.5 diesel in base E trim are no different in features. Essentially, your question boils down to petrol versus diesel. Interestingly, both engines make the same 115hp of power, but it's the diesel's significantly higher 250Nm torque figure (versus the petrol's 145Nm) that makes all the difference. The diesel feels significantly stronger, and the difference is most felt on the highway or when you need to overtake in a hurry. The engine is also quite refined for a diesel and will deliver significantly better fuel economy than the petrol. The only catch is that modern diesels require longish drives at a steady pace every couple of weeks (say on a highway drive) to let the engine internals run optimally. If you can work this into your routine, the diesel is easily the better version to go for.
AI
Autocar India team
28 Jan' 26
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