I already have a 2019 Seltos petrol manual. Recently, I got a job, and my workplace is 45km away from my home, so it is a 90km daily drive. This long commute is taking a toll on my pocket, as I hardly get decent mileage. Moreover, pressing the clutch and brake in traffic during my return journey is frustrating and tiresome. Should I install CNG in my car, or should I sell it and buy a new one? If so, which one?

Autocar India

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Given your usage, an EV makes strong sense, and the Hyundai Creta Electric is a great fit. In our real-world test, the long-range 51kWh battery managed a combined 432km, which almost covers your monthly usage, so you would only need to plug in at home every couple of weeks. In city traffic, it is very smooth and quiet, with a strong pull at low speeds, so gaps are easy and you won’t feel gear shifts. Over 10 years, the simpler EV hardware means fewer routine services, and you are less exposed to fuel price swings. Most electric cars also come with a long battery warranty, which helps give peace of mind.A few trade-offs to keep in mind. At 500 km a month, the money you save on running will add up slowly, so buy it mainly for the smooth drive and ease of use. For the rare long trip, you will need to plan charging stops, but the Creta Electric can charge at up to 100kW, which makes quick top-ups easy.If you want a bit more space, the Kia Carens Clavis EV is a solid alternative in your range. Overall, for your city-heavy routine with home charging, the Creta Electric lines up best.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Autocar India

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Given your mostly city use and the need for easy driving and parking, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Strong Hybrid fits you best from your list. They offer a slightly higher seating position than your 2014 City, so getting in and out is easier, and in traffic the hybrid often moves on electric power first, which makes it very smooth and calm to drive. The size feels friendly in narrow lanes, the mirrors are not bulky, and the steering is light, so slotting into tight spots is simple. If you pick a trim with a 360-degree camera and front sensors, it takes the stress out of parking.On your Seltos worry: in real life it is not meaningfully wider than Creta or Hyryder, and its steering is easy too. The mirrors do look larger, but once you set them and use auto-fold, they don’t get in the way. That said, since you already find the Hyryder comfortable on narrow roads, it (or the Grand Vitara) will feel more comfortable, as it is a bit smaller.Two things to note about these SUVs: the boot is smaller than the petrol-only versions, and when you press hard the engine gets a bit loud and quick highway passes need some planning. As for the Sierra EV, it is larger than all these, while the launch timeline of the BYD Atto 2 is still uncertain.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

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With 60% city use and 40% highway trips in mind, I’d move your booking up to the Kia Seltos HTK(O). It suits your mix better because it adds the everyday things that cut stress on long drives and make city life easier, without going overboard on price.Compared to the HTE, the HTK(O) brings in useful bits, such as auto-folding mirrors, a rear wiper and defogger, smart key with push-button start, and front parking sensors. It also has niceties like a panoramic sunroof and leatherette seats with ventilation (only on the automatic). The HTK(O) will generally feel more premium inside and out, with better trim and alloy wheels, which can also help at resale.If you want to keep the spending tighter, the HTK is the sensible minimum upgrade, but since that is not an issue, the HTK(O) is the sweet spot. Overall, for your use and outlook, that’s the wise spend.

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

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On paper and in real-world ownership, these are very different cars, and the Mahindra XUV 7XO sits in a clear segment above. The XUV 700 is a bigger, more complete SUV. It offers more space, better road presence, stronger performance and a far richer overall experience, including the option of a third row and a more premium cabin. It is designed as a proper family SUV and feels more capable on highways and long drives.The Renault Duster, even in its new form, is a simpler, more driver-focused and lighter SUV. It will likely be easier to drive in the city and feel more rugged and straightforward, but it is still a step down in terms of overall size, features and cabin experience.So the decision really comes down to intent. If you are moving because you want something more compact, easier to use daily and less feature-heavy, then the Duster can make sense. But if you are expecting it to feel like an upgrade or even equal to the XUV700 in terms of space, comfort and overall experience, it will not.

Renault Duster

Autocar India

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Between the three, the Skoda Kylaq is the best automatic for the money. It doesn’t use an AMT but a proper 6‑speed torque-converter with the 1.0 TSI, which is smooth, robust and easily the nicest for your occasional highway runs.The Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 turbo also gets the same 6‑speed torque-converter auto, and while it is refined and efficient, it doesn’t have the same solid, European feel or driving dynamics as the Kylaq. However, from an overall cost-of-ownership point of view - price, fuel efficiency and service, the Fronx is likely to work out cheaper.The Tata Nexon in your budget doesn’t get a torque-converter. You mainly have a 6‑speed AMT, which is convenient but nowhere near as smooth or quick as a proper automatic. There is also a 7‑speed DCA dual‑clutch option, which is noticeably better than the AMT, but still not as seamless as the autos in the Kylaq and Fronx, and it can push the price higher.For 11-13 lakh, 1,000km a month in the city and the odd long drive, we would pick the Kylaq auto. If budget discipline and running costs are top priority, go for the Fronx 1.0 turbo automatic.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Nexon

Autocar India

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The Tata Sierra is a big, heavy car, and the petrol engine, being a naturally aspirated unit, feels just about adequate, especially once you load it up or hit the highway. The diesel, on the other hand, suits the car far better with its stronger low-end pull, making overtakes easier and long-distance driving far more relaxed.That said, with your low annual running of under 6000 km, the petrol still makes sense if your usage is mostly in the city. It will feel smoother, easier to live with and perfectly adequate for everyday driving, even if it lacks that effortless punch on highways.If you are open to alternatives for a better petrol manual experience, the Renault Duster with its turbo petrol engine is a strong option. It feels far more effortless to drive, while naturally aspirated options like the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta offer a more refined and effortless experience than the Sierra petrol.

Tata Sierra

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta