I have had a Toyota Innova Crysta diesel automatic G variant for the past 4 years. I have been spending at least ₹20,000 on diesel for the past 3 years. The car has already covered 1,90,000km. I am also paying an EMI of ₹33,000, with a loan outstanding of ₹13 lakh. Please suggest whether I should plan to buy a new Innova or switch to an EV like the Mahindra XEV 9e to accommodate five people.

Autocar India

•56s

If you are planning to upgrade, the Toyota Innova HyCross hybrid is the most sensible choice. It will significantly reduce your fuel costs in daily use, especially in city conditions, while still offering the space, comfort and reliability you are used to. It is also a very easy car to live with for long-distance travel with five passengers.

However, an important point to consider is your current financial situation. You still have a ₹13 lakh loan outstanding and are paying ₹33,000 EMI. Replacing the car now will increase your financial outflow unless you get a very strong resale value. If your current Toyota Innova Crysta is running well, continuing with it for some more time is actually the most cost-effective option.

As for electric cars like the Mahindra XEV 9e, they can drastically reduce running costs, but they make the most sense if your usage is mostly within the city or predictable daily distances. For frequent long-distance travel with family and luggage, charging stops and planning can become a limitation.

Explore cars mentioned

Toyota

Innova HyCross

from ₹20.87 Lakh

Toyota

Innova Crysta

from ₹21.65 Lakh

Mahindra

XEV 9e

from ₹23.26 Lakh

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I currently own a 2016 Maruti Suzuki Baleno and am planning to upgrade to an SUV. I am not a frequent user, and my driving is mostly on highways. My current car has covered around 88,000 km. I am looking for a good SUV within a budget of ₹10 lakh that offers comfortable rear legroom and adequate boot space. Additionally, would opting for a CNG variant be a good choice for my usage? Please suggest.

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Choose the Tata Nexon Smart (petrol manual). Within your Rs 10 lakh budget, it balances rear space, a 382-litre boot, and five-star safety for calm, stable highway cruising. Since you’re not a frequent user and most drives are on highways, the turbo-petrol setup suits you better than CNG and keeps the full boot usable. If you still prefer CNG, the dual-tank setup does retain a large part of the boot. The Nexon’s ride feels planted at highway speeds, and both the front and rear seats are more comfortable over long distances than most hatchbacks.If you prefer a simpler, naturally aspirated engine, then consider the Hyundai Venue 1.2-litre MT HX4.On your test drive, seat three adults in the rear and do a quick 80-100kph run to check stability and cabin noise.

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I currently own a Renault Duster Diesel AWD and am planning to upgrade. I am looking for a vehicle that offers a similarly engaging driving experience, but with a 7-seater configuration to better accommodate my family. What would you suggest?

Autocar India

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Girishkumar Lad

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Planning to buy the Innova HyCross hybrid top model, but I just saw videos of the MG Gloster. Is the Gloster worth it if the budget increases, and how efficient is it in terms of mileage?

Autocar India

•1d

If your primary focus is efficiency, comfort and ease of ownership, the Toyota Innova HyCross hybrid top model remains the better choice. It delivers significantly better real-world mileage, especially in city conditions, and offers a smoother, more refined driving experience. It is also easier to drive and manage on a daily basis due to its size and more car-like nature.The MG Gloster (now transitioning towards the newer Majestor) is a very different proposition. It is a much larger, ladder-frame SUV with a strong diesel engine and proper 4x4 capability, which makes it better suited for rough terrain, long highway runs with a full load, or if you specifically want a more commanding road presence. However, this comes at the cost of efficiency, as it will return significantly lower mileage compared to the Hycross, especially in city driving. It is also a bigger vehicle to manage in everyday use.So the decision comes down to your priority. If mileage, comfort and hassle-free ownership matter most, the HyCross hybrid is the clear choice. But if you value size, road presence and off-road capability, and are okay with lower efficiency, then the Gloster or the upcoming Majestor can be worth considering.

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