I am currently using a 2024 VW Virtus 1.5 GT (electric seats variant) and have completed 16,000 km. My current monthly running is around 1,000 km, mostly in the city. Should I continue with this car or switch to an EV? My Virtus has an online resale value of around Rs. 14 lakh, and I do not want to spend more than Rs. 3-4 lakh over its resale value. Please suggest whether I should buy an EV within this budget or continue with the Virtus.

autocar.india

•4d

With a yearly running of just 6,000km, petrol is the sensible choice, and the Hyundai Alcazar is a good option. It is a comfortable, easy-to-drive family SUV with a hassle-free ownership experience, and the 1.5 turbo petrol engine paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is powerful enough and relatively efficient too. Plus, since you're coming from a Creta, you'll be familiar with the Hyundai network and could even ask for a loyalty discount. However, the Alcazar’s third row is not as spacious as some larger cars in the segment, so if you genuinely need a proper 7-seater, it may not be the ideal solution. What's more, if your Creta is the 2020 or newer model, you'll find the Alcazar perhaps a little too familiar on the inside.The Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus are good options that offer more space. However, as you have noted, they're not fuel efficient at all, and moreover, in your budget, you will only get a low to mid-spec variant, whereas you will get a fully-loaded Alcazar. Another option to consider, though not an SUV, is the Kia Carens Clavis. Its MPV shape is more space-efficient, and you actually get more passenger and luggage room than the Alcazar, with the same efficient engines, for around the same price.

Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

MG Windsor

autocar.india

•4d

We'd recommend a petrol automatic. With a daily running of around 46km and an ownership period of 15 years, it offers the best balance of low ownership costs, reliability and ease of use for a first-time driver.We wouldn't let E20 fuel influence your decision. Modern E20-compliant petrol cars are designed to run on it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. It isn't a reason to avoid buying a petrol car today. A CNG automatic will certainly reduce your fuel bills, but the higher purchase price, reduced boot space and limited automatic options make CNG car less attractive unless fuel savings are your overriding priority. An electric car will have the lowest running costs, but at your budget, you'll have to compromise on size or features, and recovering the higher upfront cost will take time.Given your budget and usage, we'd look at the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift automatic which will launch soon if you can stretch slightly, or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta+ AGS if you want to stay within budget. Both are easy to drive, have good ground clearance for the 6km of rough village roads and come backed by Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network. If you prefer a smoother automatic, the Hyundai Exter SX AMT is also worth considering.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•6d

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is available either as a mild hybrid or a strong hybrid - there's no pure petrol version. Moreover, the strong hybrid variants start at above Rs 20 lakh and thus will not fit in your Rs 16 lakh budget. With your running of just 100- 150 km a month, the financial benefit of a strong hybrid is negligible, so you should be fine with the mild-hybrid Hyryder.The mild hybrid system in the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is designed to provide a small efficiency boost in stop-start city traffic, with seamless engine stop-start and mild electric boost under low loads. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth, reliable and well-suited to city driving, and Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability remains a key strength. This Toyota car itself is a sensible upgrade from your Wagon R, offering a higher seating position, better safety and a more comfortable ride without being difficult to manoeuvre in the city.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R