Autocar India
3h

Hi, I am looking to change my 2020 Kia Sonet top-end diesel automatic. It has covered around 33,000km and has been a great car, but I want to change it now. I am considering an EV and have shortlisted the MG ZS EV Excite Pro. I am a senior citizen, with minimal usage of around three local errand trips a week and an annual running of around 4,000-5,000 km, including a couple of outstation trips. Please advise.

Verified
3m
With your usage pattern of around 4,000-5,000 km a year, mostly local errands and a couple of outstation trips, the MG ZS EV Excite Pro is actually a very sensible choice. For your kind of usage, the low running costs and ease of driving in the city make a strong case for an electric car.
The only thing to be mindful of is your outstation trips. The ZS EV has a real-world range of around 320-350 km, depending on driving style and conditions. If your outstation trips are within that range, the car will work very well. If they are longer, you will need to plan charging stops, which is manageable but relies heavily on the availability of chargers and the reliability of power supply in the region.
The other thing to consider is home charging. If you have a dedicated parking space and can install a charger, only then does the ownership experience become seamless. Overall, given your usage and the fact that you are looking for a comfortable, hassle-free ownership experience, the MG ZS EV Excite Pro is a very good choice. It will be a significant upgrade from the Sonet in terms of refinement and running costs, and it is one of the most well-rounded EVs in the market today.
As a Kia owner, you could also consider the new Syros EV, which feels far more modern than the ZS EV and should offer even better range.
MG ZS EV

MG ZS EV

More posts on similar cars

1w

Hi team, I booked a Tata Punch Empowered+ EV in late June in Goa and was initially told that I might get it by September. However, the dealer now says that due to high demand, the delivery could be delayed until November - December. Since I made the booking, the Punch EV’s price is now quite close to that of the base Kia Syros EV. Concerns around after-sales service and the delivery delay are also making me a bit hesitant. I was therefore considering the Kia Syros EV HTK, the base variant. Is there any way to get a 360-degree camera fitted without voiding the warranty? Alternatively, can I install a dashcam that provides at least front and rear feeds on the car’s main screen, again without affecting the warranty? If this is feasible, I feel the Syros EV base variant could be a compelling option. Could you please suggest whether I should make the switch or stick with my existing Punch EV booking?

Verified
2d

Given the delay and price increase on the Tata Punch Empowered+ EV, the Kia Syros EV HTK is now a very compelling alternative. It is a larger, more premium car with a more spacious cabin and a better overall ownership experience. This Tata car is still a good product, but the Syros EV is simply a more complete car for a similar price.On the 360-degree camera, the answer is unfortunately no. The Syros EV HTK does not come with the necessary hardware (multiple cameras, control module, integration with the car's electronics) to support a factory-style 360-degree system. Aftermarket kits are available, but they require significant wiring and integration work, and Kia will not support them under warranty.A dashcam is a better solution. You can fit a high-quality front and rear dashcam system without voiding the car's warranty, as long as the installation is done cleanly and does not involve cutting or splicing into the car's wiring harness. However, the feed will not display on the main infotainment screen. It will record to its own memory card and can be viewed on a phone app or a small screen on the dashcam itself.

VehicleTata Punch EV
VehicleKia Syros EV
2d

I have been using an i20 for almost 14 years now, and I’m quite satisfied with its ownership experience and service quality. I’m now planning to upgrade to an EV, with a strict on-road budget of Rs 25 lakh. My monthly running would be around 850- 1,000 km, mostly within the city. Since my parents would accompany me on almost 40% of my trips, easy ingress and egress, along with a comfortable ride quality, are important to me. I’m looking for a reliable EV with good efficiency and a real-world range of 400+km. I have been considering the Creta Electric Executive LR and Smart LR, while some of my friends have suggested that I also look at the Mahindra BE 6. What would you recommend based on my requirements? I’d appreciate an expert opinion on which EV would be the better choice for me.

Verified
2d

Given your requirements, the Hyundai Creta Electric Long Range is the most sensible recommendation. Your mostly city running is ideal for an electric car, and the Creta Electric offers a real-world range of over 400km, which gives you the flexibility to use it as your primary car without range anxiety. Coming from a Hyundai i20, the Creta Electric will feel familiar but also like a significant upgrade in terms of space, comfort, and overall refinement. The ride quality is excellent, and the rear seat is comfortable enough for your parents on regular trips. Hyundai's service network and ownership experience are also strong, which is important given your positive experience with the brand so far.Another strong contender is the Kia Syros EV, which uses the same powertrain as the Creta, but comes in at a lower price. This Kia car is a bit more compact but just as good on space, and the better news is that, thanks to its tall design, ingress and egress for your parents should be easier. The Mahindra BE6, meanwhile, is powerful and fun to drive, but very poor on space, practicality, and especially ingress and egress in the rear seats. Overall, the Creta and Syros are better bets.

VehicleHyundai Creta Electric
VehicleHyundai i20
VehicleKia Syros EV
VehicleMahindra BE 6 Sporteq

Popular discussions right now

Want to sell your car?

Sell your car at the right price, without the stress.

Posted on: 14 Sept 2026