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•41w

I have been using a Verna Diesel 1.6-litre for the past 8 years, and it has served me well in terms of fuel efficiency. My average monthly running is around 2,500km. Due to the diesel ban in Delhi NCR and the need for a more comfortable car, I am now looking to switch to an EV (XEV 9S or the Harrier EV). I am not very particular about having too many features. I have been waiting for bookings to open for the XEV 9S, but with the launch of the new Seltos, should I consider that as well?

•41w

We would recommend taking a test drive of the Mahindra XEV 9S before making a final decision, as its suspension can feel a bit too soft on undulating roads.

Since you are also considering the Tata Harrier EV, which is a 5-seater, it makes sense to look at the XEV 9E as well. The Harrier EV is comfortable to drive and rides well, and the dual motor AWD option is available at a lower price than the XEV 9E. The Mahindra XEV 9e, however, stands out with more features, more comfortable seats, a larger boot, better range, and faster charging.

The new Seltos is a well-rounded product, but given your requirements, the running costs of the petrol automatic will be significantly higher than the electric cars you are considering. If you are keen on a Kia EV, the Carens Clavis EV is also a strong package. While it does not offer the same range as the XEV 9E or the Harrier EV, it is a polished EV with a comfortable ride, adequate performance, and a third row that is spacious and comfortable enough for adults as well.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Carens Clavis EV

from ₹19.13 Lakh

Mahindra

XEV 9e

from ₹23.33 Lakh

Tata

Harrier EV

from ₹23.21 Lakh

Mahindra

XEV 9S

from ₹22.80 Lakh

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•1d

I am currently driving a 2020 Skoda Octavia diesel and am planning to switch to an EV, as my daily commute is approximately 125 km, with around 70% highway driving and 30% city driving. I have shortlisted the Mahindra XEV 9e but am also considering the Mahindra XEV 9S, particularly the six-seater version. I would like to know how comfortable the 9S would be for my family of five, especially on longer journeys. How much boot space is available when the third row is in use, and is the third row comfortable enough for regular use? Would you recommend the XEV 9e or the XEV 9S for my requirements, or are there any other EVs I should consider? Please suggest the most suitable option based on my daily driving needs and family requirements.

•21h

The Mahindra XEV 9e is the right call, and go for the bigger 79kWh battery. You’re doing 125km a day, mostly on the highway, so range is what you’ll notice most. We got around 450km from a full charge in our test, which means plugging in every three days or so. The 9e is also lovely on the highway. The ride is plush and it feels planted at speed, which will make the switch from your Octavia easy.You don’t need a third row for five people. The 9e’s back seat is wide and the floor is flat, so three adults fit without a fuss, and the boot is huge, with a small extra one under the bonnet. The one thing to watch is the sloping roof. Anyone tall in the back may find their head close to the ceiling.In your case, we would skip the 9S six-seater. With captain’s chairs in the middle, someone in your family always ends up in the third row, and then there’s hardly any room for bags with the third row up. If you like the 9S, get the seven-seater instead. You all fit in two rows, and the third row folds away for luggage. It doesn’t ride as nicely as the 9e on the highway, though.

Mahindra XEV 9e

•2d

I want to buy an EV, but I’m confused between the Mahindra XEV 9e and the MG Hector Tomahawk EV. Please suggest which one would be the better choice.

•2d

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV is the one to go for if you need a third row, comfortable seats and a spacious boot. Just check how much luggage space remains with all three rows in use.Otherwise, we’d recommend the Mahindra XEV 9e. It’s the stronger overall product, with better performance, better ride and handling, and a more impressive spread of features. Its cabin is comfortable too, but feels more refined and far more plush than the Tomahawk’s.The MG, in comparison, feels rather ordinary, with exterior and interior designs that don’t particularly stand out. On the road, its front-wheel-drive layout doesn’t deliver the same balanced, satisfying driving experience as the rear-wheel-drive 9e. That’s a comparison between these two cars, rather than a blanket judgement on front-wheel drive.If you don’t need seven seats, this Mahindra car would be our pick. And if a third row is essential, we’d recommend considering the Mahindra XEV 9S as well. We think it’s an even better option and worth a back-to-back test drive with the Tomahawk before you decide.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Mahindra XEV 9e

•1d

I am 34 years old and I currently own a Honda Amaze. I am planning to get a new car. My annual running is around 7000 km and 85% of the running is out of Mumbai. I wanted a sedan but that is not mandatory. I want to buy a car that I plan to keep for the next 10 years. I need a safe automatic car that has front ventilated seats with good after sales support. I like Hyundai Verna and Creta but I do not want to go for a Maruti or Tata car. My budget is 15 lakh that can be extended up to 19 lakh if the car is value for money. Which car do you suggest?

•2h

Go for the Hyundai Verna 1.5 petrol IVT. It is the best fit for your requirements. You are coming from a Honda Amaze, so you already appreciate the comfort and ease of a sedan. The Verna is a significant step up in terms of refinement, space and features, and it offers a genuinely premium ownership experience. The IVT automatic is smooth and well suited to your driving pattern, especially with 85 percent of your running outside Mumbai. The Verna also offers front ventilated seats, strong safety credentials and a comfortable ride, making it a great long-term ownership proposition. Hyundai's aftersales support is strong, and the car is known for its reliability and low maintenance costs. Your annual running of 7,000 km does not justify a diesel, and the petrol IVT strikes the right balance between performance and efficiency. The Creta is a good alternative if you specifically want an SUV, but the Verna is the more value-for-money option and better suited to your preferences.

Hyundai Verna

Honda Amaze

Hyundai Creta

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•6d

I am a 6 ft driver who loves driving. I've driven the Swift 2013 petrol, Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto and the XUV500 the most on long trips. Now that I am planning to buy a car with a strict budget, do you think the 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol variant will be a wise decision to make, as I will be travelling once a month for short trips from Bangalore to Coorg, Pondicherry, GOA, and Mangalore? Which other car can be a perfect match for me, keeping a budget of 12 lakhs max? Also, the 3XO AX5 I'm getting from a friend who has hardly driven 6k km for 10 lakhs.

•5d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol from your friend for Rs 10 lakh. At that price, it is a very good deal and a sensible upgrade from your Creta 1.6 diesel automatic. The 3XO is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin and good rear seat comfort, which will make your long drives to Coorg, Pondicherry, Goa and Mangalore more comfortable. The turbo petrol engine is smooth and is well suited to both city driving and highway cruising. At Rs 10 lakh for a car with only 6,000 km on the clock, you are getting a nearly new car at a significant discount, which makes it a far better value proposition than buying new.If you are looking for alternatives under Rs 12 lakh, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is the best option for an enthusiast driver. The new Brezza turbo-petrol could also be a good choice. Overall, the 3XO from your friend is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, reliability and value, and will serve you well on your monthly road trips.

I currently own a Jeep Compass and want to get an additional car for my father, with good reliability, unlike the Jeep. My father still drives a 2008 Honda City, and I am torn between a few choices: the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Nissan Tekton and Toyota Hyryder. Or should I wait for the Virtus facelift or the new-generation Creta? His usage is low, at almost 500 km per month. Please suggest.

•1d

With just 500km a month, petrol is the clear choice, and reliability and ease of ownership become the most important factors. The Honda City is the safest recommendation here. It is a proven product with a strong reliability record, a comfortable ride and a familiar ownership experience that your father will appreciate, especially coming from a 2008 City. The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are both excellent to drive, but the 1.0 TSI engine can feel a bit laggy at low speeds, and the 1.5 TSI is overkill for this kind of usage. The Nissan Tekton is a good value proposition, but engines are not responsive at low speeds and Nissan's service network is not as strong as Honda's, which matters more for a low-running, long-term ownership scenario. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a solid option if you specifically want an SUV, but the hybrid premium does not make financial sense at this running, and the naturally aspirated petrol is not as refined as the City's engine. The new-generation Hyundai Creta is worth waiting for only if your father specifically wants an SUV; otherwise, the City remains the more sensible choice. Overall, the Honda City is the most reliable, comfortable and hassle-free option for your father's usage.

Honda City

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Nissan Tekton

•1w

I’ve almost finalised the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, and I really like the car. However, I’m a little worried about Skoda’s long-term service and maintenance costs, especially after the warranty period. I’m planning to keep the car for around 7–8 years. Would you recommend taking the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) along with the car? Is it worth the additional cost considering regular servicing and potential maintenance expenses? Also, compared with the Brezza and Nexon, how is the Kylaq Signature Automatic in terms of long-term reliability, service costs and parts replacement? Would really appreciate your advice before I make the final purchase decision.

•1d

If you like the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, go ahead and buy it. It is a genuinely good car and one of the best driver’s cars in the segment. The 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven combination, and Skoda’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years. The bigger concern is not reliability but long-term maintenance costs, which can be higher than Maruti or Tata once the car is out of warranty.This is where the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) makes sense. It locks in your service costs for the first 4-5 years, covers all scheduled maintenance and gives you peace of mind during the most expensive ownership period. If you are planning to keep the car for 7-8 years, it is worth the additional cost because it protects you from unexpected bills and helps you budget ownership costs more accurately.Compared to the Brezza and Nexon, the Kylaq is the better driver’s car with a more engaging driving experience and a stronger engine. The Brezza is the benchmark for long-term reliability and low maintenance costs, while the Nexon sits somewhere in between. The Kylaq is not unreliable, but parts and service can be more expensive once you are out of warranty.If you are buying the Kylaq, take the SMP and enjoy the car. If long-term ownership costs are your absolute priority, the Brezza is the safer financial choice.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

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