Delhi

Abhinav Sharma

•10w

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?

Autocar India

•10w

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

New Seltos

Kia

Carens Clavis EV

from ₹19.05 Lakh

Mahindra

XEV 9e

from ₹23.26 Lakh

Tata

Harrier EV

from ₹22.83 Lakh

Mahindra

XEV 9S

from ₹21.10 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Soma Rahul Reddy Kallam

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I have been using a Tata Harrier Manual Jet Edition for the last three years and am now planning to upgrade because I am not satisfied with Tata’s service experience. My budget is around Rs 25-30 lakh and my usage will be a mix of city and highway driving. Which car would you recommend in this price range?

Autocar India

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If you prefer to stick with a 5-seater SUV format, the new Kia Seltos is a good option. In your budget, you can get the top-of-the-line X-Line diesel automatic. It is a proven engine mated to a slick automatic gearbox, and Kia's service is amongst the best in this segment.However, if you'd like to move to a bigger 7-seater SUV, then the new Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth considering. The AX7 trim with the diesel automatic fits in your budget and is a spacious, feature-packed, powerful SUV with superb ride quality. Mahindra service also generally has a better reputation than Tata. Before you make your choice, make sure you take a test drive of both vehicles.

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PSR

•3d

I am using WagonR (CNG). I want to upgrade to an automatic petrol SUV. I am considering Grand Vitara Zeta AT, Victoris ZXI AT and Creta S (O) iVT. Please suggest me good car in terms of comfortable driving and milage. I use car 50% in city and 50% on highway. My annual usage is 5000-6000 km.

Autocar India

•22h

The Hyundai Creta IVT is the best pick of the three models on your shortlist. It's got the smoothest gearbox, and engine performance is also significantly better than the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara AT and Victoris AT. Fuel economy is decent too, and should not pinch over your 5000-6000km of annual usage.What also strengthens the Creta's case is that it's more spacious than the Maruti Suzuki models.However, we'd also recommend checking the Kia Seltos IVT. As you may know, the Seltos and Creta are closely related products. The recently-launched second-gen Seltos is built on the Hyundai Group's latest platform (the Creta continues on the last-gen platform). IIt comes with better tech as well as the promise of better safety. The new Seltos is also roomier than the Creta, making it better suited to family use.

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Sree Harshan

•6d

I currently own a Skoda Rapid 1.5-litre turbo diesel and am planning to buy a new car with a budget of up to Rs 20 lakh. Will cars like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos offer the same engine quality, refinement and driving experience as my Rapid? My priority is engine smoothness and efficiency rather than features. Which car or brand would you recommend based purely on engine performance?

Autocar India

•1d

The Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI you are driving uses VW’s EA189 1.5-litre diesel, which is known more for its strong mid-range punch and excellent efficiency than for outright refinement. It has a slightly gruff note and a typical diesel clatter, especially at idle and under hard acceleration.The 1.5 diesel in the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos (Hyundai’s U2 CRDi engine) feels smoother and quieter. That’s largely down to newer-generation injection systems that use multiple injection pulses per combustion cycle, better insulation, and tighter control of combustion noise. The power delivery is also more linear and less “peaky” than the old VW unit, so it feels more refined in everyday driving.On efficiency, your older BS4 Rapid has an inherent advantage. BS6 engines must meet stricter emission controls (higher EGR rates, DPF systems, different injection strategies), which affect outright fuel economy in real-world use. That said, the latest 1.5 diesels in the Creta and Seltos are still very efficient and won’t feel like a major step down.If engine smoothness and quietness are your top priorities, the Creta/Seltos 1.5 diesel will feel more polished than your Rapid. If you love that strong, slightly raw mid-range surge and bulletproof efficiency, the old Volkswagen diesel still has a character that’s hard to replicate today.

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