I currently own a 2016 Tata Tiago petrol, and it has clocked around 50,000km so far. I have owned it for around 10 years and am now looking to upgrade to a bigger car. Initially, I preferred either the Honda Elevate or the Tata Sierra (NA manual). However, with the increasing adoption of E20 fuel and the possibility of flex-fuel vehicles in the coming years, my attention is shifting towards EVs. That said, I am still unsure about the overall EV landscape in India, with concerns ranging from insurance costs to charging and charging infrastructure. I primarily drive within the city and currently reside in Noida. So, I'm looking for some clarity on the EV ecosystem and whether this is the right time to switch to an EV.

autocar.india

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Skip diesel for your short hops and get a turbo petrol automatic. Your 2-3 km stop-start runs are exactly what clog DPFs. A turbo-petrol will get you the torque you like while avoiding DPF issues.Under Rs 12 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Nissan Magnite are good picks. Both turbo-petrols have good low- and mid-range, and smooth automatics (torque converter in the Fronx and CVT in the Magnite). They are light to drive in the city, stable enough on Delhi-NCR runs, and will handle an annual hill trip without fuss.Under Rs 16 lakh, consider the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 and the Honda Elevate. The Kushaq 1.0 with the 6-speed automatic feels torquey, cruises all day, and climbs hills confidently. It’s compact outside but feels tight and secure at speed, which makes highway stints less tiring. One caveat: service reach and costs are higher than the mass brands.If you want an absolute zero-hassle over punch in the bigger bracket, the Honda Elevate automatic is calmer and super easy to live with, just not as eager as the Kushaq.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Nissan Magnite

Skoda Kushaq

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•1d

Pick the Skoda Slavia 1.5 if driving fun matters most. In the city, it feels strongest off the line, pulls cleanly without needing big revs, and the steering and body control make gaps easy. On those rare 600-700 km runs, it sits calmly at speed, rides well, and still gives good mileage. Ground clearance is high enough for nasty speed breakers, so you will not miss the SUV stance.Honda Elevate is likeable and easy in traffic, but its 1.5 petrol feels modest, especially with the automatic and a full load, and there is more body roll than the sedans. City is smoother and very comfortable, but it does not excite the way the Slavia 1.5 does.One honest watch-out with the Slavia 1.5 is the automatic. It is lightning quick when you are pushing, but it can feel a bit jerky in crawling traffic. Alternatively, consider the Slavia 1.0 automatic. For city-heavy use, it has plenty of performance, and its torque converter is smoother in stop-and-go traffic. Coming from a Baleno, you will feel a big step up in power, grip and confidence, without giving up everyday ease.

Skoda Slavia

Honda City

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder strong-hybrid. At 1,300-1,400 km a month, the fuel saving is big enough to recover the higher price in around 2-3 years, especially if most of your running is in city traffic where the car often runs on electric. It is also the easiest to live with day to day - smooth, quiet and always an automatic, so no fatigue in jams.The Elevate’s 1.5 petrol is simple and cheaper upfront, but in real traffic it will use noticeably more fuel. Over your kind of monthly distance, that adds up. One honest catch with the strong-hybrid: the boot is smaller and at expressway speeds it feels relaxed rather than quick if you’re heavy on the throttle. If most of your kilometres are on the highway, the difference in fuel efficiency will be smaller, though the hybrid will still be the more economical option. If you are on a tight budget and your driving is largely highway-based, the Honda Elevate 1.5 or the naturally aspirated Hyryder makes more sense. For mixed use or city-heavy running, the Grand Vitara strong-hybrid is the smarter buy.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Honda Elevate