Hi, I'm currently driving the Honda Elevate CVT. So far, I am not unhappy with it. The car does what I want it to do, and while it is not particularly exciting, I am satisfied with it. My question is: if the Elevate eventually gets a hybrid option, should I consider upgrading? I am concerned about fuel economy as fuel prices continue to rise. I currently get around 11-12 kpl overall. Assuming the hybrid is priced around Rs 5 lakh higher, my calculations suggest I would need to drive roughly 1.5-1.7 lakh kilometres to recover the additional cost. Financially, it does not seem to make sense. However, there is also the peace of mind of seeing fuel economy figures above 20 kpl, and the hybrid setup could offer slightly better performance and make the car more enjoyable. What do you think? If Honda eventually launches it, should I go for it?

Autocar India

•2d

In terms of outright value for money, two midsize SUVs stand out above the rest, at your budget, albeit for very different reasons - the Honda Elevate and Citroen Aircross. Both have fully loaded top-spec petrol automatic variants that come well within your budget and though they might not get all the high-tech features or wow factor some newer rivals do, they have all the essentials and then some. The Citroen scores high on space and comfort, even giving you the option of a third row of seats. Its turbo-petrol engine is punchy, its 6-speed AT is smooth and its ride is super comfortable, with fun driving dynamics too. However, quality isn't quite a strong as others, and Citroen's service network is quite small. Honda's, on the other hand, is not, and its products have been known to be reliable and easy on maintenance. Its CVT auto is smooth, as is its naturally aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine. Refinement, however is not great, and while it's competent, it's not particularly exciting to drive. Between the hassle-free Honda and the quirky Citroen, we would recommend the latter, as its turbocharged engine's punch will be appreciated on your occasional road trips. A third option is the newly launched Renault Duster, but you won't get a top-spec variant in your budget.

Honda Elevate

Citroen Aircross

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•3h

Pick the Honda City hybrid for your needs. It will cut your daily fuel spend by a lot, and it is nice and seamless to drive in traffic and on highways. The hybrid system runs in EV mode for most of the time, which means you get a quiet, refined drive and excellent fuel efficiency. And unlike an EV, you don't have to charge the battery, as that's done by the engine. Coming from your Jazz diesel, you'll also appreciate the familiarity with this Honda, and you'll also be backed up by the stress-free ownership generally associated with the brand. Do note though, the hybrid does have a smaller boot than the standard petrol City, and the ground clearance could be an issue on broken village roads or when fully loaded.Alternatively, if the City hybrid is too expensive for you and you want just a simple petrol sedan, consider the Hyundai Verna 1.5 IVT. It offers a smooth and refined drive, a feature-rich and spacious cabin and is backed by Hyundai's widespread service network.

Honda City

Hyundai Verna

Autocar India

•5h

Go for the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT automatic. Your running is low, and this is one of the few petrol non-AMT options that stays close to your Rs. 12 lakh budget, while being genuinely easy to drive every day. The CVT automatic is smooth in traffic, the steering is light, and the high ground clearance makes speed breakers and rough patches stress-free. It is sized right for the city yet fits four adults comfortably, and the boot is usable for weekend runs.Your 8-year-old, low-mileage Baleno should fetch a fair exchange, which keeps the upgrade cost sensible. Service costs on the Magnite are also friendly, so long-term ownership should be easy.Do note, the cabin plastics and refinement levels are not as nice as pricier rivals. If you prefer a hatchback instead of an SUV, the Hyundai i20 IVT is nicer inside and equally smooth.

Nissan Magnite

Hyundai i20