Will Volkswagen launch the Virtus facelift and the new Tera this year, or are they expected to arrive next year? I am planning to buy a car this December.

autocar.india

•46m

For an electric car to deliver a real-world range of 500 km or more, it needs a fairly large battery. Since the battery is the single most expensive component in an EV, a larger pack directly increases the price. That’s why options with a claimed 500+ km range typically sit well above the Rs 20 lakh mark.Within your budget, choices are limited, but the closest fit is the Maruti e-Vitara Zeta. It gets a 61 kWh battery with a claimed range of 543 km (MIDC), and its on-road price is just over Rs 18 lakh, depending on the state.The e-Vitara comes across as a sensible, no-nonsense EV. It focuses on efficiency, ease of use and is backed by Maruti Suzuki’s widespread service network, which remains a strong advantage, especially for first-time EV buyers or those outside major metros.That said, there are a couple of compromises to be aware of. The boot space is on the smaller side, and rear seat space isn’t particularly generous for a car of this size. Also, as with most EVs, real-world range will be lower than the claimed figure, so expect closer to around 450 to 470 km depending on driving conditions.If your priority is genuinely achieving 500 km in everyday use, you may need to stretch your budget slightly or consider upcoming models. Otherwise, the e-Vitara remains one of the most practical options currently available near this price point.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

autocar.india

•1h

For your wife, consider the Hyundai Exter. At 5'1", she will benefit from its good all-round visibility, light steering and compact dimensions, which make it very easy to manoeuvre in city traffic and tight parking spaces. This Hyundai car also gets driver's seat height adjustment from the base trim, which will be very handy for your wife. The AMT gearbox is smooth enough for daily commuting, and the car is very easy to drive. Fuel efficiency is decent; expect 9 to 10kpl in the city and 15kpl on the highway.If you want something a bit more efficient, consider the Maruti Suzuki Swift. In our testing we managed 12.7kpl in the city and 19kpl on the highway with the AGS. However, height adjustment for the driver's seat is only available on the ZXi trim onwards.Overall, the Hyundai Exter AMT is the better fit for your requirements. It is simple, reliable, easy to drive and well-suited to both city use and occasional highway trips.

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Swift

autocar.india

•1h

For your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris mild hybrid petrol manual is the most sensible recommendation. With a budget of Rs 17 lakh on-road, you are looking for a car that will be used predominantly on highways, and fuel efficiency and long-term reliability matter most. The Victoris mild hybrid petrol is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in this segment, and the mild hybrid system gives you a tangible efficiency advantage on long highway runs. It is also a very comfortable car with a spacious cabin, good ride quality and all the basic comfort features you are looking for, including automatic climate control and automatic wipers. Safety is well addressed with a strong safety package, and it has also received a full 5-star crash test rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. The manual gearbox is smooth and easy to use, making it a stress-free car to drive over long distances. Overall, this Maruti Suzuki car strikes the best balance between efficiency, comfort, safety and long-term ownership peace of mind within your budget.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris