Autocar India

•2h

Between the two options, you can be reasonably relaxed about the reliability of the petrol DCT. Hyundai’s dual clutch gearbox has been in service for many years now and is a well-proven unit. While overheating warnings can show up in very slow-moving traffic, the system is designed to protect itself, and over time. Hyundai has continuously improved both performance and reliability. In its current, more mature form, it is unlikely to give you trouble in normal ownership.Considering your usage of around 600 to 700 km a month, mostly in the city, the petrol automatic makes far more sense than the diesel. The 1.5 litre diesel engine is refined, and the torque converter automatic is smooth. But with such limited running, there is a high chance of DPF-related issues cropping up over long-term ownership. Also, with stricter emission norms, modern diesels are not as fuel-efficient as they were once, especially when paired with a torque converter. So the traditional mileage advantage is no longer a strong enough reason to choose diesel in your case.

Hyundai New Venue

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Autocar India

•2h

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to pinpoint what exactly you're looking for in a car. However, going by your request and assuming you want an upgrade from a Maruti Wagon R, you should check out the Nissan Magnite. It has a 5-star Global NCAP rating. At 1758mm, it is not too much wider than the Maruti Wagon R - just about 14cm, and above all else, it is a spacious, practical and good value-for-money compact SUV. At 334 litres, its boot size is decent, and its 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine offers good mileage. However, if you want even more boot space, check out the Renault Triber. If you remove the third row of seats, has a solid 625 litres of boot space. It uses the same 1.0-litre petrol engine as the Magnite, and has received a 4-star Global NCAP crash test rating.

Nissan Magnite

Renault Triber

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Autocar India

•3h

Between the Kia Sonet and the Skoda Kylaq, the Kylaq is the better choice for you, especially if driving enjoyment and long-distance comfort matter. It is the nicer car to drive, has a more comfortable ride on highways and feels excellent value for money. The Sonet is still a good all-round compact SUV, but it is not as engaging to drive as the Skoda Kylaq, particularly in terms of handling. Another factor to keep in mind is that the Sonet is expected to be replaced in about a year. It means there is a chance it could start feeling dated sooner than you would like. The rear seat on the Sonet is also on the tighter side.Since you have mentioned that there will be occasions when five people travel together with luggage. It is important to note that both the Kylaq and the Kia Sonet are relatively narrow cars and are most comfortable as four-seaters on long trips. If proper five-seat comfort is a priority, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong alternative. Its wider body allows it to accommodate five adults in better comfort. It is also a fun car to drive thanks to its punchy 1.2 turbo petrol engine and well-sorted suspension.

Kia Sonet

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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Autocar India

•3h

Given your low daily running and usage largely limited to long road trips, it makes a lot of sense to keep your Ford EcoSport diesel if it is running fine. It is a car you clearly enjoy, its performance still holds up well, and for highway use, the diesel remains efficient and relaxed. There is also no urgency to replace it purely due to age, so holding on till the next decade is perfectly sensible.If you decided to replace it, and are specifically looking at compact SUVs, two strong options to consider are the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The Kylaq is great to drive, feels comfortable on long journeys and is spacious enough for four adults. It is also being very well priced for what it offers. Its main limitation is the narrow body, which makes it more of a strict four-seater rather than a true five-seater. The XUV 3XO, on the other hand, offers a wide cabin and a genuinely spacious interior, making it a better option if you often travel with five people. Its punchy 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine makes it enjoyable to drive, though fuel efficiency will be on the lower side. The boot is the smallest in the segment in terms of usable space.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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Autocar India

•5h

All your concerns are valid, and given your high usage, we would not recommend an EV. Especially for your occasional long highway runs, an EV will require one if not two charging stops, even in something with a battery as large as the Mahindra XEV 9S. Apart from that, if you do not have a home charging setup, it's not advisable either. Your office charging unit will suffice on most days, but in a pickle you will have to rely on public charging infra, which has its limitations and is an inconvenience. And after 10 years, an EV's battery will be as much of a concern as a diesel ban; battery replacement is very expensive, and EV resale value plummets like a rock after 5 years. As you mentioned, the mileage of the petrol XUV 7XO is very low, so given your usage, that's probably not worth it. The best choice, then, is the XUV 7XO diesel. Yes, while it will be banned after 10 years in some regions, it's still worthwhile to get a decade's worth of use out of the car, and sell it or scrap it for some return at the end. If your car is driven regularly, including some highway usage, DPF maintenance should not be an issue.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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