Autocar India
1d

Hi, I am 70+ and currently own a Skoda Slavia 1.0 automatic, but it gives very low mileage in city driving. I now want to switch to a sub-4-metre automatic car with good mileage and ADAS features. I am open to both petrol and diesel options, as I also drive long distances. Please suggest some suitable options.

Verified
3m

Given your requirements, the Hyundai Venue diesel automatic is the best fit. This Hyundai car is one of the few sub-4-metre cars still available with a diesel engine, and it delivers strong fuel efficiency both in the city and on the highway. The diesel engine is well suited to long-distance driving, offering good torque and effortless cruising, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with. The Venue also offers a comprehensive ADAS suite, which adds an extra layer of safety and convenience on long journeys. It is a comfortable and spacious car for its size, with a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely usable five-seater. If you prefer petrol, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is the alternative. It is reliable, efficient and easy to drive, but it does not offer the same level of long-distance efficiency as the diesel Venue.

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

More posts on similar cars

1d

I currently own a Hyundai Venue 1.2 petrol. I am considering for an upgrade and my requirements include a 7-seater petrol or diesel automatic SUV under 25 lakh (on-road) with 80:20 city to highway ratio with maximum 15,000 km annually. Can I consider electric as well. What would be your recommendation? I am considering XUV 7X0, Safari or the Alcazar but I'm open to other options as well. Thanks in advance.

Verified
5h

Given your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic would be our recommendation. With an 80:20 city-to-highway ratio and 15,000 km a year, diesel still makes sense because the XUV 7XO's diesel engine is refined, efficient and well suited to both city driving and long highway runs. The 7XO also offers a usable third row, strong performance and a well-equipped cabin, making it a proper upgrade from your Venue.The Tata Safari is a strong alternative if you prioritise ride comfort and a more spacious third row, but the XUV 7XO offers a better overall ownership experience and a more modern feature set. The Hyundai Alcazar petrol automatic is the more refined and easier-to-drive option in the city, but its third row is tighter and it does not feel like as big a step up from the Venue.On the electric front, the Mahindra XEV 9S is worth considering if you have home charging and predictable daily usage, but at Rs. 25 lakh on-road you are likely to be looking at the lower variants, and the XUV 7XO diesel still makes more sense given your usage pattern.Overall, the XUV 7XO diesel automatic strikes the best balance between space, performance, efficiency and long-term ownership.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleTata Safari
VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
VehicleHyundai Alcazar
VehicleHyundai Venue
2d

I have a 50 km daily city commute, and once a month, I travel to the next city, which is around 150 km away. I want to buy a low-maintenance car. Should I opt for a petrol or an EV? I previously owned a Hyundai i20.

Verified
1d

With a 50km daily city commute and a monthly 150km intercity trip, the decision between petrol and EV comes down to charging convenience and ownership priorities. If you have reliable home charging, an EV is the better fit. Your daily usage is predictable and well within the range of mainstream EVs, and the monthly 150km trip is easily manageable with a full charge and a top-up at the destination if needed. EVs also offer significantly lower running costs and fewer moving parts, which translates to lower maintenance over time.If home charging is not available, stick with petrol. The convenience of a petrol car becomes clear when you factor in the monthly intercity trip, as relying on public charging infrastructure can add unnecessary complexity to your journey. Given your previous ownership of a Hyundai i20, a petrol Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet would be a natural upgrade, offering a similar ownership experience with the added benefits of a higher driving position and better ground clearance for city use. If you want to go EV, the Kia Syros EV is a solid pick in your budget.In summary, go for an electric car if you can charge at home; otherwise, a petrol Venue or Sonet is the more practical and hassle-free choice.

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleHyundai i20
VehicleKia Syros EV
VehicleKia Sonet

Popular discussions right now

1d

I am planning to buy a new car under 20-25 lakh for the next ten years. I have considered two cars Seltos DCT GTX(A) and Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG but am afraid of the mileage and if I go with an EV, I am afraid that infrastructure will not be that good. I drive daily for 10-15 km and take 2-3 trips in a year on highway. Should I buy the car now or wait for Seltos Hybrid? Will it cost an additional 2-3 lakh or will it be value for money for my driving. Should I consider another car?

Verified
1d

With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
2d

I’m planning to buy my first car and would appreciate some suggestions. My budget is around Rs. 13-15 lakh ex-showroom, and I’m planning to register the car under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, so I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I’d prefer something that looks classy and elegant while offering good comfort. A premium-looking interior would be a plus, and features such as leather/leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, but they aren't deal-breakers. At the same time, I don’t want a car that is purely comfort-oriented. I enjoy driving, so I’d like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling, and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips would also be appreciated.

Verified
1d

Based on your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the recommendation. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family usability. The 1.0 TSI engine is strong, the handling is engaging, and the car feels solid and confidence-inspiring on the highway. The interior feels premium, and while it may not be the largest in its segment, overall comfort is quite good. If you prefer the look of the VW Taigun, it offers largely the same experience as the Kushaq. The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is also a strong alternative, offering excellent driving dynamics and a larger cabin. Overall, though, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the car that best aligns with your requirements.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleVolkswagen Taigun
VehicleRenault Duster

Want to sell your car?

Sell your car at the right price, without the stress.

Posted on: 1 Sept 2026