I own a Maruti Ignis-Zeta AMT Petrol (9-year-old) and a Hyundai Tucson-Diesel (5-year-old). I am considering the BMW X3 30i and Volvo XC60 (not considering GLC due to poor rear seat comfort) for a new car purchase later this year. Which other car(s) should I explore? (Not considering EV unless there is something exceptionally good; not considering sedans due to poor ground clearance, but if there is any worth considering, do recommend. We prefer travelling by road and require good boot space. The rear seat comfort is equally important as is on the driver seat. We are driving enthusiasts and enjoy well-built cars.

Autocar India

•6h

For what you're after, the BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport is the one that fits your brief best. It feels the most engaging to drive without giving up daily comfort, and it feels safe and steady at speed. The 2.0 diesel has strong pull for quick passes, the 8‑speed automatic shifts very smoothly, and the rear-biased xDrive AWD focuses on driving pleasure while still providing a safety net. In the city, it is easy to drive, the engine is quiet enough at low speeds, and visibility is good. You could also consider the new xDrive 30 petrol, which is even more exciting to drive, but we feel the trade-offs to mileage and ride comfort for your mixed usage mean the 20d still feels like the better bet.The Mercedes GLC has slightly softer suspension and a more luxurious interior, but is not quite as fun to drive. And the Land Rover Discovery Sport feels tougher and has the advantage of a small third row of seats, but it simply feels too dated and not as refined in this company. Overall, we would recommend the BMW X3 for you.

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Autocar India

•1d

With 75-80% city use, some fun drives on weekends, and a clear need to keep the back seat calm, the Mercedes GLC 300 4MATIC fits your brief better right now. In slow to medium city speeds, it rides softer, so speed breakers and broken patches are handled with less bounce, and people in the back do not get tossed around. The steering is light at low speeds, and the automatic gearbox, which changes gears on its own, is very smooth, so daily traffic is easy, yet the engine still feels strong when you want to make a quick overtake. It is also quieter inside, which makes city trips feel less tiring.The trade-off is that when you really push on a fast road, the GLC does not feel as eager or as tight as the BMW. Pick the BMW X3 xDrive30 if you drive yourself most of the time and want a car that feels sharper and more connected on an open road. The new X3 also gives you the freshest design and tech today, which matters to you. Just note that its ride is firmer in the city, so the back seat will feel a bit more movement on rough roads than in the GLC.On waiting: a GLC facelift by 2026-27 is possible, but India timing is uncertain, and updates may be small. If “latest” is your top goal, the new X3 gives you that today. If city comfort for family comes first, the GLC 300 is the safer bet.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

BMW X3

Autocar India

•1d

While both your shortlisted EVs are excellent in their own right, they do have their shortcomings. The Tesla Model Y L is priced at Rs 62 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it outside your budget, and though it has an impressive WLTP range, it has yet to be proven in the real world. Similarly, though the BYD Sealion 7 represents excellent value for money, its real-world range is far removed from its official figure, and in our real-world test, the dual-motor version managed around 370km on a full charge. Of the two, we'd recommend the Sealion 7, which offers better value overall than the Tesla. However, another EV you should consider in your price range is the recently unveiled Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelift. The original model came the closest to delivering a real-world 500km range in our tests, and this new one, with its larger 84kWh battery, should easily cross that figure. Hyundai's EV powertrains are among the most efficient around, and the Ioniq 5 is as well-appointed and equipped, spacious and comfortable as the best out there.

Tesla Model Y

BYD Sealion 7

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Autocar India

•5d

You want a car that is comfortable in the city, easy to drive and capable of doing long trips for the next 10 years. The Toyota Innova Hycross fits this very well. The hybrid system makes it very smooth and quiet in city driving, and the automatic gearbox is effortless, which becomes more important with age. On highways, it is stable, comfortable and built for long-distance travel, which is what the Innova name has always stood for.What really works in your favour is long-term ownership. Toyota’s reliability, strong service network and resale value make it one of the safest bets if you plan to keep the car for many years. The Hycross also offers excellent space, easy ingress and egress and a comfortable ride, which are important for everyday use and for passengers as you grow older.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Autocar India

•5d

For your usage, a naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT or IVT is the best fit. These setups are smoother, easier to drive in traffic and more predictable, which matters far more in city conditions than outright performance. So yes, in your case, NA engines are better suited than turbo petrol.The Hyundai Verna IVT stands out as the most well-rounded option for city driving. The engine is smooth, the IVT gearbox is very intuitive in stop-and-go traffic, and the overall driving experience is effortless. It feels refined and easy to live with daily.The Honda City Hybrid is worth considering if your running is high. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, strong performance and is very easy to drive in the city thanks to its hybrid system. However, it comes with a higher upfront cost, and the battery placement results in a higher boot floor, which slightly affects practicality.Compared to the Verna, the standard Honda City CVT is also an option, but the engine feels a bit noisier, and the gearbox is not as intuitive as the Verna’s IVT in everyday use.

Hyundai Verna

Honda City

Autocar India

•4d

With your income and priorities, you should focus on low cost, high fuel efficiency and ease of driving. The Alto K10 fits this perfectly. It is one of the most affordable cars in India, delivers excellent mileage and is extremely easy to drive in the city, which is ideal for your parents. It is also inexpensive to maintain and backed by Maruti’s wide service network, which keeps ownership stress very low. Over time, this matters more than anything else.If you want more space and a slightly more premium feel, then the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is the next step. It offers better cabin space, a more comfortable ride and still maintains strong fuel efficiency and low running costs. It feels like a more complete car, especially if your parents value comfort.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Maruti Suzuki Celerio