I own a 2013 Swift VDI that has done 80,000 km. I recently switched jobs, and my monthly usage has increased to roughly 1,500 km, with 65% highway usage. I am planning to upgrade to an SUV, but due to parking constraints, I can only consider a sub-4-metre SUV. Should I go for a diesel again or opt for a turbo-petrol, since I have not had to worry about DPF issues so far? Also, which car and variant below ₹15 lakh would suit me? Please exclude Tata and Mahindra.

Autocar India

•13w

Given your increased usage of 1500km per month, you should definitely stick with a diesel car. Yes, DPF is a new consideration you will have to make, but given your usage, a lot of which is on the highway, the regeneration process should happen naturally. And even that aside, it's not too much of a hassle if you look after your vehicle properly.

As for the SUV itself, the only diesel compact SUVs that aren't made by Tata or Mahindra are the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Kia Syros - which use the same 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine. Of the three, while the Sonet is relatively affordable, the Venue feels like a slightly better value, as it has newer tech, more space and better comfort overall, so it is the one we recommend.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Venue

from ₹9.07 Lakh

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.30 Lakh

Kia

Syros

from ₹9.82 Lakh

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Asif

•3w

Thank you for the suggestion team, I have booked Hyundai Venue HX7.

Latest questions in the community

Sidhant Singh Chandel

•1d

I am currently driving a Maruti Suzuki WagonR (2017), and I now feel the need to upgrade as my monthly running is around 1,500-2,000 km. What car should I buy within a budget of ₹14 lakh?

Autocar India

•9h

Since your monthly running is on the higher side, a diesel SUV would make sense. The newly updated Hyundai Venue in HX 5 trim would fit in your budget and is a big upgrade from the WagonR. The engine is refined, frugal and tried and tested, and should you get the manual gearbox, it has a light clutch that makes it easy in traffic. The HX 5 also gets a good level of kit, like a sunroof, cruise control, touchscreen, reversing sensors, TPMS, etc. The ride quality is good too, and it has a decent-sized boot for outstation trips. Hyundai's after-sales network is also one of the best, and it would be a hassle-free ownership experience.

Hyundai Venue

JAYAPRAKASH

•3d

I currently own a 2018 Honda WR-V diesel manual (6-speed), which has run about 50,000 km, along with a Tata EV purchased in 2023, which has covered around 20,000 km. I have now decided to replace my WR-V with a BS6 diesel automatic car. Could you please suggest which diesel automatic model would be the best choice according to Autocar?

Autocar India

•11h

Without knowing your budget and more requirements, we can't recommend the ideal choice for you. We have shortlisted models that you should consider, and why they are of interest. Compact SUVs- Hyundai Venue: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, good interior space, upmarket interior | (-) Expensive for its size- Kia Sonet: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, upmarket interior, good value | (-) Rear seat space is limited, due to be replaced in the coming year Midsize SUVs- Kia Seltos: (+) Spacious interior, well equipped, good ride comfort | (-) Performance is adequate only- Tata Sierra: (+) Class-best space, feature-packed, tough build, ride comfort | (-) Engine feels noisy, road noise- Hyundai Creta: (+) Well equipped, decent performance | (-) Due to be replaced in the coming year

Anushank

I am planning to sell my Mahindra XUV500 as it is nearing the end of its registration validity in Delhi NCR, and I want to buy a 5-seater SUV under ₹10 lakh. My preference is for a fuel-efficient car as my daily running is around 100 km, but it should also be spacious enough for five people. Since fuel efficiency is a priority, I am open to both CNG and diesel cars. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway, mostly within Delhi NCR. I have narrowed my choices to the Maruti Brezza CNG, Tata Nexon CNG, Kia Sonet Diesel, and Maruti Fronx CNG. Please help me evaluate which would be the better option. I am also open to any other better option if available.

Autocar India

•11h

The Maruti Brezza CNG and Fronx CNG will be more fuel efficient than the Nexon iCNG, and their clutch and gearbox make them friendlier to drive, too. The Brezza is due for a facelift in the coming weeks, so you might want to wait for that to arrive. The Kia Sonet diesel will feel punchier to drive (than the CNG options listed above), while being very efficient too. Also, by opting for a diesel, you won't need to wait in long queues to refill CNG. Even the Sonet is due for a generation update, which is likely to be launched this year. Another option you could consider is the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel MX2, which is more spacious than a Sonet. Its ride-handling balance is very impressive; the Sonet, however, has an edge in terms of fuel efficiency.

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