Hi, I currently own a 2016 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VDI SHVS and a Honda Jazz i-VTEC. I’m planning to sell both cars and buy a new one. My budget is between Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 28 lakh (on-road). The cars I’m considering are the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Scorpio N, and Thar Roxx. However, I’m a little concerned about Mahindra’s service quality. I ruled out the Toyota Innova Crysta because I don’t think it offers enough value for the price. My father also does not prefer the Tata Safari, as its third row is not very usable. The Tata Harrier is also on my list, but I’m concerned about Tata’s service quality. My usage is mixed. Is there a better option available in this price range?

autocar.india

•4h

With a 40km daily commute in Bangalore and 3-5 highway runs a month, you are actually in a good position for a modern diesel. The DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issue is a concern mainly for cars that do only very short, stop-start city runs with no opportunity for the filter to regenerate. Your 3 to 5 highway runs every month should suffice in keeping the DPF clean; you would have long enough stretches for the car to reach operating temperature and allow passive regeneration to occur. Between the Kia Seltos and the XUV 7XO diesel, the decision comes down to priorities. The Seltos diesel is the more refined and polished package, with a smoother engine and a more premium cabin experience. The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is the more powerful and more spacious car, with a stronger engine and a more commanding road presence. If you value refinement and a more premium feel, go for the Kia car. If you want more power, more space and a more rugged feel, go for the Mahindra car.The key point is that with your usage pattern, the DPF should not be a deal-breaker. Both cars are strong diesel options, and your driving routine is well-suited to modern diesel ownership.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•1d

With 12,000km a year and 70% highway driving, you are actually the ideal diesel owner. The Thar Roxx AX7L Diesel AT 4x4 is a great choice for your usage pattern, and you should not be worried about DPF issues. The DPF system needs sustained higher exhaust temperatures to regenerate, and your regular highway runs will take care of that naturally. Even if you are only using the car on weekends in the city, as long as you are doing occasional long highway drives, the system will regenerate as intended. The real DPF problems tend to occur with cars that are used exclusively for short, low-speed city trips with no highway running.On the isobutanol front, there is nothing to worry about. Isobutanol is being considered as a diesel blend, but it is not a major policy direction like E20 petrol. Mahindra diesel engines are designed to handle the fuel blends available in the market, and there is no evidence to suggest that isobutanol blends will cause any issues. The bigger concern with diesel ownership is always usage pattern, not fuel blends.The Thar Roxx is a very capable and enjoyable SUV, but it is worth being aware of its limitations. It is not the most practical family car, and the ride can be a bit firm on broken roads. But for your usage pattern, it is a solid choice. If you are looking for a more practical alternative with similar diesel capability, the Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel AT is worth considering. It offers a more comfortable ride, better practicality and the same strong diesel engine. But if you want the Thar Roxx for its character and off-road capability, your usage pattern supports that decision.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Thar Roxx

autocar.india

•2d

Consider the Kia Seltos DCT. For a 12km commute and occasional 5-6-hour road trips, you will find it comfortable in the city, quick on the highway and easy to own long term. The latest-generation Seltos is larger than before, so feels spacious inside. The cabin is tech-laden and upmarket, and the ride quality has improved too. The turbo-petrol DCT has good performance for quick overtakes on the highway, and the DCT is responsive. The downside is that it can occasionally hesitate in the city, but with your short commute this shouldn't be a deal-breaker. Kia's service is also amongst the best in the business.If you want something larger, the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic is also a solid choice in your budget. It is a genuinely comfortable car with a spacious cabin, excellent ride quality and strong highway manners. The petrol engine is smooth and refined, and the automatic gearbox makes city driving effortless. Mahindra's service network is strong in Thane and Mumbai. The drawback is that the big petrol engine will be thirsty in the city.An electric car makes sense if you can charge at home and if there are fast chargers on your usual highway route. In that case, the Hyundai Creta Electric is a safe bet. It is well suited to your short daily commute and offers very low running costs. In our real-world testing, it managed an impressive 486km on a single charge in the city and 378km on the highway.Overall, the Seltos is the best balance of comfort, reliability, running costs and ownership experience for your needs.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Hyundai Creta Electric