Autocar India
•5d

I have a 2016 Hyundai Creta. During servicing, I was informed that the ECV valve of the AC unit is faulty. The service centre said that the valve can be replaced at a cost of Rs 23,000, while replacing the complete compressor would cost Rs 25,000. I wanted to clarify whether the ECV valve for my car actually costs Rs 23,000. I checked online and found ECV valves priced at around Rs 3,000. However, the service centre said that my car uses a specific ECV valve that costs Rs 23,000. Could you please clarify whether this is correct and whether the quoted price is reasonable? Thank you.

Verified
•7m

The ECV (Electronic Control Valve) is a component within the AC compressor that regulates refrigerant flow. On your 2016 Hyundai Creta, it is not a separate, easily replaceable part in the way it is on some newer cars. Hyundai typically supplies the ECV as part of a larger compressor sub-assembly, which is why the quoted price is so high. The Rs 3,000 price you are seeing online is for generic ECV valves that are not compatible with your specific compressor. The service centre is quoting you the correct Hyundai part price.If the compressor itself is otherwise healthy, replacing the ECV sub-assembly is the correct repair. If the compressor is noisy or showing signs of wear, replacing the entire compressor for Rs 2,000 more is sensible. If the AC is otherwise working well and the only issue is cooling performance, replacing the ECV sub-assembly is the more cost-effective solution. If the compressor is noisy or showing signs of wear, replacing the entire compressor for Rs 2,000 more is sensible.You can also check with a trusted independent AC specialist who can source the correct Hyundai part at a lower price. Do not fit a generic ECV valve from the internet as it will not work with your compressor.

VehicleHyundai Creta
•1w

For someone planning to keep the car for 10+ years, would the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine or the 1.0-litre turbo be the better choice? How reliable are small turbocharged engines in the long run? I’m considering the Brezza VXi with the 1.0-litre turbo versus the VXi with the 1.5-litre engine, and I’d like to know whether a turbocharged car can realistically last 10+ years with proper maintenance.

Verified
•1h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol. For a 10+ year ownership plan, it is the safer and more sensible choice. The 1.5 NA engine is a simple, proven unit with a long track record of reliability and low maintenance. It is also well suited to the Brezza's character as a practical, fuss-free family SUV.Turbo petrol engines are not inherently unreliable and can easily last 10+ years if maintained properly. However, they are more complex, with additional components like the turbocharger, intercooler and higher-stress cooling systems. Over a very long ownership period, that can translate into slightly higher maintenance costs and a greater likelihood of age-related repairs.The 1.5 NA is also better suited to the Brezza's relaxed, easy-going nature. It delivers smooth, linear power and is more forgiving in stop-start city driving. The turbo petrol is more fun and punchy, but it is not necessarily the better long-term ownership proposition.If you are planning to keep the car for a decade or more, simplicity and proven reliability matter more than outright performance. The 1.5 NA is the better choice for that kind of ownership horizon.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
•1w

I am considering the Jimny Automatic and would like to understand how it performs on highways, particularly how stable and confidence-inspiring it feels while cruising at around 100kmph. I have heard some owners mention that it can feel a little wobbly at this speed. I am not expecting sporty performance, but highway stability and confidence are important to me. The Jimny’s narrower width is actually a positive for me because of tighter parking spaces. I currently drive an Ertiga ZXi+ Petrol Manual and cover around 6,000km a year. Jimny owners and drivers, please share your real-world experiences, especially on long drives and expressways.

Verified
•2h

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a very different proposition from your Ertiga. It is a proper off-road SUV with a narrow body, tall stance and a short wheelbase, and that fundamentally shapes its highway behaviour. At 100 km/h it is stable enough, but it does not feel as planted or as confidence-inspiring as a wider, lower SUV like the Brezza. The Jimny is light and tall, so crosswinds and passing trucks can be felt more, and the steering is not as precise at higher speeds. What some people describe as a “wobble” is really the car’s natural tendency to feel a bit more lively on the road at speed, especially on uneven surfaces.That said, it is not unsafe or unstable – it is just a different kind of vehicle. The Jimny is happiest at a relaxed cruise, and it rewards you with its compact size, excellent visibility and genuine off-road ability. If your priority is highway stability and long-distance comfort, the Jimny is not the best choice. If you value its compact dimensions and off-road capability, and you are willing to drive at a more relaxed pace, it can be a very satisfying car to own.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Jimny
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Ertiga
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
•3d

Sir, the Mahindra XEV 9S with a 59kWh battery has a claimed range of 521km, while the MG Hector Tomahawk with a larger 69.2kWh battery has a claimed range of 517km. Do you really think the MG Tomahawk would deliver a lower range than the XEV 9S despite having a larger battery?

Verified
•3h

The claimed range figures are based on the official MIDC test cycle, which is a laboratory test and not a real-world figure. The Mahindra XEV 9S and MG Hector Tomahawk EV are very different cars. The 9S is a more aerodynamic, lower-slung SUV, while the Hector Tomahawk EV is a larger, heavier SUV with a more upright body. Aerodynamics and weight play a huge role in efficiency, especially at higher speeds. So even though the MG has a bigger battery, it is also likely to be less efficient, which is why the claimed range is similar.In the real world, you should expect both cars to deliver significantly lower range than the claimed figures. The 9S will likely be the more efficient car, but the difference will not be as dramatic as the MIDC numbers suggest. The MG's larger battery will give it a slightly higher usable range, but it will also consume more energy per kilometre. Ultimately, the choice should be based on the car that best suits your needs rather than the claimed range figures.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
VehicleMG Hector Tomahawk EV
•1d

I have recently booked the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Delta variant and can upgrade to the Zeta if recommended. My weekly running is around 400–500km, and we already have an ICE car at home. Should I continue with the e Vitara purchase, or are there better EV options currently available in the market? I am not considering the MG Windsor due to its ride quality, and the space in the e Vitara is sufficient for our needs. Please let me know if there are any better alternatives, and I am also willing to wait a few months if there are any promising EVs expected to launch next year.

Verified
•4h

With a weekly running of 400-500 km and an existing ICE car in the garage, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is actually a very sensible choice. It offers a good balance of range, practicality and Maruti's service reach, which is a significant advantage for long-term EV ownership. Since you have already ruled out the MG Windsor due to its ride quality and are happy with the e Vitara's space, there is no compelling reason to change direction.The Zeta variant is worth considering if the additional features are genuinely useful to you, but the Delta already covers the essentials well. As for upcoming launches, there are no major EVs expected in the near term that would fundamentally change this decision. The e Vitara is a well-rounded package and fits your usage pattern well, so we would recommend going ahead with the purchase.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki e Vitara
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
•1d

Hello Team, I am getting the Volkswagen Taigun Highline Plus AT and Skoda Kushaq Signature AT at almost the same price. I would appreciate your suggestions on which one would be the better choice based on driving quality, AC performance, ride comfort, reliability and maintenance costs, and overall city-driving experience. Around 90% of my usage will be in city traffic, so city drivability, comfort and ease of driving are particularly important to me. I would also appreciate any suggestions based on real-world ownership experiences with either of these cars. Thank you!

Verified
•5h

Go for the Skoda Kushaq Signature AT. Both the Volkswagen Taigun and Kushaq are mechanically identical, so driving quality, AC performance, and overall city drivability are essentially the same. The 1.0 TSI paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven combination that works very well in city traffic, with smooth shifts and good low-end response. The Kushaq Signature stands out for its value for money: it is a higher variant with more features at the same price, making it the smarter buy. In terms of reliability and maintenance, both cars are on par, and ownership costs are broadly similar. The only real difference is the interior design and brand preference. The Taigun has a slightly more premium-looking cabin, but the Kushaq Signature offers more equipment for the money. For a buyer with 90% city usage, the Kushaq Signature AT is the better overall package.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleVolkswagen Taigun
•1d

I am planning to buy the Toyota Innova Hycross GX (Optional) petrol and would like to know its real-world mileage in the city and on the highway. My daily city running is around 15-20km, and I drive approximately 10,000-15,000km a year. I am still confused about whether I should choose the petrol or hybrid version, so I would appreciate some guidance on which would be more suitable for my usage.

Verified
•6h

With your running of 15-20km a day and 10,000-15,000km a year, the decision between the Toyota Innova Hycross petrol and hybrid comes down to usage pattern and ownership period. The petrol GX Optional is a solid choice, but will only give you 7-9 kpl in the city and 12-13kpl on the highway, depending on traffic and driving style. The hybrid will give you a significant advantage in city mileage, often 16-18kpl or more in traffic, but the difference on the highway is much smaller.The key question is whether the higher upfront cost of the hybrid makes financial sense. At your running, the payback period is not very short, so the hybrid only makes sense if you do a lot of city driving in heavy traffic and plan to keep the car for a long time. If your usage is mixed city and highway and you are looking for a more straightforward ownership experience, the petrol is the better value. The Hycross petrol is a refined, reliable and comfortable MPV, and with your running, it is the more sensible choice.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
•1d

The Kia Syros EV checks all the boxes for me as my first EV: good fit and finish, ample space, easy drivability and, importantly, the promised buyback. However, the dealer has now told me that Kia has not yet finalised the buyback programme, despite it being announced with so much fanfare. Should I be concerned about buying an EV without the promised buyback, and should I consider alternatives?

Verified
•7h

The Kia Syros EV is a very well-rounded product and one of the most compelling EVs in its segment. If it fits your requirements in terms of space, finish and driving experience, it remains a strong recommendation. The buyback scheme, while attractive, should not be the sole reason to buy the car. These schemes are often subject to terms and conditions, and the final value is usually dependent on mileage, condition and ownership period. If the scheme is not yet finalised, it is better to treat it as a potential bonus rather than a guaranteed benefit.The Syros EV is a good product in its own right, and if you are happy with the car, you should not let the uncertainty around the buyback scheme be a deal breaker.

VehicleKia Syros EV
Kia Syros EV
Kia Syros EV
•1d

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV has a 69.2kWh battery, which is 10.2kWh larger than the 59kWh unit in the Mahindra XEV 9S, yet both have almost identical claimed ranges of around 517km and 521km, respectively. What is the main reason for this difference: lower vehicle efficiency, aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency or battery characteristics? Based on your testing, would you expect the Tomahawk’s real-world range to be higher or lower than that of the XEV 9S 59kWh?

Verified
•8h

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV’s larger 69.2 kWh battery, delivering a similar claimed range to the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack One Above 59kWh (517 km vs 521 km) is primarily a reflection of vehicle efficiency rather than battery chemistry. The Hector Tomahawk EV is a larger, heavier SUV with a more upright body and a less aerodynamic shape, which naturally increases energy consumption per kilometre. The XEV 9S, while still a large SUV, is a more modern, ground-up EV with a sleeker design and a more efficient powertrain, allowing it to extract more range from a smaller battery.In real-world testing, we would expect the Hector Tomahawk EV to deliver a slightly higher absolute range than the XEV 9S 59 kWh, simply because of the larger battery. However, the difference is unlikely to be dramatic, and the Mahindra will remain the more efficient vehicle in terms of energy consumed per kilometre. The Hector Tomahawk EV’s advantage is range, not efficiency.

VehicleMG Hector Tomahawk EV
VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
•1d

I’m planning to buy a car for my parents and am currently stuck between the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Kia Seltos. We also have a Golden Retriever, so space and practicality are important factors for us. My parents and I test-drove both cars separately. The Seltos was good and my parents liked it, but none of us were particularly excited by it. In contrast, we really liked the XUV 7XO, especially its premium and luxurious feel, spacious cabin and overall road presence. It also seems like a much better fit for our dog. I had almost finalised the XUV 7XO, but then I started reading owner reviews and noticed what appears to be a significantly higher number of complaints and reported issues compared with the Seltos. That has made me quite hesitant. Both cars felt great during the test drives, but I’m less concerned about how they feel on day one and more interested in what ownership will be like two to five years down the line. Another concern I have with both cars is their motorised, flush-fitting door handles. I understand that they look great and are part of the modern design, but I genuinely wonder how reliable these mechanisms will be over five to 10 years. A traditional mechanical door handle is a simple mechanism that I rarely worry about failing. With a motorised or flush-fitting handle, I can’t help but wonder what happens if the motor, sensor, electronics or mechanism develops a fault after several years. My priorities are reliability and a low chance of problems, minimal trips to the service centre, a good after-sales experience, comfort for my parents, enough space for our Golden Retriever, and, most importantly, a car they can keep for several years without constantly worrying about something going wrong.

Verified
•9h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO. It is the better fit for your parents and your Golden Retriever. The Kia Seltos is a very good car, but it won't excite you or your parents, and that matters. The XUV 7XO offers more space, a more premium feel and a stronger road presence, which your family clearly appreciates. It is also a more practical car for a large dog, thanks to its wider cabin and more accommodating boot.The ownership concerns around the XUV 7XO are understandable, but they are often amplified online. Mahindra has made significant improvements in recent years, and the XUV 7XO is a more mature product than its predecessor. The Seltos is the safer ownership bet, but it is not the car your family is excited about.On the flush door handles, both cars use similar technology. They are designed to last, and failures are rare. If the mechanism does fail, it is a replaceable part, not a showstopper. Both cars also have manual overrides in case of an electrical issue.The XUV 7XO is the car your family wants. It is the car that will make your parents happiest over the next 5-10 years. Buy the car you are excited about, not the one you are settling for.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleKia Seltos
•1d

I am 67 years old and plan to drive extensively across India. I am looking for a reliable, easy-to-maintain, sub-four-metre diesel SUV with a good automatic transmission. I do not want a sunroof or unnecessary features, but would prefer all the essential equipment. Please suggest the best possible options.

Verified
•10h

Both the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue are the best diesel automatic compact SUVs on sale today, especially if the priority is effortless long-distance driving with low running costs. Both use a strong 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 116hp and 250Nm, paired with a smooth six-speed torque-converter automatic. This is an important advantage over the AMT automatics offered in several other sub-four-metre diesel SUVs, as a torque-converter feels more natural and refined in traffic, while also being better suited to relaxed highway cruising.For driving extensively across India, this powertrain makes a great deal of sense. The diesel’s strong low-end torque gives both SUVs confident overtaking ability even with passengers and luggage on board, while the automatic takes the effort out of city traffic and long days behind the wheel. The Venue diesel automatic has an official fuel-efficiency figure of 17.9kpl, while the Sonet diesel automatic is rated at around 19kpl, though real-world figures will naturally depend on driving conditions.Between the two, we would pick the Hyundai Venue. It is the fresher product, has a marginally longer wheelbase and feels a touch roomier than the Sonet, particularly in terms of overall cabin ambience. More importantly for someone planning extensive travel, Hyundai’s wider service network across India offers additional peace of mind for routine maintenance or support away from home. The Sonet remains an excellent alternative, particularly if you prefer its styling, cabin design or a particular variant’s feature mix. But for your requirement of a reliable, easy-to-maintain, no-nonsense diesel automatic SUV that can cover serious distances comfortably, the Venue would be our first recommendation. Choose a sensible mid-spec diesel automatic variant if available, and avoid paying extra for features you do not need, such as a sunroof.

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleKia Sonet
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai Venue
•1d

My budget is Rs 15 lakh. I will be the primary user of the car, although five people may occasionally travel in it. I have shortlisted the Skoda Kylaq and Renault Kiger, with the latter being considered with both the turbo-petrol and CVT options. My daily usage will be limited to around 8km, with occasional long-distance trips. Considering that the Kylaq’s rear-seat space is not particularly comfortable for three adults and that the Kiger’s RPM fluctuates even when driving at a constant speed, which of the two would be the better choice? Please also consider E20 compatibility while making the recommendation.

Verified
•11h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq. With your low daily running and occasional long trips, the Kylaq's 1.0 TSI petrol engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a better fit than the Renault Kiger's turbo petrol with CVT. The Kylaq's engine is more refined, more responsive and better suited to highway driving, while the torque converter automatic feels smoother and quieter than a CVT. The Kiger's CVT can feel inconsistent at times, which is likely what you are noticing as unstable RPM at constant speeds.On the rear seat, the Kylaq is not the widest car in the segment, but it is still a comfortable 5-seater for occasional use. The Kiger is slightly narrower and does not offer a significant advantage in rear seat space. Both cars are E20 compliant, so there are no concerns on that front.The Kylaq is the better all-rounder here. It offers a more enjoyable driving experience, a smoother automatic gearbox and a more refined engine, which will make a bigger difference over long-term ownership than a marginal difference in rear seat width.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleRenault Kiger
•1d

I am looking for a 5-seater or 7-seater car under Rs 30 lakh. My annual running will be around 10,000km, including approximately 500km of highway driving every quarter. I am looking for a top-end petrol automatic variant, with fuel efficiency, spaciousness and performance as my main priorities, in that order.

Verified
•12h

With 10,000 km a year plus quarterly 500 km highway runs, a petrol automatic is the right choice. Your priorities are fuel efficiency first, then space, then power. That points you towards a hybrid, because it will give you the best fuel economy in city driving without sacrificing performance on the highway.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the best fit. It is a full hybrid, so it delivers excellent fuel efficiency in city conditions, and the petrol engine is strong enough for highway driving. It is also spacious enough for a family, and the hybrid system keeps running costs low over time. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid is mechanically identical, but the Victoris has a slightly more premium interior and a better feature list at a similar price. However, the boot space in both cars is small as the hybrid battery eats into it. If you need a 7 seater, the Kia Carens is the better option. It is spacious, comfortable and well equipped, but it will not match the Victoris Hybrid for fuel efficiency.Go for the Victoris Hybrid if fuel economy is your top priority. Choose the Carens only if you genuinely need seven seats.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
VehicleKia Carens
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
•1d

Dear Autocar India experts, I am planning to buy a new car for my daily commute. I live in a hilly area and want my next car to be spacious enough for taking my three kids to school and for family functions. I have been waiting for the Skoda Superb for almost a year. Now that it is finally coming to India, I have heard that it may not be offered with a petrol engine, which is what I was hoping for. I am a fan of diesel cars, but I have had a bad experience with DPF issues in my Velar, so I am now hesitant to go down that route again. As an alternative, I am considering an electric car and have been looking at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BYD Sealion 7. I would like to know your expert opinion on these two EVs, particularly when it comes to after-sales service and ownership experience. Which one would you recommend for my requirements, or should I wait and go for the Skoda Superb anyway? I currently use a Brezza diesel for my daily commute and also have a Zen for fun drives. Kindly help me make the right choice. Thank you for your expert advice.

Verified
•13h

Given your requirements, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the better fit. You live in a hilly area, have three kids and need a car for school runs and family functions, so space, comfort and practicality are key. The Ioniq 5 is a large, spacious EV with a flat floor, excellent rear seat space and a big boot, making it well suited to family use. Hyundai also has a far stronger service network and EV support infrastructure than BYD, which is important for long-term ownership confidence.The BYD Sealion 7 is a very impressive EV with a larger battery and longer claimed range, but BYD's service network is still relatively limited compared to Hyundai. In a hilly area where you may need support, that matters. The Ioniq 5's range is already very strong and more than adequate for daily use, so the difference is not worth the trade-off in service confidence.As for the Skoda Superb, it is a fantastic car, but it is coming only as a diesel. Given your bad experience with DPF issues on your Velar and your preference for petrol, it is not the right choice. Modern diesels are cleaner, but DPF issues can still occur in hilly, stop-start conditions if the car is not regularly driven on longer runs.You already have a Maruti Suzuki Brezza diesel for daily use and a Zen for fun drives, so the Ioniq 5 adds a spacious, comfortable and reliable family car to your garage without the DPF concerns. It is the most sensible and future-proof choice for your needs.

VehicleHyundai Ioniq 5
VehicleBYD Sealion 7
VehicleSkoda Superb
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Ioniq 5
•1d

How does the Hyundai Verna Turbo Manual HX8 compare with the Mahindra Thar Roxx MX5 2WD Petrol Manual? Both are similarly priced, so a comparison of their highway driving ability, performance on bad roads, ride and handling, features and overall usability would be useful. A comparison of their after-sales service and ownership experience would also help in deciding between the two.

Verified
•14h

The Hyundai Verna Turbo Manual HX8 and the Mahindra Thar Roxx MX5 2WD Petrol Manual are fundamentally different cars aimed at very different buyers, even though they are similarly priced. The Verna Turbo is a sporty sedan with a strong turbo petrol engine, a slick manual gearbox and a well-sorted chassis. It is built for highway driving, offering strong acceleration, good high-speed stability and a comfortable ride on well-paved roads. It also comes with a richer feature set and Hyundai's strong after-sales network, which is a big plus for long-term ownership.The Thar Roxx MX5 2WD Petrol Manual, on the other hand, is an adventure lifestyle SUV. It is designed for bad roads, rough terrain and a more rugged driving experience. The 2WD petrol version is not a hardcore off-roader, but it still offers better ground clearance and durability on broken roads than the Verna. However, it is not as refined on the highway, and the ride can feel bouncy at higher speeds. Mahindra's after-sales network is also strong, but the ownership experience is more rugged and less polished than Hyundai's.If your priority is highway driving, ride comfort, features and a hassle-free ownership experience, the Verna Turbo HX8 is the better choice. If you regularly encounter bad roads and want a more rugged, adventure-oriented vehicle, the Thar Roxx MX5 2WD makes more sense. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you want a punchy sedan or a lifestyle SUV.

VehicleHyundai Verna
VehicleMahindra Thar Roxx
•6d

I am looking to buy a petrol automatic SUV primarily for city use, with occasional highway trips. I have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara mild-hybrid and Kia Seltos. My priorities are real-world city and highway mileage, reliability, maintenance costs, long-term ownership (8-10+ years), comfort, and overall value for money. I would appreciate advice from owners/users, especially regarding actual mileage in heavy city traffic, maintenance costs, and any issues they have faced over the years.

Verified
•1d

For your priorities, the Grand Vitara is the better long-term choice. The 1.5-litre petrol with a torque-converter automatic is smooth, comfortable and relatively easy to maintain, while Maruti's service reach and parts availability are significant advantages if you plan to keep the car for 8-10 years.Mileage is also a strong point. In our real-world testing, the Grand Vitara petrol AT returned 11.6kpl in the city and 15.3kpl on the highway. The Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT returned 10.31kpl and 14.22kpl, respectively, in the same type of testing.The Seltos is the more premium and feature-rich choice, with a stronger cabin experience and a more powerful 115hp engine. Its IVT is also very smooth in traffic, but if long-term running costs, serviceability and efficiency are the priorities, the Grand Vitara has the edge.The main drawback of the Grand Vitara is performance. The 103hp/139Nm engine is adequate rather than exciting, particularly with a full load.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
VehicleKia Seltos
•2d

I am planning to buy a new car in the sub-4m SUV segment, but I am not sure whether I should buy the Nexon/XUV 3XO or wait until next year for the Mahindra Concept S or the new-generation Nexon (Project Garud).

Verified
•1d

Both the Mahindra Vision S and next-generation Tata Nexon (project Garud) are expected to arrive in 2027, so this is one of those cases where waiting could be worthwhile. The new Nexon is expected to get a completely new design and heavily revised platform, while Mahindra’s Vision S will be a sub-4m SUV on the new NU_IQ architecture. Mahindra has confirmed that its NU_IQ based SUVs will begin production from 2027.The Vision S is particularly interesting because Mahindra has confirmed a 2,665mm wheelbase despite keeping it under four metres, which should translate into a very spacious cabin. The production version is expected to rival the 3XO, Nexon, Brezza and Kylaq.The current Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon are still perfectly good choices if you need a car immediately, and there is no guarantee that the new-generation models will be better in every respect. But if your purchase isn't urgent, it is worth waiting a bit longer.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleMahindra Vision S
VehicleTata Nexon
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Mahindra XUV 3XO
•5d

Is Tata Punch coming in diesel by the end of this year or early next year? Need to replace my 2017 i20 diesel asta. Annual run of 20-21k with 50:50 usage. Budget is 10-13 lakh on-road, Gurgaon. Need something that has more ground clearance than i20 as it would be plying in the village or tier 2 cities as well. PS: Don’t want to be in long queues for the CNG and EV charging isn’t possible at my current residence.

Verified
•1d

No, the Tata Punch is not expected to get a diesel engine this year or early next year. Given your annual running of 20-21,000 km with a 50:50 city-highway split, diesel car still makes the most financial sense, especially since you do not want to deal with CNG queues or electric car charging limitations.The Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is the best fit for your requirements. It offers significantly more ground clearance than your Hyundai i20, which will be useful on village roads and in tier 2 cities. The diesel engine is efficient and well-suited to your running, and this Mahindra car is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, making it a comfortable upgrade from the i20. It also fits within your Rs 10-13 lakh on-road budget in Gurgaon.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleTata Punch
VehicleHyundai i20
•3d

My car usage is hardly twice or thrice a week. I don't use my car for daily travel. My budget is Rs 10 lakh. I currently have a 2012 Hyundai Eon Sportz and want to upgrade to a better make and model, preferably a crossover or SUV. Which would be the best option among the following: Tata Punch/Nexon, Maruti Fronx, Renault Kiger, and Mahindra 3XO?

Verified
•1d

With your usage pattern of driving just two or three times a week, the priority should be a petrol car that is easy to live with, reliable and inexpensive to maintain. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the best choice from your shortlist. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, has a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater, and the turbo petrol engine is punchy and enjoyable to drive. This Mahindra car also offers a strong safety package and good value for money.The Tata Nexon is a good alternative, but the XUV 3XO feels more spacious and better finished inside. The Tata Punch is a segment below and does not feel like a meaningful upgrade from your Eon. The Maruti Fronx is a sensible and reliable choice, but it does not feel as premium or as spacious as the 3XO.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleTata Nexon
VehicleTata Punch
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx