Hello Autocar, I'm planning to buy an EV with a budget of around Rs. 20-22 lakh (ex-showroom). Although I can stretch it a bit if it's worth it. The models that I'm currently considering are Tata Sierra Adventure 75, Tata Harrier EV Adventure 65 and Mahindra XEV 9e 59 kWh (base variant). My usage will be around 70% city driving. I also own a 2025 Hyundai Creta Petrol CVT, so I'm looking for an EV that genuinely feels like an upgrade rather than just a different powertrain. Among these, I liked the XEV 9e the most, but I'm a bit concerned about the long-term practicality and battery life of the 59 kWh pack, since it's the smallest battery among the three. Which one would you recommend, and is there any other EV in this price range that I should consider?

autocar.india

•5h

Go for the MG Hector Tomahawk EV, as it seems to fit your brief better. While the Tomahawk EV is a new product, MG has a proven history with EVs in India, with models such as the ZS EV, Comet and Windsor, and more recently the M9 and Cyberster. This includes aftersales and service, with its dealerships well prepared to handle EVs, which should give you peace of mind when it comes to long-term ownership. As you have noted, the Tomahawk EV has a practical cabin and a clean interior without a passenger screen. The fact that the MG showroom and service center are very close to your home is also a significant advantage for long-term ownership and convenience.The Mahindra XEV 9e is a very good product with strong road presence, but the triple-screen setup is something you are not keen on, and it adds complexity that you do not need. It's also more powerful, and though it has the longer range on paper, in real-world use the difference may be less. The MG Hector Tomahawk EV is also better value for money at around Rs 24.7 lakh on-road, and it leaves room in your budget for a higher variant or additional accessories.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Mahindra XEV 9e

autocar.india

•4h

Since your 2021 Venue has completed five years without a single DPF or other issue, you already have a positive Hyundai ownership experience. If your heart is also with the Creta, there is little reason to ignore that preference.The new Kia Seltos is the more substantial and feature-rich product, but the Creta offers a very similar mechanical package, excellent comfort and a more familiar ownership proposition. If you are planning to keep the next car for several years, the difference in features shouldn't outweigh your preference for the Hyundai Creta.The Seltos makes sense if you specifically want its additional space, features or styling, but there is no compelling reason to choose it purely for reliability or mechanical reasons.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2d

With an 80km daily run, mostly on the highway, the priority should be a car that is comfortable over long distances, stable at speed and easy to live with. The Duster 1.3 Turbo Techno+ is the better fit here. The Renault Duster’s ride quality is genuinely excellent, soaking up bad roads and undulations in a way few cars in this price range can. It also feels planted and confidence-inspiring at highway speeds, which makes long daily commutes far less tiring. The 1.3 turbo petrol engine is punchy and well-suited to highway driving, giving you strong overtaking performance when you need it. Moreover, the Techno+ variant represents excellent value in this price range, especially for your needs.The Hyundai Creta 1.5 NA S(O) is a very good car, but the naturally aspirated engine is not as strong on the highway, especially when fully loaded. You're right about the new generation; Kia has already launched the new Seltos, and Hyundai is expected to bring the next-generation Creta to India in early 2027. That said, the current Creta is still a very competent product, and Hyundai’s ownership experience and service network are strong.Given your usage, the Duster’s ride comfort, highway stability and stronger engine make it the better buy.

Renault Duster

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos