Three things Indian buyers still overpay for on cars like the Hector: unnecessary chrome trim, an oversized touchscreen nobody uses fully, and an inflated "connected features" subscription pack.

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With 120km a day, fuel efficiency and comfort become the top priorities. The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid is the best fit here. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency, especially in city traffic, and the Innova is known for its comfortable seating and strong long-term reliability. The seats are well-cushioned, the driving position is upright and supportive, and the car is built for long-distance comfort. The hybrid system also keeps running costs in check, which is critical at your usage level.If you prefer a more SUV-like driving position, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is a strong alternative. It uses a similar hybrid system as the HyCross, offers good fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride, and the seats are supportive for long drives. The Victoris also feels more premium inside and offers a more SUV-like experience. However, while its seats are comfortable, it is nowhere near as spacious as the Hycross, which feels like a better bet at your budget.If you are open to diesel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is worth considering. It offers strong performance, good fuel efficiency on the highway, and a comfortable, spacious cabin. The seats are supportive, and the car is well-suited to long-distance driving. However, with your high daily usage, the hybrid options are likely to deliver lower running costs over time.Overall, the Innova HyCross Hybrid is the most sensible choice. It combines comfort, efficiency and reliability in a way that few cars in this price range can match.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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Yes, there will be a facelift for the Mercedes-Benz GLE coming sometime late this year or early next year. It brings revised front and rear ends, with larger grilles, new bumpers, and bigger headlamps with new three-pointed star DRL signatures. Inside, the dashboard is all new, made up of a new, continuous 'Superscreen' for driver, infotainment and passenger screens, as well as new chrome AC vents. It uses Merc's new AI-driven MB.OS software, which comes with powerful new computing power, and an entirely new E&E (electric & electronic) architecture. That said, however, the hardware will likely remain the same, with the same engines - including the 450 petrol - and suspension setups. As such, the luxury and performance quotient will not change, and so if that is a priority for your friend, they should stick with their current booking. However, if they are excited by the new tech on offer and are fans of the new look, then perhaps it is worth the wait. Do note that the new model will likely bring a price hike as well, as can be expected.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

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For an 80km daily commute under Rs. 15 lakh, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is the best fit. At this running, diesel makes the most financial sense, and the 3XO is one of the few diesel options left in this price band. It is a safe car with a strong safety rating, and the diesel engine is efficient and well suited to long daily runs. You can even opt for the AMT automatic gearbox for greater convenience. The 3XO also offers a comfortable ride, good feature list and a wide cabin, making it a practical 5 seater. If you prefer a petrol, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the alternative. It is reliable, efficient and has a good safety rating, but at 80km a day the diesel 3XO will be significantly cheaper to run. The 3XO diesel is the more sensible choice for your usage.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza