I have a 2022 Virtus 1.5 GT and am looking to upgrade to an SUV. My maximum budget is Rs. 35 lakh (on-road). My priorities, in order, are safety, performance, and after-sales service. Kindly suggest the best option.

autocar.india

•4h

With a yearly running of just 6,000km, petrol is the sensible choice, and the Hyundai Alcazar is a good option. It is a comfortable, easy-to-drive family SUV with a hassle-free ownership experience, and the 1.5 turbo petrol engine paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is powerful enough and relatively efficient too. Plus, since you're coming from a Creta, you'll be familiar with the Hyundai network and could even ask for a loyalty discount. However, the Alcazar’s third row is not as spacious as some larger cars in the segment, so if you genuinely need a proper 7-seater, it may not be the ideal solution. What's more, if your Creta is the 2020 or newer model, you'll find the Alcazar perhaps a little too familiar on the inside.The Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus are good options that offer more space. However, as you have noted, they're not fuel efficient at all, and moreover, in your budget, you will only get a low to mid-spec variant, whereas you will get a fully-loaded Alcazar. Another option to consider, though not an SUV, is the Kia Carens Clavis. Its MPV shape is more space-efficient, and you actually get more passenger and luggage room than the Alcazar, with the same efficient engines, for around the same price.

Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

MG Windsor

autocar.india

•20h

Based on your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is the most sensible recommendation. It is a genuinely well-rounded 7-seater SUV with a strong diesel engine, a smooth automatic gearbox and a comfortable ride, making it easy to drive in the city while still being capable on long highway runs. The diesel engine is refined and efficient, which is important given your long-distance usage, and the car offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The XUV 7XO also comes with a comprehensive ADAS suite and a modern, feature-rich cabin, which adds to the overall ownership experience. Coming from an EcoSport diesel, you will appreciate the step up in space, comfort and refinement, while still retaining the diesel efficiency you are used to. The only real drawback is that the third row is best suited to children or occasional use, but that is true for most SUVs in this segment. Overall, the XUV 7XO diesel automatic strikes the right balance between comfort, safety, ease of driving and long-term ownership suitability.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•1d

Although your annual running of around 12,000km sits on the fence between petrol and diesel, your usage pattern is predominantly highway, which plays to a diesel's strengths. The concern about DPF is understandable, but it's often overstated. DPF issues are far more common in vehicles used almost exclusively for short city trips. Since your driving is mainly on highways, the system will get the opportunity to regenerate properly. As for the car remaining parked for 3-6 months, that's not ideal for either fuel type. Diesel cars require some precautions, such as keeping the tank full and using fresh DEF when the car is put back into regular use. Still, long periods of inactivity are not a reason to avoid diesel altogether.We wouldn't let E20 fuel influence your decision either. Modern E20-compliant engines are designed to run on it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. While ethanol can marginally reduce fuel efficiency, it is not a reason to avoid buying a petrol car today.Among your shortlist, we'd place the Mahindra XUV 7XO ahead of the others. It is the most rounded package, offering excellent space, comfort, safety and highway ability.

Mahindra XUV 7XO