I saw an unusual test car parked near my regular workshop this morning. No badging on it at all, so it took me a minute to place it. Boxy front end, headlamps mounted unusually low near the bumper. My mechanic mentioned it's a VinFast, apparently an EV brand I hadn't come across before. Does anyone know if they're actually planning an India launch?

autocar.india

•58s

With your budget of Rs 15-16 lakh on-road and a monthly running of 1,000-1,500 km with 70% highway usage, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel automatic is the best fit. The diesel engine will deliver significantly better real-world fuel efficiency on highways compared to petrol automatics, which is important given your running. The 3XO is also one of the most spacious and comfortable compact SUVs, with a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater for long journeys. This Mahindra car is also one of the safest cars in the segment, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and Mahindra’s service network and maintenance costs are reasonable. The diesel automatic is a torque converter unit, which is smooth and reliable, and the car is well equipped with useful features without being overly complex. If you are absolutely set on petrol, the Hyundai Venue in its top-spec HX10 guise, with the turbo petrol automatic option, is also worth considering. It is a newer car, has a fresher design and a nicer interior as well, and gets all the bells and whistles that you get on the Mahindra. Efficiency definitely won't be as much as the diesel version, but if a turbo petrol is what you want, the performance is very good on the Venue. The Venue also has a diesel option that is worth considering. Although it's not as punchy or as good in performance as the Mahindra, it will still give you much better efficiency than the turbo petrol.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Hyundai Venue

autocar.india

•1h

Go for a used Maruti Suzuki Swift or a Hyundai Grand i10 Nios in manual. Since you won't be keeping the car for long but only till you are a confident driver, buying a used car makes sense. Both these cars are easy to drive, forgiving and reliable, which is exactly what you want when you are learning. The Swift has a slightly more engaging driving experience, while the Grand i10 Nios feels a bit more refined and easier to drive in traffic. Both cars are also comfortable for taller drivers, with decent headroom and a good driving position. Once you are comfortable with driving, you can always upgrade to a larger car.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

autocar.india

•2h

With 3,000 km a month, mostly on highways, diesel is the clear recommendation. At that running, the fuel cost advantage of diesel becomes significant, and the long highway stretches play to the strengths of modern diesel engines. EVs are best suited to predictable city commutes with home charging, and while they can do highways, the charging infrastructure and stop planning still add friction on long, frequent trips.For the car, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the recommendation. It is one of the most comfortable and spacious family SUVs in the segment, with a strong diesel engine that is well suited to highway cruising. It also has a good safety package and a comfortable ride, which is important for long-distance family travel. Within R.s 25 lakh budget, the AX7 variant will be ideal and you can opt between a 6-speed automatic or a less expensive 6-speed manual. Both gearboxes are smooth and easy to use. Also while the XUV 7XO does not get ADAS in this AX7 trim, you still get 6 airbags, a 360° camera, and your essential electronic safety assets as well. It has also scored a perfect 5-star rating for crash safety in Bharat NCAP so that adds some more reassurance as well. It has also scored a perfect 5-star rating for crash safety in Bharat NCAP so that adds some more reassurance as well.

Mahindra XUV 7XO