Hello Autocar Team, I currently own a Kia Seltos Petrol and am planning to upgrade to a bigger car by the end of this year. At the moment, I am considering the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line. However, I am also wondering whether it would be better to wait for the upcoming Škoda Kodiaq vRS, which is expected to launch later this year. Do you have any idea about the expected pricing of the Kodiaq vRS, especially considering the possible price reductions due to the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

autocar.india

•1h

For your usage, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is the best fit. You are doing very high mileage with long highway runs, so diesel efficiency and strong performance are the priorities. This Mahindra car is one of the most refined and powerful diesel SUVs in this price range, and it is also a very comfortable long-distance car with a spacious cabin - including a third row of seats - and a strong feature set. The Tata Harrier is also a good highway car with a strong diesel engine and a comfortable ride, but the 7XO is a more refined and better-rounded package overall. However, both these are in a higher segment, which means your budget will only get you a low- to mid-range variant. In the segment below, the Tata Sierra diesel is a newer product and looks very promising, but its diesel engine doesn't feel particularly strong considering its size and weight. The Hyundai Creta is just a facelifted version of your current car and hence won't feel as new, while the Seltos, though new and larger, uses the same engine as your Creta, and like the Sierra, doesn't feel as powerful given the SUV's size. Overall, the 7XO feels like the more premium and more complete product for your usage, but if you're not happy with the features on offer in your budget, try the Seltos instead.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Harrier

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic. Your usage pattern is very clear: 80% highway, long 600-1000 km trips, and around 10,000-11,000 km a year. This is exactly the kind of usage where a diesel engine makes the most sense. Moreover, the diesel engine of this Mahindra car is the superior one in the line-up; it is a strong highway performer and will be significantly more efficient than the petrol on long runs.The XEV 9S is a very capable and practical electric car. It offers good value for money, but as you've pointed out, for your kind of 800 km one-way trips it is simply not practical yet. Charging infrastructure is improving, but it is still not at a point where you can do these kinds of distances without significant planning and downtime. The XUV 7XO diesel automatic is the right tool for the job and will give you the best ownership experience for your usage.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9S

autocar.india

•3h

With a monthly running of 1,500km, your annual usage is around 18,000km, which is quite substantial. At this level, fuel efficiency and running costs become important, and either a CNG or diesel car makes sense. However, among cars under Rs 10 lakh, diesel options are largely out of reach, and CNG options are limited to smaller hatchbacks and compact sedans.Given this, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG is the most sensible recommendation. It is a proven, reliable and efficient car with low running costs, and Maruti’s service network is a big advantage for you as a first-time buyer. The Dzire also offers a comfortable ride, decent space and a hassle-free ownership experience, which is exactly what you want from your first car.If you are open to a hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG is also worth considering. It offers the same drive experience as the Dzire but is more compact and will be more affordable. However, the Dzire’s larger boot and more comfortable rear seat make it the more practical choice for longer journeys.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Swift