I have been driving a Ford EcoSport diesel since 2014. I am looking to upgrade in a price bracket of 20 lakh. I drive around 1200-1400 km per month (50%-50% in the city and on the highway). The new car should have excellent build and interior quality. Open to ICE as well as EV.

autocar.india

•1d

The Tata Sierra is a large and capable SUV, and for your work, would give loads of space for camera gear and garment boxes alike, but in your budget of Rs 15-16 lakh, you will only get the base model. Moreover, the downside of it being a large and heavy vehicle is that the mileage is not great compared to rivals, whether comparing the petrol or diesel versions. However, should you go with the Sierra and want to get the maximum mileage, the diesel is probably the best way to go, and if possible, we would recommend stretching the budget by at least Rs 1-1.5 lakh to get a few more features.Consider the Kia Seltos instead - it too has a large and spacious cabin, almost as big as that of the Sierra, and good boot space as well. However, its engines, comparable to what you get in the Sierra, offer better real-world mileage. And, as safety is another concern, the Seltos has scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating, just like the Sierra. What's more, you can get mid-spec variants, at least with the petrol engines, in your budget of Rs. 15-16 lakh, so you don't necessarily have to increase it so much. If you want even more space, and don't mind picking an MPV over an SUV, the Kia Carens Clavis is a far more practical option.

Tata Sierra

Kia Seltos

Kia Carens Clavis

autocar.india

•1h

The Renault Kiger AMT is a decent choice, but the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre engine paired with the AMT gearbox can feel a bit lethargic, especially when carrying passengers or during highway overtakes. It gets the job done, but it isn't the most refined or responsive package in the segment.At your budget, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT is worth serious consideration. Its four-cylinder petrol engine is smoother, more powerful and more refined than the Kiger's three-cylinder unit. The AMT gearbox is also better calibrated, making the overall driving experience more pleasant in daily use.If you prefer the higher seating position and crossover-like stance of the Kiger, then the Hyundai Exter AMT is another strong alternative. It also gets a smooth four-cylinder engine paired with a well-sorted AMT, and it feels more refined in city driving.

Renault Kiger

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Hyundai Exter

autocar.india

•1h

Get the Tata Altroz, ideally the factory-fitted CNG version if there are enough CNG stations along your highway route. The reason is simple: it has a 5-star Global NCAP rating, a solid body shell, and feels stable at high speeds, all of which are important for long highway drives. Since you cover 3,000-3,500km a month, the CNG version will help keep fuel costs under control. The Altroz’s twin-cylinder CNG setup also preserves most of the boot space, so luggage capacity remains practical. Useful variants fit comfortably within your Rs. 7-9 lakh budget.To be fair, the 1.2-litre petrol-CNG powertrain is not particularly quick, so overtakes need to be planned. With CNG, you also need to factor refuelling stops into your route planning. If CNG availability is limited on your route, then go for the petrol version instead. You still get the same safety and highway stability, though fuel costs will be higher. At a relaxed 100-110kph cruise, the Altroz remains comfortable, the cabin is pleasant to spend time in, and the suspension copes well with uneven highways. From a safety-first perspective, it is one of the most well-rounded choices in this budget.

Tata Altroz