I have a Honda BRV automatic that is now almost 8 years old. I installed an aftermarket CNG kit about 3.5 years ago because of my high mileage of around 2,000km per month, and it has helped immensely. The urge to upgrade is growing, although the options I am considering are all in the Rs. 25-30 lakh bracket. The XL6 is cheaper, but I am not sure if it is a suitable replacement. Please advise.

autocar.india

•2d

Between the 1.5 turbo petrol and 1.5 diesel Hyundai Alcazar, the diesel is the better fit for your usage. It offers strong low-end torque and a more relaxed, effortless character on long drives. Just as importantly, the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smoother and more intuitive in city traffic. In contrast, Hyundai-Kia DCTs tend to have a sharper engagement, which can feel slightly jerky at low speeds and in stop-go conditions.Do note that while the 1.5 diesel pulls well from low revs, its top-end performance is not particularly strong. With a full load, highway overtakes will require a bit more planning compared to the turbo petrol. That said, for your kind of driving, which prioritises ease, consistency and long-distance comfort, the diesel’s overall delivery and gearbox pairing work better.On seating, the 6-seater with captain seats is the more comfortable choice. The individual seats are better contoured, offer superior support, and the addition of armrests makes a noticeable difference on long journeys. Your wife will likely appreciate the enhanced comfort over extended hours on the road. The trade-off, of course, is the loss of the exact central seating position she prefers, but in the Alcazar, the front seats are not overly bulky, so forward visibility remains reasonably good.One alternative worth considering is the Mahindra XUV 7X0 diesel. It offers stronger performance, better refinement, and feels more effortless on highways, especially when fully loaded. The ride quality is also well suited to mixed road conditions. However, it is a larger vehicle than the Alcazar and can feel more cumbersome in tight urban environments.Overall, for your priorities, the Alcazar diesel with captain seats strikes the best balance of comfort, smoothness and ease of driving

Hyundai Alcazar

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•3d

Given your usage pattern and priorities, we would recommend going for a diesel automatic SUV or MPV rather than an EV. Since you regularly undertake long road trips with your family, a diesel eliminates the need for range planning and charging stops that electric cars require. While the Ford EcoSport can continue to handle long-distance journeys, it is now six years old and has already covered nearly 1,00,000 km. If something were to go wrong far from home, sourcing parts or repairs could be more challenging. It would therefore make more sense to use the new vehicle for family road trips, as it will be more comfortable and reliable.The Kia Carens Clavis diesel automatic is one of the strongest options for your requirements. It offers a spacious cabin with a genuinely usable third row, a refined diesel engine, and a smooth automatic gearbox. Kia cars also have a well-established aftersales network, which adds to their appeal as a long-term ownership proposition.Another excellent option is the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic. It offers a spacious cabin, a strong diesel engine, a comfortable ride, and a good balance of features and safety. The drawback is that the third row is not as roomy as the Clavis.Overall, a diesel automatic SUV or MPV is the more practical and value-for-money choice for your usage pattern, especially considering your regular long-distance travel and plans to keep the vehicle for several years.

Kia Carens Clavis

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•3h

With your usage of just 20-30 km a month plus a few long trips a year, an EV is actually a very sensible choice. You have home charging, which is the biggest hurdle for most buyers, and your low monthly running means you will not be burning fuel idling in the garage. The occasional long trips are manageable with planning, and modern EVs like the Sierra EV or XEV 9s offer enough range for most intercity runs with a single charging stop. The key advantage here is that you avoid the E20 question altogether. Modern petrol engines are E20 compliant, but higher ethanol blends do reduce fuel efficiency slightly, and with your low usage, the fuel savings of a petrol car are negligible anyway.If you are set on a D-segment SUV, the Mahindra XEV 9s is the most practical choice. It offers a spacious cabin, good performance and despite its size is easy to drive in the city as well.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Tata Sierra EV