Within your budget, you have a variety of options, and we'll first recommend the scooters since that is your current mode of transport. In the scooter segment, the TVS Jupiter models and the Suzuki Access are our top picks for their balance of practicality, fuel economy, and comfort. If you want something flashier looking, you can consider the TVS Ntorq and the Suzuki Avenis, although the former is a much sportier product.Moving to motorcycles, you can opt for anything in the 125-160cc space. Within the 125cc class, you can choose between the Honda Shine and Hero Super Splendor / Glamour models if you want a straightforward, no-frills commuter.On the other hand, bikes like the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Honda CB125 Hornet will give you sportier looks, peppier performance, and more features too.Finally, in the 160cc space, bikes like the Honda Unicorn, Bajaj Pulsar N160, and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V will serve you well. Do take a test ride of every option you're considering before you decide.

The Tata Sierra and Mahindra XUV700 are slightly different vehicles, and it depends on your requirements and priorities. Also, the Mahindra XUV700 is due to be discontinued and replaced in Jan 2026 with the XUV7X0, which is essentially an upgraded XUV700.If you want power and performance, the Mahindra XUV 7XO, with its strong petrol and diesel engine options, is the one for you. However, the petrol engine is a bit of a guzzler and will burn a hole in your pocket. Another reason to buy the XUV7X0 is the space and the on-board tech, which is very impressive.The Tata Sierra is a more compact car, which makes it much easier to park and manoeuvre, and overall it's easier to drive thanks to fantastic all-round visibility. The Sierra’s 1.5 turbo-petrol, though nowhere near as powerful as the XUV7X0’s 2-litre petrol, is smooth and strong enough to give you enough punch for everyday driving. Also, a plus is the 6-speed auto, which is jerk-free and refined.The Sierra’s long-term performance is not yet known, and Tata’s poor reputation for quality and service precedes it. However, since it's made in a new plant with a far better quality culture, we are hopeful that with the Sierra, Tata will put this reputation behind it. We would lean towards the Sierra as it's a similar kind of car to the Hyundai Creta, which you are currently using.

We recommend the Hyundai Exter, a very well-rounded compact car with a refined engine, good features, and the AMT is the smoothest in the segment. The ride and handling are also excellent, and being a crossover, it has good ground clearance too to make easy work of bad roads, both on the highway and in the city. The Hyundai Exter SX variant will fit your budget.

Yes, NVH levels in the Honda Elevate are quite high, and thus, if it's only the ghats and long drives that you are considering, the Honda City will do just fine. Moreover, the City will be more fuel efficient than the Elevate, even more so if you get the hybrid version, thus you will save on fuel bills during your long-distance travels. The only downside of the City is that its ground clearance is low, which can be a problem on bad roads. However, if you are not going to go off-roading and the roads in your area are generally in good condition, this should not be a deal-breaker.