I want to buy a 7-seater for my family with a 70:30 highway-to-city usage pattern and an annual running of around 10,000 to 12,000km. I am considering the Invicto Zeta Plus with year-end discounts, the HyCross GX, and the XEV 9S. My buying motivators are Comfort, build-to-last quality and low maintenance, as I will be keeping it for a long time. Which one should I choose?

autocar.india

•2d

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV has been launched at a very attractive price. Although we haven't tested the Hector Tomahawk EV to comment on its performance, range or comfort, first impressions seem positive, and it seems very competent on paper. The Safari EV, on the other hand, hasn't been launched yet, and it's likely to be more expensive in comparison. So waiting for that might only delay your purchase.If you want a competent, proven seven-seater electric car, you could consider the Mahindra XEV 9S and the Kia Clavis EV. The former is more powerful and nicer to drive, while the latter is a lot more spacious in the third row and will be relatively more affordable.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Tata Safari EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

Kia Carens Clavis EV

autocar.india

•2h

Wait for the upcoming JSW Jetour T2-based SUV. If your priority is specifically a turbo-petrol hybrid, this is the most interesting option to wait for. JSW is expected to bring the Jetour T2 to India as a locally assembled plug-in hybrid, using a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with electric motors. It is expected around late 2026/early 2027, and we expect JSW to price it at around Rs 35-40 lakh ex-showroom price bracket.If you want to buy right now, the choices become more limited because most hybrids in this price range use naturally aspirated petrol engines. The Toyota Innova HyCross is the obvious option if you want a proven hybrid and maximum practicality, although it won't give you the turbo-petrol character you're looking for.The newly launched MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV is another interesting option. It uses a plug-in hybrid system with a 20.5kWh battery and offers over 115km of claimed electric range.

JSW Motors Jetour T2

Toyota Innova HyCross

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV

autocar.india

•3h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTK+ petrol automatic. The Seltos is a more premium product overall, and the cabin quality and design are clearly something you value. The HTK+ is a well-equipped variant, and the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT automatic is a smooth and reliable combination. The Seltos also offers a more spacious and premium-feeling cabin, which will make a difference over a long ownership period.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is a good car, and Maruti's reliability and service network are strong points, but the Seltos is the more complete product. Kia's reliability record in India is also strong, so there is no major long-term ownership concern with the Seltos.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Victoris