Panchmahal

•7h

I currently own a 2016 Hyundai i20 Elite Sportz and am planning to upgrade to an SUV, but I am a bit confused. My budget is Rs. 20 lakh. I am looking for a reliable engine, low maintenance costs, and decent mileage. Since my family consists of six members, I am particularly interested in a 7-seater. Would the Tata Safari be a good option, or should I consider other alternatives?

•6m

With a family of six and a Rs 20 lakh budget, the Carens Clavis is worth considering before the Safari. It offers genuinely usable space across all three rows, a comfortable ride and a proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. For a buyer prioritising reliability, low maintenance and reasonable running costs, it is a more natural fit.

The Safari is the more SUV-like choice, with a spacious cabin, good ride comfort and strong highway manners. Although the Safari itself has not been tested, the Harrier uses the same 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and returned just 6.17kpl in the city and 12.49kpl on the highway in our testing. The Safari is heavier, so expectations of fuel economy should be realistic. The diesel is more efficient than the petrol, but it is not particularly frugal either, especially in city use.

The Clavis therefore makes more sense if mileage and running costs are important. The Safari becomes more attractive if you specifically want the larger SUV experience, higher seating position and stronger highway character.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹12.76 Lakh

Tata

Harrier

from ₹14.57 Lakh

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.01 Lakh

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•2d

I am planning to buy a 7-seater car and am confused between the Kia Carens Clavis HTX (O) Petrol DCT and the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 Diesel. My confusion is mainly around a few points. The XUV 7XO has better looks and more power than the Clavis, while the Clavis offers better third-row space and a more spacious cabin. I do not have a very high annual running either. With my current car, I drive around 12,000-14,000km a year, including both city and highway driving, with occasional hill trips. This has left me confused about whether I should opt for a diesel or petrol. The XUV 7XO petrol is also not known for particularly good mileage, which makes the decision even more difficult. With the diesel option, I am also concerned about potential DPF-related issues, especially given my relatively low annual running. Since the car will primarily be driven in NCR, there is also some uncertainty around the applicability of BS6 diesel vehicles when GRAP Stage 4 restrictions are in force, as government regulations can change. Another concern is the DCT transmission. I have heard about DCTs facing heating issues in bumper-to-bumper traffic, although I am not sure how significant this issue is with the Carens Clavis. During my test drive, I also felt that the Clavis seemed somewhat underpowered in Normal mode, particularly when starting from a standstill. I had to press the accelerator pedal quite hard to get it moving more quickly. Is this simply a characteristic of the DCT and its calibration, or could it be specific to the particular test-drive car? I would really appreciate any suggestions or experiences that could help me clear up these doubts before making a decision. Thanks in advance.

•1d

Go for the Kia Carens Clavis HTX (O) Petrol DCT. Your annual running of 12,000-14,000km with a mix of city, highway and occasional hill drives is pretty healthy actually, but given your other concerns like DPF regeneration and NCR policies, petrol is the safer long-term choice. A turbo petrol gives you the punch you need out on the highway and in the hills, while also the benefits of a petrol engine that you're looking for. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is the more powerful and more rugged SUV, but the Clavis is the better family car. It has a more usable third row, a more spacious and practical cabin, and a more comfortable ride for everyday use. On the DCT, yes, it can feel a bit hesitant at low speeds and in bumper-to-bumper traffic, but Kia’s DCT is one of the better ones in the market, and it is not a deal-breaker. The slight lag you felt in Normal mode is more to do with the car’s tuning than the gearbox itself. Switch to Sport mode and it feels much more responsive. The Clavis is not as powerful as the XUV 7XO, but it is quick enough for family use and much easier to live with in the long run. And as you pointed out, the heavier, more powerful XUV 7XO petrol is is nowhere near as efficient as the Clavis.

Kia Carens Clavis

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•2d

I purchased a Kia Sonet 1.0 iMT in 2024 after owning Maruti Suzuki Dzire for around 11 years. I was so bored of driving it for more than a decade that I rushed to change. I wanted a compact SUV as an upgrade but settled for a sub-compact SUV due to budget constrain or may be due to lack guidance and understanding. Soon after buying it, I realized that this is not the car that I want to drive. I want a vehicle that looks and feels rugged but at the same time, is usable for daily commute with 80 - 90% city drive. I want to feel the same way I feel when I drive my Royal Enfield (strong and rugged). In less than 3 years, I am looking for a change again but this is time I don't want to make the same mistake. I have a few cars in mind but I am not sure which one should I go for. I have shortlisted Renault Duster Hybrid (upcoming), Tata Harrier AT (diesel), Thar Roxx AT (diesel), Toyota Hyryder Hybrid and Hyundai Creta AT (Diesel or Petrol). I drive around 1000 to 1200 km per month, mostly in the city but when I plan for long drives to mountains in Himachal, Uttarakhand or even Leh, I shouldn't have to worry about it. My budget is between 17 to 19 lakh (ex-Showroom). Please advise.

•1d

Go for the Renault Duster Hybrid when it launches. It is the best fit for what you are looking for. You want a car that feels rugged and strong like your Royal Enfield, but is still usable for daily city driving. The Duster has always been known for its tough, no-nonsense character and excellent ride quality, and the new generation continues that tradition. The hybrid powertrain will make it much more suitable for your 80-90% city driving, while still being capable enough for long drives to the mountains without you having to worry about fuel efficiency or reliability.The Tata Harrier diesel is a good car, but it is a much larger vehicle and not as easy to live with in the city. The Thar Roxx/OG is a great lifestyle vehicle, but it is not practical as a daily driver. The Toyota Hyryder Hybrid is a sensible choice, but it does not have the same rugged character you are looking for. The Hyundai Creta diesel is a good all-rounder, but it does not feel as tough or as special as the Duster. With your running, you could consider the 1.3 turbo petrol Duster with the DCT as well. It is not the most efficient engine and gearbox combination, but given your limited running, the fuel economy penalty should not be significant.

Renault Duster

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Hi, I am about to book Tata Harrier petrol automatic as my running is less but I am confused between Adventure X and Adventure X+ and there is only 35 to 45,000 rupees difference between these two variants in the showroom from where I am about to book the car.

•1d

With only Rs 35,000-45,000 separating the Adventure X and Adventure X+ at the dealer, the X+ is the one to choose. The two Tata Harrier variants have the same 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and six-speed torque converter automatic, so there is no difference in performance or basic driving experience.The extra money on the X+ gets you Level 2 ADAS, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold and rear disc brakes. The Adventure X already gets the important equipment such as the panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloys, 360-degree camera, digital instrument cluster and six airbags.For just Rs 35,000-45,000 more, the X+ additions are worthwhile, particularly Auto Hold for everyday traffic and the additional driver assistance features for highway use.

Tata Harrier

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•4d

I currently drive a Hyundai i10 CNG, with daily running of around 6 km in Gurgaon city traffic and a monthly highway drive of around 200 km. I am now planning to upgrade my car, with an on-road budget of Rs. 12 lakh for a petrol sub-4-metre SUV, up to Rs. 14 lakh for a petrol midsize SUV, and Rs. 15 lakh for an EV. I live in a rented apartment on the second floor, so I am apprehensive about getting an EV. I prefer an EV, but installing a charger could be complicated due to the sanctioned load. My running could increase to nearly 800 km per month in the future. My key priorities are: - Good suspension and ride comfort, as I have a back problem - Decent fuel efficiency in heavy city traffic - Low to medium maintenance costs - Auto hold and ventilated seats would be good to have I sometimes consider buying a manual, but I mostly prefer an automatic. I am currently considering the Maruti Brezza, Baleno AMT, Fronx AMT/AT, Sonet iMT, Exter AMT, and even the upcoming Inster, VF3, and Bayon. I am open to other suggestions as well. Note: I had a bad driving experience with the Punch AMT, as it caused back fatigue.

•3d

Given your priorities of ride comfort, fuel efficiency and low maintenance, the Maruti Brezza automatic is the most sensible upgrade. It offers a comfortable ride, a proven naturally aspirated petrol engine and Maruti's strong service network, which keeps long-term ownership costs in check. The torque converter automatic is smooth in city traffic, and the Brezza's higher seating position will help with your back issues. The Sonet iMT is not the right choice here. While it is a good car, the iMT is not a true automatic and will not offer the same ease of use in Gurgaon traffic. The Baleno AMT and Exter AMT are also not ideal given your back issues and the fact that AMT gearboxes are not as smooth as torque converter automatics in stop-start conditions.On the EV front, your apprehension about charging is valid. Without a straightforward home charging solution, an EV will add unnecessary complexity to your ownership experience. The upcoming Bayon is interesting and if you can wait a few weeks you would have a better picture before making a decision. For now, the Brezza automatic strikes the best balance between comfort, efficiency and hassle-free ownership.

Hi, I’m confused between the Skoda Kylaq and Tata Punch EV and would like some advice on which one to buy. The car will primarily be used for city driving, with occasional highway trips. The budget is Rs 10-14 lakh on-road. I previously owned a Volkswagen Polo GT TDI, so I’m looking for a car that can offer a similar level of driving satisfaction while also being practical for everyday use. I’m currently confused between these two options and would appreciate some guidance.

•3d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI. With your budget of Rs 10-14 lakh, mostly city usage and occasional highway runs, the Kylaq is the better fit. It offers a familiar driving experience coming from a Polo GT TDI, with a punchy turbo petrol engine, solid build quality and a sorted ride and handling balance. The Tata Punch EV is a good city car, but the Kylaq is more versatile for occasional highway trips and long-term ownership. The Kylaq also offers better rear seat space and a more premium feel overall. The Punch EV makes sense only if your usage is almost entirely city-based and you have reliable home charging. Given your budget and usage pattern, the Kylaq is the more balanced and sensible choice.

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•1d

I am planning to buy a new vehicle for myself and my parents. I have seen the new Audi Q3 2026 and am quite interested in it, but I am not fully convinced about the petrol-only option. I was hoping for a hybrid version, especially considering fuel efficiency at this price point. Secondly, I am also looking for a 4x4 and am currently waiting for the new Fortuner. However, I am confused because many people are suggesting the new Scorpio N or Thar Roxx, saying that if the primary purpose is off-roading, there is no need to spend so much on a Fortuner. Please suggest what would be the better option for my requirements.

•1d

The Audi New Q3 is a good choice if you want a premium, comfortable SUV, but I would not buy it expecting a hybrid. The India-spec Q3 is expected to use a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 204hp, a 7-speed DCT and quattro AWD, with no confirmed hybrid version for India.If your requirement is genuine 4x4 capability, the Toyota Fortuner remains a very different proposition. The next-generation Fortuner is already being tested and is expected in India by early 2027. It is expected to retain petrol and diesel engines, 4x4 capability and the ladder-frame construction, while gaining a much more modern cabin and ADAS.The Mahindra Scorpio N is the sensible alternative if you want a capable 4x4 without spending Fortuner money. The Thar Roxx makes more sense if off-road ability is the priority, but it is less comfortable and practical as a family SUV.For parents, the Q3 will be considerably easier to live with in the city, while the Fortuner is better suited to long-distance touring and serious rough-road use.

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