I have been using a Hyundai Grand i10 for the last 10 years. My usage is around 60% city and 40% highway. I want an automatic variant, and my budget is between Rs 20-25 lakh. I have looked at the Creta, Seltos, Harrier, and XUV 7XO. I plan to keep the new car for at least 5-7 years. I prefer a car with more dashboard features like the Seltos and 7XO, along with strong service support and maximum features for the driver and co-passenger.

autocar.india

•8h

With a 12km alternate-day commute and a Rs 20-25 lakh budget, you are in a sweet spot where both petrol automatics and electric cars make sense. The decision really comes down to your usage pattern and ownership priorities.If you have a dedicated parking space with charging access, an EV is a very strong option. The Hyundai Creta Electric is the most sensible recommendation here. It is a well-rounded EV with good range, a spacious cabin and a mature ownership experience. Your running costs will be significantly lower than those of a petrol car, and the short daily commute plays perfectly to an EV's strengths. Another good option is the newly launched Tata Sierra EV, though unless you stretch your budget, you might have to settle for the smaller 63kWh battery.If charging is not practical, a petrol automatic is the safer long-term choice. The Kia Seltos IVT is the recommendation here. It is a comfortable, well-equipped and reliable midsize SUV with a smooth automatic gearbox that is well-suited to city driving. Kia's after-sales network is strong in Thane, and the Seltos strikes a good balance between comfort, features, and peace of mind in ownership.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Tata Sierra EV

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•8h

If you are happy with the Kia Seltos and the price, take delivery now. The Seltos is a strong all-rounder, and the IVT is a smooth, reliable gearbox for city use. The Rs 30,000 price increase is unfortunate, but it is not unusual for manufacturers to increase prices periodically, and waiting for a festive offer is not guaranteed to offset that increase. Kia’s festive offers are usually modest, and there is no certainty that a bigger discount will appear in October. You already have Rs 20,000 in discounts, which is a reasonable deal on a popular model. If you are still unsure, ask the dealer to honour the original price or offer additional accessories to compensate for the delay. If they refuse, and you are not in a hurry, you can wait until October, but do not expect a significantly better deal. The Seltos is a new car, and the price is unlikely to drop in the near term. Take delivery now and start enjoying the car.

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•9h

With a budget of Rs 18-20 lakh, a monthly running of around 500 km and a mix of city and highway driving, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient option. The strong hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in both city and highway conditions, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with. The Victoris also offers a comfortable ride, good rear-seat space and a strong safety package, though at your budget, you are looking at an entry-level trim.For your running, the Kia Seltos IVT is a better alternative. It isn't as efficient as the Victoris Hybrid but offers a more premium and feature-rich cabin. The IVT gearbox is seamless in operation, and the 1.5-litre NA engine is very refined, making it a very relaxed car to drive in the city.The Tata Sierra is also worth considering if comfort and space are your top priorities. It offers a very comfortable ride and a spacious cabin.Overall, if fuel efficiency is your absolute top priority, then the Victoris Hybrid is a solid choice. But otherwise, the Kia car is a more rounded package with a good balance of fuel efficiency, comfort, features, safety and long-term ownership experience.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra