I'm planning to buy an automatic SUV with a budget of around 18-20 lakh. My monthly running is around 500km, with a mix of city and highway driving. My priorities are fuel efficiency, comfort and safety. Which SUV would you recommend, and why?

autocar.india

•16h

Considering your usage, CNG car would be a better fit. While an electric car will be cheaper to run, the charging network in rural areas is patchy, which will limit your usage. CNG is more readily available where you are and, on longer trips where you don't find a pump, you can still revert to petrol.In your budget, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris is a solid choice. It comes with a dual-tank setup, so the boot is only slightly smaller than the petrol version. Maruti has also done a good job of tuning the car to run on CNG and its service network is the largest in the country. The downside is that highway performance on CNG will feel a bit dull, requiring a downshift for an overtake.Alternatively, you could continue with a diesel car, as you are already comfortable with that. Running costs will be higher than on CNG, but availability of diesel is not an issue and you avoid the queues at CNG stations. In your budget, the Kia Seltos diesel is the best bet. The manual will be fine for your use, but an automatic is available if you wish. The Creta diesel offers a similar experience, but Hyundai has a wider service network than Kia.Overall, the Victoris CNG makes the most sense for your needs but, if you want a bit more punch on the highway, the Seltos diesel is a good fit.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•1d

With a daily commute of 85 km, your running is very high, so fuel efficiency and running costs become the most important factor. At the same time, you already own a Baleno and an Accent, so this car should feel like a meaningful upgrade in terms of comfort, space and overall ownership experience.The best option for your usage is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in city and highway conditions, and the petrol engine ensures long-term reliability and low maintenance costs. The Victoris is also a very comfortable and spacious car, making it well-suited for long daily commutes. The hybrid system of the Maruti Suzuki car is particularly effective in stop-and-go traffic, where it can significantly reduce fuel consumption.If you are open to diesel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is also a strong option. It is a larger and more powerful SUV with excellent highway performance and a comfortable ride.Overall, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the best fit for your needs. It offers the right balance of fuel efficiency, comfort, reliability and ownership experience for a high-mileage daily commuter.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•2d

For your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris mild hybrid petrol manual is the most sensible recommendation. With a budget of Rs 17 lakh on-road, you are looking for a car that will be used predominantly on highways, and fuel efficiency and long-term reliability matter most. The Victoris mild hybrid petrol is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in this segment, and the mild hybrid system gives you a tangible efficiency advantage on long highway runs. It is also a very comfortable car with a spacious cabin, good ride quality and all the basic comfort features you are looking for, including automatic climate control and automatic wipers. Safety is well addressed with a strong safety package, and it has also received a full 5-star crash test rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. The manual gearbox is smooth and easy to use, making it a stress-free car to drive over long distances. Overall, this Maruti Suzuki car strikes the best balance between efficiency, comfort, safety and long-term ownership peace of mind within your budget.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris