Autocar India
•3w

I currently own a Honda Elevate (CVT). I have driven around 72k km so far, with a mix of daily commuting and frequent highway trips for work. I am now looking to upgrade. There is nothing wrong with the Elevate - it has been a solid car - but the CVT feels a bit too tame for me now. I am looking for a logical upgrade with significantly better performance than the Elevate. My requirements are an automatic transmission, and I am open to both petrol and electric options. What would you recommend?

Verified
•3w

Given your usage pattern of high daily running and frequent highway trips, the Honda Elevate has clearly done its job as a dependable and comfortable workhorse. That said, your need for a meaningful performance upgrade is understandable. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with the CVT is smooth and efficient, but it does start to feel underwhelming once you begin to prioritise performance and responsiveness.
A logical step up on the ICE side would be the Mahindra XUV 7X0 petrol. Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 200hp delivers a strong jump in performance, and the 6-speed automatic is far more engaging than a CVT. Overtakes are effortless, and it brings a sense of urgency that the Elevate simply cannot match. The trade-offs, however, are worth noting. It is a larger car, so it won’t feel as nimble or easy to manoeuvre in tight urban conditions, and fuel efficiency can drop into the mid-single digits, especially with enthusiastic driving.
If you are open to going electric, the upgrade in performance becomes even more pronounced. The Tata Sierra EV stands out as a compelling option. Like the Elevate, it sits in the mid-size SUV space but offers significantly more performance and space. With a 0 - 100kph time of under 6 seconds, it delivers instant torque and strong, seamless acceleration, which will feel like a dramatic leap, particularly in city driving and quick overtakes. It is also shaping up to be a well-rounded EV with a usable real-world range and a ride quality suited to long highway runs.
In both cases, you are looking at a clear step up in performance, but the choice really comes down to whether you want the familiarity and refuelling ease of petrol, or the instant performance and lower running costs of an electric car.
 

Honda Elevate

Honda Elevate

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Honda Elevate

Honda

Elevate

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Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹16.51 Lakh

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Sierra EV

from ₹19.92 Lakh

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•2d

I own a Maruti Vitara Breeza ZDI 2017 model vehicle and the vehicle has completed nearly 69000 km till date. I have moved to Delhi and the issue with not allowing BS4 vehicles to run during winters is looming large. My diesel car will turn 10 year old by June 2027 and so I want to upgrade my to suit my needs. We are a family of 3 and occasionally my mother joins us, sometimes relatives visit us and a pet dog also accompanies us on most of our long drives. I am looking for a car with features like sunroof, large infotainment and ventilated seats. Should it be a petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle and should it be a 5 or 7 seater? My budget is less than 30 lakhs and I will be owning the vehicle for at least next 10 years.

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•2d

The Mahindra XUV 7XO Petrol Automatic would be the best fit for your requirements. Your annual running is relatively low, so a petrol makes more sense than a diesel or strong hybrid, especially considering Delhi's regulations and your plan to keep the car for the next 10 years. The XUV 7XO offers a spacious cabin, a usable third row for occasional family trips, plenty of luggage space with the third row folded for your pet, and comes loaded with the features you're looking for.The Kia Carens Clavis Turbo Petrol DCT is the more practical alternative. It offers even better interior space and practicality, especially if you expect to use the third row more often, the 1.5 turbo DCT has enough power and will be more efficient but it doesn't feel as rugged or as SUV-like as the Mahindra.

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•3d

I want to buy an EV with a budget of around Rs. 20 lakh. I have shortlisted the MG Windsor Essence Pro, Tata Sierra EV Pure 63, and Hyundai Creta Electric Executive Tech. My main concerns with the Windsor Essence Pro are its laggy infotainment system and suspension. On the other hand, the Sierra EV Pure 63 and Creta Electric Executive Tech are lower variants and do not offer as many features. Which one would you recommend for my requirements?

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The Tata Sierra Pure 63 would be the best choice for your budget. While it may not be as feature-rich as the MG Windsor Essence Pro, it is the better all-round EV with a more modern platform, better ride and handling, a spacious cabin and strong real-world range. The Pure variant is also well equipped with the essentials, and features can always be added later, but the fundamentals of the car cannot.The MG Windsor Essence Pro remains excellent value for money and offers the most comprehensive feature list. However, your concerns about the laggy infotainment system and the softer suspension are valid, and if these are likely to bother you every day, they shouldn't be ignored.The Hyundai Creta Electric Executive Tech is another strong contender. It offers a refined driving experience and Hyundai's proven ownership experience, but at this price point, the lower variant feels a little too basic compared to the Sierra and Windsor.

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Posted on: 16 Jul 2026