Hi, my car usage is around 3,000km per month. Currently, I drive a 2020 Ford Endeavour diesel AT 4x4 and a 2017 Mahindra Thar CRDe 4x4 for rough and countryside roads. I enjoy driving both cars on these kinds of roads, although I experience quite a bit of body roll and physical strain. For city driving and highways, I use a 2017 Skoda Rapid diesel MT and an Innova Crysta diesel. I particularly enjoy driving the Skoda, while I prefer travelling as a passenger in the Crysta because of its comfort. As you can see, I have been a diesel car owner so far, but with diesel cars becoming less common in the market, should I consider switching to a petrol engine or a hybrid? My usage covers almost every type of Indian road, including metro cities, countryside roads, highways and hilly terrain, so I am finding it difficult to decide which car would suit my requirements best within a budget of Rs 40 lakh, with an automatic transmission. My top priorities are safety, with zero compromise, followed by driving comfort and the highest possible mileage.

autocar.india

•6d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

Tata Harrier EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

autocar.india

•5d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

Honda Amaze

autocar.india

•3d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO Edge automatic. The Brezza VXi automatic is a safe, simple and reliable choice, but the 3XO is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a wider cabin, more space and a more premium feel, which your family clearly values. The TCMPFi engine is a turbocharged petrol unit and is fundamentally a sound engine. It is not a new or unproven powertrain, and Mahindra has had time to refine it. It is also paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is a proven and reliable gearbox type. Compared to the Nexon’s Revotron engine, the 3XO’s powertrain is more refined and the gearbox is smoother and more conventional in its operation. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simpler and will likely be marginally more reliable over a very long ownership period, but the 3XO’s engine is not something to worry about from a reliability perspective. Given your family’s preference for space and the more premium feel, the 3XO is the better choice.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza