Hi, I am a proud owner of a Tata Aria for the last 15 years, and now I am looking to give it a final rest. I am considering the Safari, HyCross, and XUV700. As per your suggestion, which one would suit me best? My budget is between Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh.

The Mahindra XUV 7XO will be a good upgrade for you. Both engines, turbo-petrol and diesel, deliver strong performance and are smooth and refined. Both are also available with 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox options. The driving manners are excellent, and with all the latest in terms of tech and features, the XUV 7XO feels thoroughly modern. You also get the flexibility of a third row of seats, should you need to ferry 6 or 7 passengers.A Tata Safari is also a good alternative to the XUV 7XO. You may also consider EV options like the Mahindra XEV 9e or Tata Harrier EV.

The Jeep Compass was an excellent offering a few years ago; however, there are way better options in the market now. The Mahindra XUV 7XO, as an example, is smoother, more refined and significantly more spacious. Its ride and handling balance is also excellent. Additionally, for similar or even lower money than the Compass, the XUV 7XO offers the flexibility of three-row seating, which makes it an incredible value for money.If you want something that is relatively more compact, the Tata Sierra is worth considering. It has a similar character to the Compass but is more modern, better equipped and more affordable.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is an excellent, comfortable car that's more spacious than the Tata Tiago, and has a larger boot too. Its engine is smoother, more refined, and more fuel-efficient, and being a Maruti car, your after-sales experience is also likely to be relatively fuss-free.As your first car, go for the Dzire. Its overall user-friendliness and its more premium experience will make you feel like you've spent your money well.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a good option to consider. It is spacious, comfortable, and easy to drive. The 1.0-litre petrol engine is peppy and efficient, and the car is also available with a CNG option.The other option is the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. It is good on space, comfortable for the city, and highly efficient too. The ZXi variant will fit in your Rs 7 lakh budget.