Autocar India
5d

I have a Maruti Suzuki XL6 and a Baleno petrol, and I want to replace the Baleno with a diesel 7/8-seater. Which car should I choose? My annual running is around 15,000-20,000 km, and my budget is Rs 20 lakh.

Verified
5m

With an annual running of 15,000- 20,000 km and a budget of Rs 20 lakh, a diesel 7/8-seater is a sensible choice. The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is the recommendation here. It is a genuinely spacious 7-seater with a strong diesel engine, comfortable ride, and good highway manners, making this Mahindra car well suited to long-distance family use. The diesel engine is refined and efficient, and at your running, the fuel cost savings over petrol will be meaningful over time.

The Kia Carens Clavis diesel is a good alternative if you want something a bit more compact. This Kia car also has a better third row than the Mahindra. However, the XUV 7XO diesel strikes the best balance of space, comfort, performance, and value for your requirements.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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4d

Dear Team, I am quite perplexed and would greatly appreciate your assistance. I currently drive a 2023 Hyundai Creta Turbo top-end model and am looking to upgrade to a superior vehicle, with a budget of under Rs 30 lakh. My driving is evenly split between highways and city roads. Usually, there are two adults and one teenager in the car for 99% of my drives. I also admit that I do not have a strong parking sense, which makes me apprehensive about driving larger vehicles. I require a fully automatic car. Once a year, I travel with my family of four adults, one teenager, and a dog, along with substantial luggage to hilly destinations such as Shimla, Mussoorie, and Manali. My Creta has never struggled with the overall load, and I have never faced any issues with its performance or ability to handle steep climbs, even with the air conditioning on and the car fully loaded. The most economical option appears to be the top-end Alcazar, as it is currently available with a discount. However, I am considering the XUV700 top-end AX7L, as I believe it might offer more power and luxury. I am also anticipating the launch of the new MG Hector, which I expect to be more luxurious and fuel-efficient. Could you please advise me on which car would be most suitable for my requirements? If I opt for the top-end Alcazar Turbo Diesel, will it be capable of handling steep climbs with a full load, or should I consider the XUV700 with its 2.0-litre engine? Also, which of these vehicles would provide greater comfort in Delhi's bumper-to-bumper traffic? Regards, Ady

Verified
1h

Given your usage pattern, the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L diesel automatic is the best car under 30 lakh. Your annual hill trips with a full load, including four adults, a teenager, a dog and substantial luggage, are the key factor here. The XUV 7XO's 2.2-litre diesel engine is significantly more powerful and torquey than the Alcazar's 1.5-litre diesel, which will make a noticeable difference on steep climbs with a full load. The XUV 7XO also offers a more spacious and comfortable cabin, especially in the third row, which will be appreciated on long journeys.The Hyundai Alcazar diesel automatic is a good value proposition, especially with current discounts, and it will handle hill climbs with a full load, but it will not feel as effortless as the XUV 7XO. This Mahindra car XUV 7XO also feels more premium inside and offers a more luxurious overall experience.In Delhi's bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Alcazar's smaller size and lighter steering make this Hyundai car slightly easier to manoeuvre, but the XUV 7XO's automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with, and the difference is not significant enough to outweigh the XUV 7XO's advantages on your hill trips.The MG Hector is worth considering if you are willing to wait, but it is unlikely to match the XUV 7XO's diesel performance and overall package. The XUV 7XO AX7L diesel automatic is the most complete upgrade from your Hyundai Creta, offering the right balance of power, space, comfort and luxury for your needs.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleHyundai Alcazar
VehicleMG Hector
VehicleHyundai Creta
2d

I’m 6’2” and my top priority is a comfortable driving posture, especially good thigh support and seating position. My current Grand i10 has become quite uncomfortable during longer drives. I absolutely loved the seating position and overall comfort of XUV 700 and I can say it is probably the best car that I have driven. However, I’m unsure about managing something that big in size in Bangalore traffic. I have taken the test drive of the new Tekton, but still found the seating position a bit awkward. Should I simply go for the XUV 7XO, or are there other petrol options that offer similar seating comfort while being easier to manage in the city? I want the car mostly for weekend city drives, with an outstation trip once every 2 months. My total running is around 3,000-4,000 km/year, so I am not considering a diesel car.

Verified
1d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic. Your priority is clear: a comfortable driving position with good thigh support and a commanding seating position. The XUV 7XO delivers exactly that, and at 6’2” you will appreciate the generous seat travel, supportive cushioning and the overall sense of space.Your concern about Bangalore traffic is understandable, but the XUV 7XO is not as intimidating as it looks. The steering is light at low speeds, the visibility is good and the automatic gearbox makes stop-go traffic far less tiring. Once you get used to the dimensions, it is perfectly manageable in the city.The Tekton is a good car, but the seating position is not as commanding and the overall comfort is not at the same level as the XUV 7XO.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleNissan Tekton

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