I want to upgrade from my 2019 diesel Ford Freestyle. I prefer a diesel vehicle with low maintenance and good fuel efficiency. My budget is around ₹11–12 lakh. I’ve shortlisted the Tata Nexon 3XO and Mahindra XUV3XO, but I’m open to other options as well.

Asked by: Vikram

The Tata Nexon diesel is significantly more efficient and offers better drivability than the Mahindra XUV 3XO. That said, the Mahindra feels smoother, more refined, and delivers a more premium overall experience.

Apart from these two, your other diesel options include the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and the Kia Syros. The Syros is the newest and most modern of the lot, and it’s worth shortlisting as well.

Answered by

Autocar India Team

Jul 03, 2025

Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts

Help and Support

Latest questions

Asked by: Shreyansh Kalamk I want a car as a first-time buyer with the best safety features, good power, smooth ride quality, and good handling. My budget is around ₹11-12 lakh on road. My use will be mostly in the city, with some occasional off-road and long-distance driving. Comfort and entertainment should be on point. Please suggest suitable options. Since you are a first-time car buyer and will go off-road occasionally, it makes sense to go for an SUV or a crossover, which has the double benefit of a high seating position. It also gives confidence to first-time buyers behind the wheel and a high ground clearance to tackle bad roads and speed breakers. You could consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 AMT, which has a spacious and comfortable cabin, is well equipped, rides well both on and off road and has key safety features

Autocar India Team

Dec 15, 2025

Asked by: subbi I want to replace my car. My monthly driving is about 1,500 km and my budget is ₹15 lakh. What do you recommend? Since you are a Hyundai car owner, it would make sense to upgrade to another Hyundai. Since you are familiar with the brand and your dealer, who might give you a good exchange offer. We suggest you consider the new Hyundai Venue, which drives well and is well-equipped too. The Venue HX8 variant with the 1.0 litre turbo and DCT auto will suit most of your needs.

Autocar India Team

Dec 15, 2025

Asked by: Avinash I currently own an Ertiga Diesel VDI and am planning to change my car. I want a 7-seater vehicle with an automatic transmission and would like suggestions on suitable options. The most logical option for you would be to upgrade to the current Ertiga, which is a generation ahead of the one you currently have.The current Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is more spacious than your model and comes with a smooth 6-speed automatic too. However, there is no diesel option available like in the previous generation Ertiga that you own. So if you are looking for an MPV with the low running cost of diesel, the next best option, if you have the budget, is the Kia Carens Clavis diesel. It comes with a 1.5 diesel automatic, coupled to a smooth-shifting six-speed auto transmission.

Autocar India Team

Dec 15, 2025

Asked by: Dr Anchal kotwal We own two cars: a 2024 top-line manual Taigun and a 2025 GT Line VW. My daily city run is about 70 km and my wife’s is about 40 km. Should we buy an EV given our usage, and should we consider selling one of the cars? We are doctors and both cars are great to drive, so we are unsure what makes the most sense. Yes, the Volkswagen Taigun is a lot of fun to drive, however if you are open to going electric, you could sell one and get an EV. That way, you will still have an internal combustion car for any occasional highway trips. Since both you and your wife's daily drive is within the city, either of you could use the EV, and range would not be an issue. Also, besides the lower running costs, you could also benefit from things like toll and parking fee waivers for EVs in certain cities. Consider the Hyundai Creta EV, which is a no-nonsense and practical car. However, if you do want a fun-to-drive electric, check out the Mahindra XEV 9S, or even the Mahindra BE6, which is very exciting to drive but has quite a few ergonomic issues.

Autocar India Team

Dec 15, 2025

View all questions

Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts

Help and Support