I want to buy a new car in a diesel variant. My budget is around ₹16-18 lakh. My primary requirements are good mileage, strong road presence, safety, and good after-sales service. My running will be around 2,000 km per month. Also, please clarify whether I should prefer a diesel or petrol car based on these requirements.

Autocar India

•5w

Your usage of 2000km per month is relatively high, so we would recommend a diesel or a hybrid to offset your running costs. If you're going for a hybrid, consider the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, which has incredible mileage and a 5-star Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP safety rating. However, its road presence is not very strong.

If you want a diesel, go for the Kia Seltos, which is a larger car with good road presence, and comes with a smooth 1.5-litre diesel engine and the option of a 6-speed AT. It has not yet been tested by any NCAP authority, but a good result is expected. Both cars have good after-sales service networks.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Victoris

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

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Latest questions in the community

Mudit

•1w

My monthly driving is around 2,000 km (65% city and 35% highway). My budget is ₹18-20 lakh on-road. I am planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Victoris ZXI (O) Strong Hybrid AT or the ZXI+ (O) Strong Hybrid AT, especially since there is currently a discount of around ₹1.5 lakh on the 2035 variant. Could you please suggest whether my decision to buy the Victoris Strong Hybrid is the right one for my usage, or if I should consider any other cars in this price range? Also, if I go ahead with the Victoris Strong Hybrid, should I choose the ZXI (O) or the ZXI+ (O), considering the ZXI+ (O) costs around ₹1.9 lakh more? Please note that the strong hybrid variants do not come with ADAS. I prefer an automatic car, and my city is New Delhi.

Autocar India

•1h

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid is a great fit for your requirements. Since most of your driving is in the city, its hybrid system should deliver excellent fuel efficiency while also offering a comfortable, reliable and well-equipped package.With regard to the variant, the ZXI (O) is quite well equipped as it is, with features like auto LED headlamps, alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, a digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment screen. However, the ZXI+ (O) adds a few niceties like powered and ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera with front parking sensors, and a larger 10-inch infotainment screen with an eight-speaker Infinity audio system.If these features are not worth the Rs 1.9 lakh premium to you, then the ZXI (O) has all the essentials and remains a good choice.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Nik

•2w

Hello Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new car and would appreciate your advice. In my family, we are four adults and one child, and we usually travel around 1,000 km round-trip once a month or once every two months. City driving is very minimal. Sometimes we also travel with five adults and two kids, which is why I am considering a 7-seater. However, I am confused whether it would be better to buy a 5-seater or a 7-seater, considering that such full-capacity trips happen only occasionally. My budget is around ₹15 lakh, and I am currently considering the Kia Carens Clavis. Would this be the right choice for my usage pattern and family size? If yes, which variant would you recommend within my budget? Alternatively, should I wait for the upcoming three-row version of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara from Nexa? Would that be a better long-term option compared to buying now?

Autocar India

•2h

It definitely makes sense for you to go for a 7-seat vehicle, given how you will be using it. These days, the price premium isn't too much more compared to an equivalent size 5-seater. Long trips for five would be more comfortable if the fifth passenger had a separate seat. Plus, your kid will grow, and eventually, the five-seater will feel like a squeeze. The Kia Carens Clavis is the best option, offering you a spacious and flexible interior, with good quality, comfort and decent features. However, in your budget, you'll only be able to get a low-spec variant. If you want more features, a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a much better value and a capable 7-seat MPV too. Sadly, plans for the 7-seat Grand Vitara have been shelved for now.

Kia Carens Clavis

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Dipesh

•6d

Please suggest an automatic SUV within a budget of ₹20 lakh. My primary usage will be daily commuting in Mumbai, with a weekend drive of around 200 km once a month. I would prefer features like a 360-degree camera and good safety features, with ADAS being optional. My wife will also be driving the car, so it should be easy and comfortable to drive in city traffic.

Autocar India

•2h

In your budget, the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Syros are good options. Both come with the 1.0-litre engine and DCT gearbox, which should be a good fit for your usage. The engine offers good performance, and the DCT is generally quite smooth, with only occasional hesitation.In terms of safety, both come very well equipped, with six airbags as standard, and a 360-degree camera and ADAS available on the top variants. The Syros has also scored five stars in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, and while the Venue is yet to be officially tested, it is based on the same platform as the Syros.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Syros

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