Autocar India
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Swapnil Mayuresh

•15h

Hi, will Mahindra upgrade its diesel mHawk engine with more power and torque in the future, or will it continue stretching the current tuning as much as possible before phasing it out due to emission norms? I believe Mahindra’s core DNA lies in diesel engines, and they should continue to develop and upgrade them.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•8m

Mahindra will continue updating the mHawk diesel, but don’t expect major gains in power or torque going forward. The engine is already highly optimised in its current form, delivering strong performance across models like the Scorpio N and XUV range, and it is close to its practical limits in terms of balancing performance, reliability and emissions. What will change is the focus. Future updates will be driven more by stricter emission norms and efficiency targets rather than outright performance, so expect refinements, cleaner running and possibly some level of electrification rather than big power jumps.At the same time, Mahindra is still deeply invested in diesel, and it remains a core part of their SUV lineup, so it is not going away anytime soon. They will continue to evolve the mHawk as long as regulations allow, especially because diesel still makes the most sense for torque-heavy SUVs. However, the long-term direction is clear. With tightening norms and the company’s strong push into EVs, diesel will gradually become a smaller part of the portfolio rather than being replaced overnight.

VehicleMahindra Scorpio N
Mahindra Scorpio N
Mahindra Scorpio N
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Zeeshan

•8h

Currently an Exter owner looking to upgrade for a family of five. My budget is ₹15 lakh, strictly for a sub-4m petrol automatic (non-AMT) for better city traffic usability. I need maximum cabin space and a sportier driving experience, with daily city use and a highway trip of 700-1000 km once a quarter. Mandatory requirements: Non-AMT automatic, rear AC vents/armrest, and keyless start. Good-to-have features: ESC, hill hold, and an E-brake. Concerns: XUV 3XO (reliability), Sonet/Kylaq (rear seat space), Brezza (dated interior), Tata (avoiding due to service), Venue (too recent). I am highly confused. Please suggest the best two sub-4m petrol automatic models that balance space and reliability with a sporty drive (for example, XUV 3XO vs Brezza). Also, thanks in advance for the test drive recommendations. For context, in our family we already have a Honda City (9 years old), a Skoda Kushaq (2 years old), and a Honda CR-V (9 years old).

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•37m

The XUV 3XO fits your brief better on key counts. It has a wider rear seat and better rear seat space than the Brezza, which makes it more comfortable for five occupants. It is also the more engaging car to drive, with a stronger, more responsive engine and a more modern overall feel. For your mix of city driving and occasional highway runs, it strikes a good balance between performance and usability, while also offering a richer feature set.The Brezza, however, still holds its ground on ease of ownership and reliability. Its torque converter automatic is smooth and predictable in traffic, and Maruti’s service network and long-term dependability remain a big advantage. It is also comfortable and easy to live with, but it does not feel as modern or as engaging as the 3XO.The difference is simple. The 3XO offers more space and better driving performance, while the Brezza offers greater peace of mind and a more proven ownership experience.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
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Peasant Sampan

•20h

Hello Autocar, I am planning to buy a sedan, with almost 90% city usage. Please suggest a suitable option. Also, is it true that for my usage, naturally aspirated (NA) engines are better suited than turbo-petrol engines?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•16h

For your usage, a naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT or IVT is the best fit. These setups are smoother, easier to drive in traffic and more predictable, which matters far more in city conditions than outright performance. So yes, in your case, NA engines are better suited than turbo petrol.The Hyundai Verna IVT stands out as the most well-rounded option for city driving. The engine is smooth, the IVT gearbox is very intuitive in stop-and-go traffic, and the overall driving experience is effortless. It feels refined and easy to live with daily.The Honda City Hybrid is worth considering if your running is high. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, strong performance and is very easy to drive in the city thanks to its hybrid system. However, it comes with a higher upfront cost, and the battery placement results in a higher boot floor, which slightly affects practicality.Compared to the Verna, the standard Honda City CVT is also an option, but the engine feels a bit noisier, and the gearbox is not as intuitive as the Verna’s IVT in everyday use.

VehicleHyundai Verna
VehicleHonda City
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Zorro

•1d

As a diesel enthusiast, I am now considering switching to an electric vehicle. My budget is around ₹30 lakh. I am currently confused between the BYD Atto 3 and Mahindra Electric offerings. I have also looked at Tata Motors EVs, but I have come across feedback suggesting a noticeable difference between claimed and real-world range.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•17h

You are coming from diesel, so your expectations are clear. Strong performance, long-range confidence and a solid feel. The Mahindra XEV 9e matches that better. It is a larger, more powerful car that offers significantly more space and boot capacity, and delivers stronger performance. It also has a bigger battery and higher claimed range, which makes it better suited for long-distance use.The BYD Atto 3, on the other hand, is a more mature and sorted EV. It feels very well put together, easy to drive and comfortable. It is slightly smaller, easier in the city and has a more proven track record as a product. If your usage is mostly urban and you value refinement over size and performance, it is a strong option.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9e
VehicleBYD Atto 3
Mahindra XEV 9e
Mahindra XEV 9e
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P S RAHUL

•1d

I am 60 years old and have booked the Toyota Innova Hycross top-end variant. My usage will be mostly within the city, along with 4-5 long trips every year. Is this the right choice for my needs, or should I consider any other options? I plan to continue doing long-distance drives comfortably over the next 10 years.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•18h

You want a car that is comfortable in the city, easy to drive and capable of doing long trips for the next 10 years. The Toyota Innova Hycross fits this very well. The hybrid system makes it very smooth and quiet in city driving, and the automatic gearbox is effortless, which becomes more important with age. On highways, it is stable, comfortable and built for long-distance travel, which is what the Innova name has always stood for.What really works in your favour is long-term ownership. Toyota’s reliability, strong service network and resale value make it one of the safest bets if you plan to keep the car for many years. The Hycross also offers excellent space, easy ingress and egress and a comfortable ride, which are important for everyday use and for passengers as you grow older.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross