Autocar India
•9w

My monthly driving is around 3,000 km, so I'm planning to buy an EV. I'm looking for a car that can handle both city driving and highway trips comfortably. Please suggest the best EV options.

Verified
•8w

Did you mean 3,000 km a month? If it is 30,000 km a month, that means you are doing over 1,000 km a day, which is an exceptionally high usage pattern.

In that case, even an EV is not the right solution. The best EVs currently on sale would require multiple charging stops every day, and the time spent charging would quickly outweigh any fuel savings. For this level of usage, a diesel car is still the most practical and cost-effective option.

If you're looking for a multipurpose vehicle for both city and highway driving, a Kia Seltos diesel would be a much better fit. It is comfortable, spacious, and an efficient long-distance cruiser. Its refined diesel engine is well suited to covering high mileages without the charging constraints of an EV.

EVs make the most sense for drivers with high annual running but predictable daily distances, where overnight or scheduled charging is practical. They are less suitable for extremely high daily usage, where charging time becomes a significant limitation.

If you still prefer an EV, you could consider the upcoming Kia Syros EV, with a 51.4kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 526 km on a single charge. It is likely to be priced within your Rs 15-20 lakh budget. Despite its compact footprint, it offers a spacious cabin, with an extremely efficient powertrain, given that it is shared with the Kia Carens Clavis EV and Hyundai Creta Electric.

 

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

•8w•

@autocar.india he clearly mentioned it was 3000 km /month . How you imagine 30k, please answer for right question

•8w•

@sunilkumarkernadka.2 Go for Seltos because the EVs at the moment have bad range for longer highway (anything beyond 250-300 kms), and require you to maintain a conservative driving style in order to even come close to claimed range, plus if your trips are unplanned, you're going to have a horrible time with range anxiety. Will also recommend looking into the lower variants of xuv7xo.

•8w•

I agree with this 👍

•8w•

I am driving around 5000 km a month and had same dilemma. I suggest go for an EV having claimed range above 600km. It will give around 450 with normal driving style. I bought harrier and already clocked 7000 in 35 days. But you must also have a ICE car in family for emergency

•8w•

Suggest a car under 17 lakh for hill area driving

•8w•

My driving is 800-1000 km in a month, with 80 % in city and 20% in Outcity. I want fully loaded with Adas, car with good fuel efficiency Please suggest the best option.

•8w•

Curvv

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•15h

I am planning to buy a car in the Rs 12-14 lakh price range. My usage will be around 70% in the city and 30% on the highway, with family comfort also being an important consideration. I am currently considering the Skoda Kylaq, Kia Sonet (petrol 7DCT HTK(O)) and Kia Seltos (base or second-base variant). Please suggest which of these would be the best pick for my usage, or recommend any other car that may suit my requirements better. Also, is it worth waiting for the new-generation Sonet?

Verified
•9h

For your 70 percent city and 30 percent highway usage, the Skoda Kylaq is the best fit of the cars you have shortlisted. Its 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic is smoother in city traffic than the Sonet's DCT, while also giving you stronger performance for highway trips. It also has a good balance of ride comfort, cabin space and driving dynamics.The Kia Seltos is the better choice if family space and a more premium cabin are your priorities, but at your budget you will be looking at the lower variants. The Sonet HTK(O) 1.0 DCT is feature-rich, but the DCT is not our first choice for predominantly city use. The Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO are also worth considering, but the Kylaq offers a particularly good combination of refinement, performance and highway ability.As for the Kia New Sonet, it is expected in 2027 and will move to the K1 platform, with improved rear-seat space and potentially more features. However, Kia has not given a precise launch date, so waiting only makes sense if you are not in a hurry.

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•12h

I am planning to buy a new car for myself in Bangalore, with a budget of up to Rs 25 lakh on-road. I have shortlisted two cars: the Tata Sierra Accomplished 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and the Kia Seltos 1.5-litre turbo-petrol DCT. Which one would be the better choice, especially considering family comfort, ease of driving and driving enjoyment? I am also unsure about Tata’s reliability. Is the concern around Tata cars based mainly on social media noise, or is there a genuine reliability issue? If possible, how much of a reliability risk can realistically be expected with a Tata car? I find that the Sierra meets my expectations better overall, but I am hesitant because of the concerns around Tata’s reliability and after-sales experience. I have test-driven both cars and am comfortable with both. The Mahindra XUV 7XO was also on my shortlist, but I dropped it mainly because of its larger size. Should I reconsider the XUV 7XO, particularly for Bangalore city driving and family use?

Verified
•7h

For your priorities of family comfort, easy driving and some fun, the Tata Sierra is a very strong fit. It is the roomiest SUV in this comparison, with excellent rear legroom and headroom, while its 1.5-litre turbo petrol and torque converter automatic make for smooth, effortless progress in traffic. The ride is also very good over broken roads, although the 19-inch wheels on the Accomplished do take away some of that comfort.The Kia Seltos is the more polished choice, with the best finished cabin, excellent space and strong refinement. However, the turbo DCT is not always smooth at low speeds and can fumble occasionally in traffic. That makes the Sierra's torque converter a better match if ease of driving is important. The Seltos is also more efficient, though the Sierra's 160hp engine has no shortage of performance.The Tata reliability concern should not be dismissed entirely, but neither can a percentage be put on the likelihood of a Sierra developing problems. The car is too new for meaningful long-term reliability data. The more legitimate concern is Tata's inconsistent after sales experience, which is also highlighted in the comparison. The local dealer and service centre therefore matter considerably.The Mahindra XUV 7XO can be considered, but if its size already feels excessive for Bengaluru, there is little reason to stretch to it. The Sierra gives you a genuinely spacious family cabin without moving into that larger footprint.

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VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
•17h

I’m confused between the Kia Seltos HTK Optional 1.5 NA IVT and 1.5 Turbo DCT and would appreciate some advice based on my usage. I plan to keep the car for 5–8 years. For the first 1–2 years, it will be used in my Tier-3 city by my parents and me for daily driving. Later, I may move it to Pune for my daily commute. Overall, I expect around 80% city and 20% highway/outstation driving, including occasional Pune–Vadodara trips, Goa and weekend trips, holiday road trips, and situations where 4–5 people travel with luggage. For the NA IVT, I’d like to know whether the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine feels underpowered in the Seltos, particularly with 4–5 people and luggage, and how it performs during highway overtaking and quick acceleration. How useful are the paddle shifters and Sport mode in improving responsiveness? Also, when accelerating hard, how noticeable is the high-RPM engine noise or CVT drone, and does it become annoying during longer highway drives? For the Turbo DCT, I’d like to understand how it behaves in prolonged bumper-to-bumper or crawling traffic. Is clutch heat or wear, or low-speed jerkiness and hesitation, a genuine long-term concern over 5–8 years? What is the best way to drive the DCT in heavy traffic to minimise clutch wear? I’d also like to understand how significant the difference is in real-world city mileage and long-term maintenance costs between the two powertrains. Considering this usage pattern, which option would you recommend and why?

Verified
•13h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol CVT. For your usage pattern, it is the more sensible and stress-free choice. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol is not underpowered for the Seltos in everyday use. It is a smooth, refined engine that handles city driving well and is perfectly capable on the highway. With 4–5 people and luggage, it will not feel particularly quick, but it will get the job done reliably. Overtaking on the highway requires a bit of planning, but the IVT responds well when you press the accelerator, and the paddle shifters and Sport mode do help make the car feel more responsive when you need a quick burst of acceleration. The typical CVT drone is noticeable when you accelerate hard, but it is not something that becomes annoying in regular highway cruising.The Kia Seltos HTK(O) Turbo Petrol DCT is the more exciting engine, and it is genuinely quick. However, your usage is 80% city, and the DCT is not the best fit for that. In prolonged bumper-to-bumper traffic, the gearbox can feel a bit jerky at low speeds, and while modern DCTs are much better than before, clutch heat and wear are still a consideration over a 5–8 year ownership period. The best way to drive a DCT in heavy traffic is to avoid feathering the throttle and let the car creep naturally, but that is not always practical in Indian traffic. Moreover, if you come to a halt for more than a few seconds, put it in Neutral or Park to avoid further strain on the clutch. The IVT, on the other hand, is smooth, reliable and effortless in the city, which is exactly what you need.In terms of real-world mileage, the IVT is likely to be considerably more efficient in the city, and long-term maintenance costs are lower and more predictable. Given your usage pattern and ownership horizon, the 1.5 NA IVT is the car that will keep you and your parents happiest over the long term.

VehicleKia Seltos

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•6d

Help me choose the right car for my usage. Please be practical and challenge my assumptions. My situation: I am 31 and work as a software developer. I currently work from home in Balsane, Dhule, but I am moving to Mumbai around March. My wife and I are expecting a baby in February. My parents live in a village where local transport is poor. My Mumbai office is near Powai, but parking is difficult. I prefer a manual car. Usage: My current running is around 10,000 km per year, but it may increase. I travel between Mumbai and Balsane, which is around 400 km one way, around 5-7 times a year, along with Dhule/Sakri and local trips. I also drive around Mumbai on weekends. The AC is usually on, and on long trips, the car will have my wife, baby, and luggage. Budget: Rs. 6-9 lakh on-road. I am willing to spend more only if it is genuinely worth it. Shortlist: - Tiago XE Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart CNG - Brezza LXi turbo-petrol Please tell me: 1. Which one should I buy and why? 2. Petrol vs CNG for my usage? The CNG premium is around Rs. 1 lakh, and the nearby village pump may open around Diwali, but this is not guaranteed. 3. What real-world mileage can I expect with the AC on? 4. Please consider loan interest, fuel costs, maintenance, depreciation, and resale value. 5. Is the Brezza worth the extra money? 6. Give me one final choice and tell me what I should avoid.

Verified
•6d

The Brezza LXI Turbo is far superior to the Punch and Tiago as far as smoothness, performance, and cabin space are concerned. It is also backed by Maruti's widespread support network, and the ownership experience is likely to be fuss-free. The on-road cost of the Brezza LXI will fall within your Rs 9 lakh budget, and even though you might miss a few features, it still feels worth opting for. Alternatively, you could also consider the Maruti Dzire VXI MT for its large boot, comfy ride and strong fuel efficiency.

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•3d

I currently drive a Hyundai i10 CNG, with daily running of around 6 km in Gurgaon city traffic and a monthly highway drive of around 200 km. I am now planning to upgrade my car, with an on-road budget of Rs. 12 lakh for a petrol sub-4-metre SUV, up to Rs. 14 lakh for a petrol midsize SUV, and Rs. 15 lakh for an EV. I live in a rented apartment on the second floor, so I am apprehensive about getting an EV. I prefer an EV, but installing a charger could be complicated due to the sanctioned load. My running could increase to nearly 800 km per month in the future. My key priorities are: - Good suspension and ride comfort, as I have a back problem - Decent fuel efficiency in heavy city traffic - Low to medium maintenance costs - Auto hold and ventilated seats would be good to have I sometimes consider buying a manual, but I mostly prefer an automatic. I am currently considering the Maruti Brezza, Baleno AMT, Fronx AMT/AT, Sonet iMT, Exter AMT, and even the upcoming Inster, VF3, and Bayon. I am open to other suggestions as well. Note: I had a bad driving experience with the Punch AMT, as it caused back fatigue.

Verified
•2d

Given your priorities of ride comfort, fuel efficiency and low maintenance, the Maruti Brezza automatic is the most sensible upgrade. It offers a comfortable ride, a proven naturally aspirated petrol engine and Maruti's strong service network, which keeps long-term ownership costs in check. The torque converter automatic is smooth in city traffic, and the Brezza's higher seating position will help with your back issues. The Sonet iMT is not the right choice here. While it is a good car, the iMT is not a true automatic and will not offer the same ease of use in Gurgaon traffic. The Baleno AMT and Exter AMT are also not ideal given your back issues and the fact that AMT gearboxes are not as smooth as torque converter automatics in stop-start conditions.On the EV front, your apprehension about charging is valid. Without a straightforward home charging solution, an EV will add unnecessary complexity to your ownership experience. The upcoming Bayon is interesting and if you can wait a few weeks you would have a better picture before making a decision. For now, the Brezza automatic strikes the best balance between comfort, efficiency and hassle-free ownership.

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Posted on: 26 Jul 2026