My budget is around 14 lakhs, and I am confused between the MG Windsor exclusive, the Tata Nexon Empowered 45 and the Tata Punch Empowered S40. Please Suggest.

autocar.india

•3h

Go for the Kia Seltos Petrol IVT if it fits your budget, with the Hyundai Creta Petrol CVT as an equally good alternative if you prefer its styling or have a better local dealer. With a running of just 10 to 15km a day and predominantly city driving, a petrol automatic is the most sensible choice. A strong hybrid like the Victoris will save some fuel in traffic, but at this mileage, it will take a long time to recover its higher purchase price. The MG Windsor also doesn't make financial sense unless you have reliable home charging and specifically want to switch to an EV.The Seltos and Creta offer a very polished ownership experience with smooth, naturally aspirated petrol engines and reliable automatic gearboxes that are well-suited to stop-start traffic. They also have widespread service networks, good resale value and are likely to be easier and cheaper to own over the long term than newer alternatives.Since you don't want a sunroof but do want an automatic and a 360-degree camera, look at the variant lineup carefully, as these features are often bundled together.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

MG Windsor

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Renault Triber or its sister car the Nissan Gravite. For a family of five on a tight Rs. 8 lakh budget, nothing gives you this much space and flexibility. You get real rear-seat room, easy access, and with the third row folded you have a huge boot for bags, strollers, or a weekly shop. The third row is quite useable too should you have extra passengers. Your running is modest, so the petrol suits fine, and it is easy to drive in the city. Lower and mid trims usually fit your budget in many cities, and there is an automatic option if you want it.The issue is performance. With five on board and luggage, it feels slow on highways or during overtaking. Cabin quality is simple too, but it is practical and tough enough for daily use.If you prefer a 5-seat hatchback and want something more polished, look at the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It is roomy for five, very efficient, and cheap to run, though the boot is smaller than the Triber with seats folded. If you want a higher driving position, the Tata Punch is worth a look, but shoulder room for three at the back is tighter.

Renault Triber

Nissan Gravite

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

autocar.india

•1d

We would recommend the Tata Nexon Diesel over the Punch if you regularly drive in the hills. The diesel engine's strong low end torque makes climbing steep inclines much easier, especially with a full load of passengers or luggage. It also requires fewer gear changes on winding roads and feels much more relaxed than the Punch's naturally aspirated petrol engine.The Nexon is also the better all round vehicle. It has a more planted feel at highway speeds, a larger cabin, a bigger boot and better long distance comfort. If your hill trips are frequent or you live in a hilly area, the diesel suits this usage very well. Just ensure you also undertake regular longer drives, as modern diesels are happiest when they get enough running to keep the emissions system healthy.The Punch is a good choice if your driving is almost entirely in the city and you want a smaller, easier to park SUV. However, for hill driving, especially with family or luggage, it can feel underpowered compared to the Nexon diesel.

Tata Nexon

Tata Punch