Considering SAIC's decision to reduce its stake in the JSW MG Motor India joint venture and the potential formation of a new JV between JSW and Chery, should I still consider purchasing the MG Windsor?

Autocar India

•7h

The Maruti Suzuki E Vitara is a sensible EV for your usage and budget.For 70-80 km a day and around 25,000 km a year, going electric will significantly cut your running costs, and charging from solar makes it even more economical. The e‑Vitara is positioned as a reasonably priced compact electric car, so it should sit comfortably within your 17 lakh budget and still offer the ease of an automatic, quiet drive and low maintenance.However, there are some important comfort limitations to be aware of, particularly for someone who is 6'3". The cabin is not very spacious, and you’re likely to need the driver’s seat pushed all the way back, which leaves very little legroom for a passenger sitting directly behind you. The floor is also quite high because of the battery pack, so your knees sit more upright than normal, which can reduce long‑distance comfort for tall occupants.If rear‑seat space matters or you often travel with family, it’s worth looking at alternatives like the MG Windsor EV, which offers a noticeably roomier cabin and more comfortable back seat. But if you mostly drive alone or with one front passenger, the e‑Vitara will do the job quite well.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

MG Windsor

Autocar India

•2h

For long-term usage, the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) and the Maruti Victoris ZXi (O) strong hybrid are safer bets than the Tata Sierra Accomplished+ Turbo Petrol. Both come with a solid reputation for reliability and strong after-sales support, which is what really matters over 8-10 years of ownership.Between the Toyota HyCross and the Victoris, the HyCross is the more comfortable and practical choice. Its very spacious cabin, better third-row usability and comfortable ride make it a nicer long-distance family car. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is simple and proven, and its relaxed highway manners are a big plus if you do a lot of intercity trips.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid scores on efficiency and smoothness thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which is especially nice in traffic and helps keep running costs low. However, the boot is smaller, and the cabin is the least spacious of the three, so it’s not as versatile for full-family use. If you mainly drive yourself with only occasional passengers, the Victoris, which is also the most compact and city-friendly of the lot, is the easiest to live with in daily urban driving.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Sierra

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Autocar India

•3h

The new Renault Duster 1.0 turbo-petrol should be acceptable in the city, but it is not the most effortless choice for predominantly urban use like yours.The 1.0 turbo makes about 99hp and 160-166Nm, and the torque comes in from around 2,000rpm, so performance at low revs will feel merely adequate rather than strong. You will need to work the gearbox to keep the engine in its power band, especially with a full load or on inclines, and that can get tiring in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic. The good bit is that the clutch is light and the engine reasonably refined, so it won’t feel cumbersome or heavy in daily use.However, there is no automatic with the 1.0 turbo. It comes only with a 6‑speed manual, which is a drawback for an 85% city‑running profile. If you prioritise smoothness and ease over outright punch, an automatic CVT in this segment will suit you better.The Kia Seltos 1.5 iVT offers seamless, jerk‑free power delivery and feels very smooth and responsive in typical city driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol CVT, which has the same gearbox as the Seltos, is another good option. Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta make urban driving more relaxing, even if performance is only adequate rather than exciting.

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta