Mumbai

Sourabh Nanaware

•4d

I have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX3, Tata Safari Pure(X), Mahindra Scorpio N Z4, and Kia Carens Clavis HTK+. My priorities are safety, mileage, easy city driving and parking. My yearly running is around 6,000km. Please suggest the top two options and whether I should choose petrol or diesel.

Autocar India

•27m

City-first use, low yearly running and a focus on safety and easy parking point to two picks from your list: Mahindra XUV 7XO AX3 and Kia Carens Clavis HTK+.

The Mahindra XUV 7XO suits you if you want a strong safety focus and a calm, smooth drive. It feels steady on bad roads, gives a clear view out, and the light steering at low speeds helps in traffic and tight lanes. Parking aids available on the 7XO help slot a big car into small spaces.

The Kia Carens Clavis is the easiest to live with in the city. It has light controls, a relaxed petrol engine, and it sips less fuel in stop-go use. The low floor also makes getting in and out very easy for the family, and the third row is better than the 7XO's.

With 6,000 km a year, pick petrol. Diesel costs more, and short city runs don’t suit it. Only choose diesel if you do frequent long highway trips.

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More questions on similar cars

Nishad

•4d

I am planning to buy a petrol car within an on-road budget of Rs. 25-26 lakhs in Bengaluru. My daily usage is minimal, with a monthly running of around 500 km. I am confused between the Seltos GTX (A) and the XUV 7XO AX automatic variants. After test driving both, I like the XUV 7XO for its power, but prefer the Seltos for its more practical cabin.

Autocar India

•23h

Mostly city use in Bengaluru with low running and a Rs. 25-26 lakh cap, points you to the Kia Seltos GTX automatic. It matches what you liked in the test drive: the cabin feels easier to live with every day. In traffic and tight parking spaces, the Seltos is simpler to place, the steering is light, and visibility is good. Seat comfort is good and the storage and controls feel more straightforward, which helps on daily runs. It will also be a touch easier on fuel in the city than a bigger, heavier car.Two trade-offs to note. On open highways, the Mahindra car pulls harder and will feel stronger when you press the accelerator. The Seltos’ rear seat is fine for two adults, but the Mahindra gives you more overall space and a third row.If your use shifts to frequent highway trips with a full family, pick the XUV 7XO automatic for its stronger power and steadier high-speed feel, knowing it will feel bigger in the city. For your current mix, choose the Seltos GTX automatic.

Kia Seltos

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Sukumar

•3d

Hi, I am planning to buy a new car, as my monthly running is around 3,000 km, with approximately 80% highway driving and 20% city/rural road usage. I am currently considering the following options: Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 Topline Manual Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 Diesel Kia Seltos HTK(O) Diesel Manual Could you please suggest which of these would be the best option?

Autocar India

•2d

Given 3,000 km a month with 80% highway and some rough rural stretches, the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7T diesel fits your use best. It feels steady at speed and soaks up broken patches well, which helps on long runs and village roads. The diesel has a strong pull, so overtaking needs less effort even with family and luggage. You also get more space and a higher driving position than either of the other cars, which makes it more practical and easier to drive.Two things to note: it is big in traffic and tight parking, and in the city it will use a more fuel than the smaller Kia. If you want something easier to manage daily, the Kia Seltos HTK(O) diesel MT is the smarter second choice. It’s lighter to drive and still stable on the highway, but you will feel bumps more than in the Mahindra, and rear space is smaller.The Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 Topline MT is nice to drive, but for this much highway running, the petrol will cost more to run and needs more gear changes for quick passes. Overall, pick the XUV 7XO diesel for your usage.

Anurag jalan

I currently own a Toyota Fortuner, two Mahindra Thar Roxx models, and an XUV700. I also previously owned a Scorpio N. I am now planning to sell one of my Thar Roxx vehicles, as it is an early production model and has been giving me several issues. My usage involves daily driving in rough terrain and mountainous conditions, so having a capable 4x4 is essential for me. Before the Roxx, I owned a 3-door Thar, and honestly, given my current usage, the 3-door version seems to suit my needs better. I am now confused about what to buy next. Should I go back to a 3-door Thar, continue with the Roxx, or consider another capable 4x4 option better suited for rough and mountain use?

Autocar India

•2d

Since you've already owned a Mahindra Thar 3-door, and you believe that it is the best for you, we would recommend you go ahead with it. You already know what the vehicle is capable of, and as an owner, you're aware of all its pros and cons too. There are no other options in the market that can deliver what the Thar can.The Maruti Jimny is smaller, very tough, and surprisingly capable, although its engine performance is no match for the Mahindra. The Force Gurkha is capable off-road, but lacks the Thar's sophistication, and feels too crude in comparison. Other monocoque AWD options include the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Victoris, Mahindra XUV 7XO, and dual-motor EV options like the Vinfast VF7 and Tata Harrier EV. Do note that while all these models will get you through sticky situations and handle mild trails easily, none are as good off-road as the Thar. All things considered, go for the Thar; it seems to be the best fit for you.

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Autocar India

•3d

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I am interested in the BYD Seal, but I’m concerned about its low ground clearance of the car. Is this a serious issue on Indian roads, speed breakers, and basement ramps?

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The low ground clearance of BYD Seal is something you can live with, especially if you're used to driving sedans. Its nose sits low and the distance between the wheels is long, so tall, badly built breakers and sharp ramp crests can make it touch, especially with four or five people and luggage. However on regular speed breakers, it is likely to clear if you slow right down, and you don't necessarily need to take them at a slight angle.The underbody and battery are protected, so even if it scrapes a few times, it should not be a cause of concern, however, it will feel gut-wrenching to hear the underbody scrape over the unscientifically-built speed humps.Before finalizing, if your daily route has extra-tall breakers or a tricky ramp, take a test drive on that exact path. If it clears there, you’ll be fine in regular use.

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•2d

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