Hello Autocar India. I am planning to purchase a car under Rs 40 lakh. Right now, I own a Creta diesel manual Knight Edition. I’m considering entering the full-size SUV segment, but there are no major options under Rs 40 lakh. I want a proper SUV with 7 seats, plush interiors that feel worth the money, strong brand value and genuine toughness. I considered the Fortuner, but the on-road price in Chennai is around Rs 44 lakh, and I do not want to go beyond Rs 40 lakh. I want something that is tough, something that could go anywhere it wanted to. I also looked at the Hilux, but it feels too long for Chennai roads. Right now, I have shortlisted the Jeep Meridian Longitude Plus manual. It seems to hit the sweet spot, but I am worried about reliability and resale value. What should I do? Are there any other options? I am open to other segments too, as long as it feels like a proper upgrade from my current car.

Autocar India

•9h

If you can install a charger at home and have charging stations on the route to your destination, an EV does make sense for your heavy use. Under Rs. 20 lakh, consider the Tata Curvv EV with the 55kWh battery pack. In our real world tests, it managed 352km on the highway which means your 350km journey is possible with a quick stop in between to top up. It also has good ground clearance and rides well, so it will deal with village roads nicely.For under Rs. 30 lakh, consider the Mahindra XEV 9e with the 79kWh battery pack. In our tests, it managed 488km on the highway meaning with some care, your 350km journey is possible in one go. You will need to charge at your destination though. EVs are less efficient on the highway and particularly with a full load require care to ensure the battery doesn't deplete too quickly. Your charging stops will also need to be planned in advance and there is possibility that you will have to wait at a stop for charge to become available. If this seems like too much work, then stick to a diesel. Under Rs. 20 lakh, consider the Kia Seltos diesel or the Hyundai Creta diesel. Under 30 lakh, you could consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO or the Scorpio N. All of these will comfortably manage village roads and do long highway stints without worries.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Tata Curvv EV

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Autocar India

•10h

Go ahead with the Seltos HTX petrol automatic. For your mostly-highway 1000km a month with four on board, the 1.5 petrol with the smooth automatic is relaxed at cruising speeds, has enough space and comfort for a City owner to feel at home, and its simple engine-gearbox combo is the safer long-term bet for a 10-year ownership.The Kia Seltos hybrid was initially planned for later this year, but has since been pushed to 2027 as Kia wants to localise the hybrid powertrain as much as possible before launch for a competitive price, though it will still be noticeably higher than the petrol version. Moreover, hybrids work better in city traffic than high-speed highway driving, so given your usage, the petrol is probably a better bet. We'll have to test drive it to know this for sure. The next-gen Hyundai Creta is also due only next year, and it will share its platform and engines with the Seltos. If you really value the Hyundai brand over Kia, then it's worth waiting, but in most aspects, you're already getting everything from that car in the Seltos, so it's probably not worth the wait.All things considered, then, go with the Kia Seltos 1.5 Petrol IVT.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Honda City

Autocar India

•1d

Go ahead with the Seltos in October; it already offers the same core package the new-gen Creta is likely to bring, without waiting on launch dates or risking a price jump. Both share engines and most features, and the Seltos’ facelift brought all the modern, feel-good bits, so you are not missing anything major. October also tends to bring festival deals, and quicker delivery on the Seltos, which you can actually use.The next-gen Creta is likely to hit showrooms in the first half of 2027. And even post launch, deliveries could take a few weeks. Hence, your wait is likely to get even longer.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta