Help me choose a car within ₹14 lakh. I am looking for an automatic. My running will be around 1,000 km a month, with 60% city traffic and 40% highway usage.

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 variant. It offers the best balance of performance, space and features in this price range. The turbo petrol engine feels the strongest, especially on highways where the extra punch makes overtakes easier, and it also has the most spacious and comfortable rear seat compared to the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue. At the same time, it is well equipped, so you are not missing out on key features.Two things to keep in mind with the 3XO. The boot is the smallest among the three, so check your luggage needs, and fuel efficiency is not its strongest point.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Hyundai Venue

Autocar India

•30m

With 60-80 km of daily driving, you are absolutely right that an EV would be the cheapest to run and very smooth in city traffic. However, since this is your primary car and you also take outstation trips, the need for charging planning and dependence on infrastructure can become inconvenient over time, especially on longer drives. It is usable, but not completely effortless yet.A strong hybrid fits your usage better. It gives you EV-like smoothness and excellent efficiency in city driving, while also delivering very good efficiency on highways, something modern hybrids now do surprisingly well. At the same time, you retain the full flexibility of a petrol car, eliminating any range anxiety or planning concerns. What’s even more impressive is that despite its size, it’s very easy to drive with great visibility, though its length can make parking in tight spots a bit challenging.We would have recommended you the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid instead, but considering you currently own the Honda City, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder may not feel like a meaningful upgrade in terms of space. This is where the HyCross makes a stronger case. It offers a clear step up in space, comfort and long-distance usability, while still delivering the efficiency benefits of a hybrid.A petrol-only SUV in this budget will feel simpler to own, but with your running, fuel costs will be significantly higher, which reduces long-term value.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Honda City

Toyota Innova HyCross

Autocar India

•3h

Considering your requirements, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT is a good fit and will do the job. The IVT is Kia’s smooth automatic that feels very easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic, which is what you face most days. On hills, it will climb cleanly if you don’t rush it. With a full load, you will need to press the throttle a bit more, but it will hold speed fine on steady inclines.A few things to set expectations. When you ask for quick bursts, like an overtake uphill with five on board, the engine will need a moment to build speed, and it will sound louder when you push it hard. On the highway with a full car, you will find it happier at a calm, steady pace.If you see yourself doing those sections very often with all five seats filled and lots of luggage, and you want stronger performance, the Seltos turbo-petrol automatic or the diesel automatic will feel noticeably stronger on climbs and during quick overtakes. But for mostly city use with occasional trips, the Seltos IVT keeps life simple and stress-free, which suits your routine best.

Kia Seltos