I want to drive from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar. Which route would you recommend? I can see multiple routes on Google Maps and don't know which one is best.

Autocar India

•2h

With a 20 km daily city run, rare highway trips and a Rs. 10-11 lakh cap, a small petrol SUV with a manual fits you best. The Hyundai Venue HX5 1.2 petrol manual is the right pick here because it is simple to own, uses less fuel for a tall car, and Hyundai’s huge service network keeps upkeep easy and low cost. It is easy to drive in traffic, rides well over bad roads, and is well-built, so you won’t worry about rough patches or long life. For your short daily use, petrol keeps costs lower than diesel without the extra hassle.Two things to note: the cabin can feel a bit tight for 5 passengers, and the 1.2 NA petrol may require a downshift for overtaking on the highway.If you want a bit more room, the Tata Nexon petrol manual or the Maruti Suzuki Brezza are good alternatives. Overall, the Venue lines up best with what you need.

Hyundai Venue

Tata Nexon

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•2h

With 50–120 km a week and mostly city trips, go for a petrol car. It will feel smoother and quieter, pick up better at low speeds, and you will avoid the long queues and limited pumps that come with CNG.Due to your usage, the extra price of a CNG car will take a long time to recover. CNG also reduces boot space because of the tank, and the car feels a bit less powerful, especially when overtaking or on inclines. Petrol keeps things simple and is easier to live with for short, stop‑go runs.The only reason to opt for CNG here is if you want the fuel cost to be minimal and you have a reliable CNG pump close by. If you still lean that way, choose a factory‑fitted CNG model, not an aftermarket kit, and plan for the smaller boot. Tata and Hyundai both offer twin tank CNG options, which help keep a usable boot.If you share your budget and size preference, we can point you to a few smooth, easy petrol choices that fit it.

Autocar India

•1h

For your requirements, the Toyota Innova Crysta diesel 8-seater (manual) fits you best. It is the only one here that can seat all eight comfortably, and its diesel pulls strongly even with a full load, so it won’t feel like your Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Ride comfort is calm on bad roads, the seats are supportive for parents, and Toyota’s track record over 6-7 years is hard to beat.Two things to note: most Crysta trims are manual, so city traffic needs some left‑leg effort, and the on-road price may sit a little above Rs. 25 lakh depending on your city.Overall, for your family size and long-term, the Innova Crysta 8-seater is the right upgrade.

Toyota Innova Crysta

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga