Hi, currently, I am using a Tata Altroz petrol manual XZ (2020). Now, I want to upgrade to a mid-size SUV. My driving is 50% in the city and 50% on highways. My budget is ₹15 lakh. My priorities are safety, space, comfort, mileage as well as a smooth and powerful engine. I prefer a manual car. Kindly suggest.

autocar.india

•1d

With your annual running of around 8,000km and a commute that is mostly short city trips, a BS6 diesel is not the right choice. Modern BS6 diesels use a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that needs regular long runs at steady speeds to regenerate properly. Your pattern of short, low-speed trips with only occasional long drives increases the risk of DPF issues over time. Petrol cars, hybrid or EV would be a better fit.Given your budget of Rs. 25 lakh and your desire for a technologically advanced car with all the bells and whistles, the Kia Seltos is the most sensible upgrade from your Tata Zest. It is a genuinely premium midsize SUV with a strong feature list, a comfortable cabin and a good balance between city usability and highway capability. It also has a proven ownership track record and affordable maintenance.If you want something a bit more driver-focused, the Skoda Kushaq is worth considering. It is a more engaging car to drive, but it does not feel as premium or as feature-rich as the Seltos.Overall, the Seltos is the best fit for your requirements. It is a significant upgrade from your Zest, it is technologically advanced, it is reliable and it will be easy to live with over the long term.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•9h

With your current usage pattern of 30-40 km weekend drives and only occasional long trips, a diesel car is no longer the right choice. The DPF issues you have experienced are a direct result of this kind of low-mileage, short-trip usage, and moving to a petrol car is the right decision.The Hyundai Venue petrol is a natural replacement if you are otherwise happy with the car. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol is smooth, reliable and well suited to your usage, and the car itself is compact, easy to drive and well equipped. The Kia Sonet petrol which is essentially the same car underneath is also a good option and well suited to your usageThe key is to move away from diesel and towards a simple, naturally aspirated petrol engine that will be reliable and easy to live with given your current usage. The Venue petrol, Sonet petrol and the latest Brezza petrol are all excellent petrol cars.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•10h

Based on your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is the most sensible recommendation. It is a genuinely well-rounded 7-seater SUV with a strong diesel engine, a smooth automatic gearbox and a comfortable ride, making it easy to drive in the city while still being capable on long highway runs. The diesel engine is refined and efficient, which is important given your long-distance usage, and the car offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The XUV 7XO also comes with a comprehensive ADAS suite and a modern, feature-rich cabin, which adds to the overall ownership experience. Coming from an EcoSport diesel, you will appreciate the step up in space, comfort and refinement, while still retaining the diesel efficiency you are used to. The only real drawback is that the third row is best suited to children or occasional use, but that is true for most SUVs in this segment. Overall, the XUV 7XO diesel automatic strikes the right balance between comfort, safety, ease of driving and long-term ownership suitability.

Mahindra XUV 7XO