Currently, I’ve been driving a Honda Jazz CVT Petrol for the past 7 years. The car has been absolutely fine, and I still enjoy the drive. However, I’m now looking to upgrade to an SUV. My mandatory requirements are ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and a petrol automatic. My usage is mostly highway runs, with some weekend city driving, and my yearly running is around 10,000 km. Budget is up to 23 lakhs. I had shortlisted the Hyundai Alcazar 7-Seater Signature DCT (we are a family of 3, but extended family visits occasionally, so exploring the 7-seater option). However, with the current E20 fuel and upcoming E27/E30 norms, I’m confused whether to buy now or wait for a few months. Would appreciate suggestions on good options.

autocar.india

•46m

Go for the Kia Seltos Petrol IVT if it fits your budget, with the Hyundai Creta Petrol CVT as an equally good alternative if you prefer its styling or have a better local dealer. With a running of just 10 to 15km a day and predominantly city driving, a petrol automatic is the most sensible choice. A strong hybrid like the Victoris will save some fuel in traffic, but at this mileage, it will take a long time to recover its higher purchase price. The MG Windsor also doesn't make financial sense unless you have reliable home charging and specifically want to switch to an EV.The Seltos and Creta offer a very polished ownership experience with smooth, naturally aspirated petrol engines and reliable automatic gearboxes that are well-suited to stop-start traffic. They also have widespread service networks, good resale value and are likely to be easier and cheaper to own over the long term than newer alternatives.Since you don't want a sunroof but do want an automatic and a 360-degree camera, look at the variant lineup carefully, as these features are often bundled together.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

MG Windsor

autocar.india

•20h

No, a 2025 Hyundai Creta that is E20-compliant is unlikely to suffer a lower resale value because of ethanol blending alone, and there is no compelling reason to sell it purely over concerns about E20 fuel.The Creta's engine has been engineered to run on E20 petrol, and there is currently no official roadmap for fuel with higher ethanol content. While E20 can marginally reduce fuel efficiency and may contribute to slightly faster ageing of some fuel system components over a very long period, manufacturers have accounted for this in E20-compatible engines. Regular maintenance is far more important to long-term reliability and resale than ethanol blending.Whether it makes sense to switch depends on usage rather than fuel policy. If annual running is below 10,000km, keeping the Creta is the most sensible and cost-effective option. If most driving is in the city and there is reliable home charging, an EV can reduce running costs, but the savings need to outweigh the depreciation and replacement cost of changing cars. Factory-fitted CNG is worth considering only if annual running is high and a suitable model meets your needs. Retrofitting a CNG kit to a turbo petrol is not advisable.A well-maintained 2025 Creta should continue to enjoy strong resale value because of its popularity, widespread service network and proven ownership experience. Ethanol blending is unlikely to be a deciding factor for used car buyers over the next several years.

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•1d

Pick the Hyundai Creta. Under Rs. 25 lakh, it's one of the most well-rounded SUVs on sale. It offers refined engine options, a comfy ride, a feature-rich cabin, and is easy to drive in the city while remaining capable on highway trips. Space is good for a family of four or five, and Hyundai’s big service reach keeps ownership simple. You also get a good safety kit and useful tech within your budget. The only catch is that it is not the most fun or the most fuel-efficient choice.If your daily running is heavy city traffic and mileage matters most, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid makes more sense. If you enjoy driving and do more highway driving, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 or VW Taigun 1.5 will feel more enjoyable.

Hyundai Creta

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun