Hi, I am a doctor by profession and, of course, a car enthusiast. I own a 2022 Jeep Compass 4x4 top model. I am planning to upgrade to a luxury petrol car. My Running is around 800km a month. Which do you think is the best petrol luxury car under a 70 lakh budget? Thank you.

Autocar India

•1d

For your usage, which is mostly highway driving with occasional rural roads and long trips, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel manual is the better fit. It offers a more relaxed and effortless driving experience, especially over long distances.An important point in your case is what you are upgrading from. Your Jeep Compass diesel uses a 2.0-litre engine, and moving to the Kia Seltos diesel, which has a smaller 1.5-litre engine, will not feel like an upgrade in terms of performance. It will feel adequate, but not significantly stronger than what you are used to.The XUV 7XO, on the other hand, also uses a larger 2.0-litre diesel engine, and despite being a bigger car, it will feel like a proper step up. You will notice stronger pulling power, more effortless highway cruising and better overall performance. It also feels more stable and composed at speed, which suits your kind of long-distance driving. Refinement levels are also good, making it a comfortable car for extended journeys.The Seltos diesel is easier to drive in the city and feels more compact and user-friendly, but on highways and rough rural roads, it does not feel as robust or as planted as the 7XO.One important point is the budget. The 7XO diesel variants may go slightly above your Rs 18 lakh on-road range, depending on the variant and location, so you will need to check exact pricing.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Jeep Compass

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•1d

If you're looking for performance first and foremost, check out the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol. Coming from the 1.5 petrol Creta, you will immediately notice how much stronger the XUV 7XO's 202hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol is. Overtakes need a light press on the pedal, hills feel effortless even with family and bags, and it cruises comfortably at highway speeds. Mahindra tunes its engines for performance first and fuel economy second. So, be prepared for poor mileage numbers.If you’re tempted by a used luxury SUV, a 2-3 year old BMW X3 30i or Audi Q5 with a valid extended warranty will be quick and feel special, but do factor in higher service and repair costs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Audi Q5

Autocar India

•11h

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo-petrol DCT in GT Line. It is a step up from your Kicks, and will feel like a real upgrade in terms of refinement, safety tech and overall cabin experience.Your Kicks Turbo is a strong driver’s car, but the Kia Seltos brings the two big gains you’ll feel every day. First, the DCT automatic takes the hard work out of stop-and-go traffic, so your commute will be far more relaxed. Second, the Seltos cabin feels more upmarket, with better screens, a sharper camera system and many comfort touches . It is also better equipped on safety in higher trims, and Kia’s service reach in Bangalore is wide and usually smooth. Performance will not feel like a downgrade either; the 1.5 turbo is quick, and the Seltos feels stable and easy to drive.One thing to be aware of is that a DCT can feel a bit hesitant at very low speeds. Also, the GT Line’s larger wheels make the ride a little firm. Do a long test drive on your usual commute and see if the Seltos DCT suits you.

Kia Seltos