Delhi

•8h

With the third-gen Creta already under testing, what is Hyundai’s long-term plan for a 7-seater SUV positioned above it? Could the upcoming Ni1i hybrid SUV simply be launched as the second-gen Alcazar, or will the Alcazar be discontinued? There has been news about Ni1i for a long time. Will the Alcazar get a new generation, move upmarket to rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO, or make way for an entirely new model as it approaches the end of its lifecycle?

•3m

Hyundai is unlikely to simply replace the Alcazar with the upcoming hybrid SUV (Ni1i), as the two are expected to occupy different positions in its line-up. We had previously reported that Ni1i is planned as a larger, three-row hybrid SUV positioned above the Alcazar and below the Tucson, targeting rivals such as the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. If that positioning holds, the Alcazar would continue to fill the gap between the Creta and the larger hybrid SUV.

The Alcazar is also expected to receive a new generation around 2027–28, while Ni1i has gone quiet and is unlikely to arrive before late 2027. Hyundai has not confirmed the final positioning or launch timeline for either model, so it is too early to say whether the Alcazar will move upmarket or be discontinued.

For now, the most plausible plan is for Hyundai to retain the Alcazar as its more accessible three-row SUV and position Ni1i as a larger, more premium hybrid offering. The arrival of the third-generation Creta could influence that strategy, but there is no confirmed indication that Ni1i will simply become the next Alcazar.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Alcazar

from ₹16.83 Lakh

Hyundai

Creta

from ₹12.66 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹16.23 Lakh

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.55 Lakh

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•1h

Finally, Bayon is launched! The design looks interesting, but I'm confused whether users will pick it over the Creta or stick with the familiar option?

•2d

We have been using a 2019 Kia Seltos 1.4 DCT and are now planning to change our car. I am leaning towards a sedan, particularly the Volkswagen Virtus, for its performance, driving comfort and build quality. I have driven the Volkswagen Vento 1.0 TSI before, so I am familiar with the driving experience. However, the Virtus does not feel like a significant upgrade from our current car, especially because its interior seems dated compared with newer models. I have also considered the Toyota Camry, which looks beautiful and offers a more premium experience, but it is beyond our budget. We drive around 15,000km a year, with a mix of city commutes and highway trips. I want an engaging driving experience, good performance, comfortable long-distance cruising and a premium feel. A sedan is my first preference, but I am open to an SUV if it makes more sense. What would you recommend? Are there any cars that would feel like a genuine upgrade from the Seltos?

•3h

The Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 TSI DSG is worth considering if you want an engaging sedan with strong performance and good highway manners. However, since you already drive a Seltos 1.4 DCT, the Virtus may not feel like a substantial upgrade in cabin quality or features, even though it offers a different driving experience. The Toyota Camry would feel like a bigger step up in refinement and premiumness, but if it is beyond budget, stretching for it may not make sense.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth a serious look if you're open to an SUV. It will feel more like a genuine upgrade in cabin space, features, comfort and performance, with a more substantial family-car feel. It is enjoyable to drive, has good ride comfort, and if you do a lot of highway driving, you can also consider the diesel automatic, which is refined for a diesel and delivers strong performance.

I am looking for an automatic five-seater car under Rs 18 lakh and am confused between the Honda Elevate and Hyundai Creta. Which would be more comfortable for highway travel? My annual running will be below 12,000km.

•4h

The Hyundai Creta IVT would be our pick for comfortable highway travel. Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is refined, and better sound insulation keeps the cabin quieter at cruising speeds. The flat, wide rear seat also makes it a good choice if you occasionally travel with three people at the back. With annual running below 12,000km, the petrol automatic makes sense.The Honda Elevate CVT is worth considering because you can get a higher variant for similar money, with more features for your budget. Honda has worked on improving the sound insulation with the 2026 facelift, but the Elevate still doesn't feel as refined as the Creta when it comes to engine noise and overall cabin quietness.

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•4d

I am looking for a petrol automatic car under Rs 12 lakh with good features. My first choice is the Honda Amaze, but I am concerned about its ground clearance and engine performance. Around 70% of my driving will be in the city. Would the Amaze be a good choice?

•3d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

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•5d

Dear Autocar Team, I currently own a Dzire diesel manual (2018) and now I am planning to buy a new car but I am very confused between Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kwh and the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kwh. Although, I love diesel cars but since I live in Faridabad, my biggest concern is about increasing bans and restrictions on diesel cars. My main usage is on highways and bit within the city. I have clocked 1.3 lakh km on my Dzire in 8-9 years. I am getting the exact Harrier EV model for Rs. 22 lakh (on-road) whereas the XEV 9S will cost around Rs. 27-28 lakh (on-road) and that is my biggest confusion. Should I spend this additional amount on the XEV 9S for Harrier ev because I don't want any hassles as an since I plan to keep the car for the next several years.

•4d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

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•4d

Hi Autocar team, I am considering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Maruti Suzuki Victoris. The 3XO offers more features and space than the Brezza, but I expect it to be less fuel-efficient. The Victoris is considerably more expensive. Is the 3XO a good choice, or should I consider other options?

•3d

Yes, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a very good choice. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater. It is also feature-rich and offers strong value for money. The only real drawback is the boot, which is one of the smallest in the segment, at least on paper; however, usable space is comparable to rivals.The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the more sensible choice if you are prioritising reliability, low maintenance costs and Maruti's service network. It is also a comfortable five-seater with a good ride. The Mahindra car, however, feels like the more modern and better-equipped product.

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