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Delhi
NA

Nitin Agrawal

4w

My monthly running is between 2500 and 3500 km. I am currently using a diesel car and prefer to keep it till the warranty. After that, should I buy a diesel or a hybrid for 1000km highway, rest city?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3w
You are right - with such high usage per month, your choice is between a diesel and a hybrid; a petrol car's running costs would be too high. Without knowing your budget, it's hard to say which segment you are looking at. But overall, while a diesel is a good option, since your usage is more in the city than on the highway, a good, strong hybrid makes more sense.
For the majority of your use in the city, the car will likely run on electric power alone, with the engine only stepping in to recharge the battery. And on the highway, you have a good mix of engine power, e-power, and regeneration.
Cars like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Victoris or Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are good options in the Rs 18-25 lakh range, but if you can spend Rs 30 lakh plus, consider the Toyota Innova HyCross, which has the added bonus of more space.
If your budget is closer to Rs 50 lakh, there is the excellent Toyota Camry Hybrid, and if it is higher still, you can explore the Lexus range of luxury hybrids.
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

AB

Akshay B

2w

Hybrid is the future. Simply go for it without exceptions

TE

Teja

2w

If you don't care about features . Just basic features enough for everyday use . You can add speakers at outside . Aftermarket ... Prefer TATA safari , harrier . Smart + , pure varient . For highway great . Powerful . Great for highway crusing .if u prefer manual . Or go for automatic if u look for comfort . Compact . Go to Sierra ( Great rear leg room space better than Nexon ) . All diesel only . Mahindra xuv700 or xuv3x0 diesel . These models don't have dpf issues . Other has dpf issues . So don't prefer them.... Hyundai , kia has dpf issues . Or go to cng elevate or other . great mileage but boot space compromise and safety too .... So prefer diesel . already you own diesel car so . Or wait till 2027 starting . E80 petrol cars are on the way or diesel 10% blend . Flex fuel cars in the way at 2027 .so save investment 1 time investment at 2027 .flex fuel E80 petrol type cars .or diesel 10% blend model engine . until enjoy ur car till then ... Please look .auto expo delhi for flex fuel car . At youtube

TE

Teja

2w

If you don't care about features . Just basic features enough for everyday use . You can add speakers at outside . Aftermarket ... Prefer TATA safari , harrier . Smart + , pure varient . For highway great . Powerful . Great for highway crusing .if u prefer manual . Or go for automatic if u look for comfort . Compact . Go to Sierra ( Great rear leg room space better than Nexon ) . All diesel only . Mahindra xuv700 or xuv3x0 diesel . These models don't have dpf issues . Other has dpf issues . So don't prefer them.... Hyundai , kia has dpf issues . Or go to cng elevate or other . great mileage but boot space compromise and safety too .... So prefer diesel . already you own diesel car so . Or wait till 2027 starting . E80 petrol cars are on the way or diesel 10% blend . Flex fuel cars in the way at 2027 .so save investment 1 time investment at 2027 .flex fuel E80 petrol type cars .or diesel 10% blend model engine . until enjoy ur car till then ... Please look .auto expo delhi for flex fuel car .

TE

Teja

2w

If you don't care about features . Only basic features for everyday use . Is enough . If you can add speakers at aftermarket .

TE

Teja

2w

If you don't care about features . Just basic features enough for everyday use . You can add speakers at outside . Aftermarket .

SK

SUNIL KRISHNA

3w

For example, TaTa Harrier diesel and petrol heads deliver almost equal fuel efficiency. Means no running cost difference but still, periodically DEF top up will make a diesel ICE running cost higher. and after 3-4 years, BS -6 Diesel one is a complete headache as frequent failure or sensors, DPF, Catalytic converter issues, increased NVH . Petrol engines have been modernized now for Atkinson cycle to take on maximum fuel efficiency. and that come without headache, , for atleast 10 years

SK

SUNIL KRISHNA

3w

Running cost of petrol car is lower than that of same diesel ICE car. Diesel price may sound cheaper but DEF fluid, Catalytic Converter repair cost, DPF cleaning cost, and regular maintenance makes is higher than petrol one. and future struck norms are always possible to tighten diesel cars. Some petrol cars too delivery attractive fuel efficiency at par diesel ICE ones.

NA

Nitin Agrawal

3w

Thank you so much. I have planned to buy high Rider.

Latest questions in the community

SP

Shivathmaja PS

16h

I am looking to buy a car for my parents, who do not drive, so it will mostly be chauffeur-driven. My main priority is rear seat comfort. We are upgrading from a 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. The car will mainly be used for highways and long trips, with minimal city usage. However, I would prefer an automatic transmission in case I need to use it occasionally in the city (Bengaluru). Before starting test drives, I wanted your suggestions on some suitable vehicles. Based on my initial research, I have shortlisted the following options: Honda City ZX CVT Kia Seltos HTX iVT Honda Elevate ZX CVT Škoda Slavia 1.5L Sportline DSG or 1.0 Monte Carlo AT Volkswagen Virtus Topline AT My budget is around ₹20–21 lakh. Which option would you recommend, especially considering rear seat comfort and highway usability?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
9h

Go for the Honda City ZX CVT. For chauffeur‑driven parents, it offers the comfiest rear bench, ample legroom, and a smooth CVT for Bengaluru traffic within your ₹20-21 lakh budget.Rear comfort is its strength: the 2,600 mm wheelbase helps knee-room, the rear seat is well-cushioned with good thigh support, and the ride is tuned soft for long trips. The 506‑litre boot easily swallows luggage for highway runs. ZX adds 6 airbags and ADAS with adaptive cruise control, useful on long highways. The CVT’s smooth creep and no shift‑shock make occasional city use easy. Versus your shortlist, Elevate’s rear bench feels upright, while Slavia/Virtus ride firmer and are more driver‑centric for back‑seat comfort.The one thing you give up is ground clearance in comparison to the Elevate. Also, if getting in and out is a concern, the Elevate's high-set seats would make it easier. A test drive should sort that out. For now, we recommend the City for its hassle-free ownership experience, reliability and most of all, a refined and comfortable cabin.

VehicleHonda City
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Slavia
VehicleVolkswagen Virtus
AK

Amit Khanna

17h

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV700 AX7T automatic and the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack 2 (above 70 kWh). My usage is mostly in the city with occasional long trips.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
10h

If you have home charging available, the Mahindra XEV 9e Pack 2 makes a lot of sense. Electric cars are extremely smooth in city traffic, offer instant torque and have much lower running costs compared to petrol SUVs.However, if home charging is not easily available and you prefer the convenience of quick refuelling for occasional long trips, the Mahindra XUV 7XO automatic is the safer and simpler choice. It removes the need to plan charging stops and will feel more convenient for highway travel.Choose the XEV 9e if you have home charging and want lower running costs with a smoother city drive. Choose the XUV 7XO automatic if you want maximum convenience for long trips without worrying about charging.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9e
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
RM

RATHI MRINALINI

1d

I am a new driver and have been driving in Bangalore for the past three years. I currently own a second-hand Maruti Celerio. I am planning to buy a new automatic car with a budget of ₹9.5 lakh. Could you please recommend a safe and comfortable car that is easy to drive?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
11h

We would recommend sticking to the Maruti family and upgrading to the new Swift. The Swift, in its ZXI AMT guise, will fit in your budget and deliver your requirements. It is compact, which makes it easy to handle, and has enough power at 82hp for the city and the highway from the 1.2-litre engine.In terms of efficiency, the AMT version returns 12.7kpl in the city and 19.7kpl on the highway. The AMT is one of the nicer versions in the segment and makes light work of city driving. The ride comfort is good too, and the Swift is tuned for bumpy Indian roads. The ZXI will also get you a good kit like 15-inch alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and rear AC vents.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Swift

Posted on: 16 Feb 2026