I am currently using a 2017 elite i20 diesel. I am planning to buy a new petrol automatic. My budget is 20-25 lakhs. I want to have a car that feel like a real upgrade with bigger size and better driving dynamics than i20. I have shortlisted tata harrier pure x or adventure x+ and xuv 7xo ax7. Which one is a better choice ? I am also thinking of shortening the budget and go for skoda slavia 1.5 sportline. Any other choices do I have ?

Autocar India

•1h

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is comfortable, feature-rich and enjoyable to drive. Its engine options are strong and refined, automatic transmissions are smooth, and with the 2026 model, its ride quality has become significant, with exceptional bump absorption capability. Overall, the XUV 7XO is an excellent option, and certainly one that we'd recommend.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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Autocar India

•22h

Since you are already using an EV for your daily commute, it makes sense to look at a combustion-engine SUV for your outstation runs. The low running costs of an EV are very tempting. But if the primary use is highway and long-distance travel, a conventional SUV is simply more practical. Also, it is easier to refuel without having to plan around charging infrastructure.With an annual running of around 30,000km, a diesel SUV makes very good sense. There are quite a few strong options in the market. The safest bet is the Hyundai Creta 1.5 diesel automatic. It’s efficient, smooth, proven, affordable to maintain and has good resale value.A better alternative in the same space is the Kia Seltos 1.5 diesel automatic. It shares its mechanics with the Creta but feels a bit more spacious and has fresher-looking interiors.If your driving is predominantly outstation and you value high-speed stability, the Mahindra XUV 7XO with the strong 2.2 diesel is an excellent highway car. It feels solid and planted at speed, though it’s not as manoeuvrable in the city as the Creta and Seltos, nor is it quite as fuel efficient

Hyundai Creta

Kia New Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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Autocar India

•23h

Moving from a 2014 Maruti Dzire to the Mahindra XUV7XO AX7L diesel automatic is a significant upgrade in every sense, size, performance, technology, and overall feel. So it’s completely natural to feel a bit unsure at first. The biggest change you’ll notice immediately is the size. The XUV7XO is wider, taller and sits on a longer wheelbase, so judging the car’s edges and positioning it in tight spaces will take a few days of familiarisation. Parking and manoeuvring won’t feel as effortless as your Dzire initially, but once you adjust to the dimensions, the added size actually gives you a more planted and confident feel on the road.The diesel engine will also feel very different. It produces strong torque, which means the car pulls easily from low speeds and gathers pace much more effortlessly than your older petrol sedan. You may find yourself reaching higher speeds sooner than expected. So take it easy with the accelerator in the beginning until your right foot recalibrates to the stronger performance. On the positive side, overtaking and highway cruising will feel far more relaxed and less stressful.If this is your first automatic, there is one habit you must consciously develop: use only your right foot for both the accelerator and brake. Many first-time automatic drivers instinctively try to use their left foot as if pressing a clutch, and that can result in accidentally braking hard. The safest practice is to rest your left foot on the footrest and not use it at all. Within a week or so, you’ll realise how much more convenient and less tiring an automatic is in traffic.As for the diesel aspect, there is nothing to worry about, but modern diesels come with a Diesel Particulate Filter, or DPF. In simple terms, it’s a filter in the exhaust that traps soot to keep emissions clean. Over time, this filter fills up and needs to be cleaned. It does this automatically when you drive steadily for a while, typically a continuous 20-30 minute drive at moderate or highway speeds. If the car is used only for short city trips all the time, the filter may not get the chance to clean itself properly. So it’s good practice to take the car out for a longer drive every couple of weeks. Also, stick to the scheduled maintenance and don’t ignore any warning lights related to the system.Fuel efficiency in city conditions may not match your old Dzire simply because this is a larger, more powerful vehicle, and maintenance costs will be slightly higher than those of a small sedan. However, what you gain in comfort, safety, features and overall driving confidence is substantial. Give yourself a couple of weeks to adapt to the size and performance, follow sensible driving and service habits, and the XUV7XO should give you many years of satisfying and stress-free motoring.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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