Kia Diesel Cars in India (7)

I’m planning to buy a new car, and my annual running is around 40,000km, primarily involving highway drives and ghat sections. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos Diesel HTX and the upcoming facelifted Toyota Innova Hycross ZX. I’m considering two approaches: either buy the Innova Hycross and keep it for the next 10 years, given its reputation for longevity and the expectation that its engine can last at least 4 lakh kilometres, or buy the Seltos, drive it for around 2 lakh kilometres over 4–5 years, sell it and upgrade to a brand-new Seltos or another car of a similar price and size. On paper, the Innova Hycross Hybrid seems like the better choice, considering its long-term reliability and features such as the Ottoman reclining seats. However, I’m concerned that I might get bored of it after four years or that it may start feeling outdated as newer technologies and features enter the market. This makes the second option appealing, as it would allow me to upgrade to a brand-new car every 4–5 years. Which approach would make more sense in the long run, considering my high annual running and ownership costs?

I'm planning to buy a new car for daily use (we already have a Ciaz diesel at home), and I've been going back and forth for a while, so I'd really appreciate some expert opinions. I started with the Brezza, then widened it to the Nexon, XUV 3XO and a few others. My running is high, about 20,000 km (In total, 2 cars) a year (well over 15,000 km at the least), so I figured a diesel makes more sense than petrol. I liked the 3XO MX2 diesel the most. If I go ICE, it will be a manual only. Now the Kia Syros EV is on my shortlist too. On-road prices as I see them: 3XO MX2 about Rs 11 lakh, Syros EV about Rs 15 lakh, so a Rs 4 lakh gap. My rough numbers: - 3XO diesel at around 18 km/l and about Rs 98/litre works out to roughly Rs 1.09 lakh a year in fuel. - Syros EV charged at home (42 kWh pack, 320 km claimed, maybe 250 km in real life) works out to roughly Rs 30,000 a year in electricity. - Including lower servicing for the EV, I'm getting a payback of about 4.5 to 5 years. I'm also considering a home solar plant (about Rs 2.25 lakh). Other points: I can charge at home every day, and I rarely do trips above 300 km (and the Ciaz is there for any long trips). I also hear the Hyundai HE1i is coming around the end of this year or early next year, so I'm wondering whether to wait for it. So, what would you do? Is the Syros EV worth the extra Rs 4 lakh at this running, or should I stick to the 3XO diesel? Anything I'm missing, like battery warranty, resale value, or real-world range and service experience? Thanks in advance!

My budget is between Rs. 40-50 lakh (on-road) for a car in Surat. I need a premium 6-7 seater automatic car for city driving and highway trips. The third row will be used occasionally. My driving pattern involves driving around 20,000 km over six months and 3,000 km over the other six months. It results in driving approximately 23,000 km annually. This is why I’m confused between petrol, diesel and hybrid options. Please help me compare the Skoda Kodiaq, Kia Sorento, Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid and Toyota Fortuner, considering real-world mileage, performance, comfort, safety, features, maintenance, resale value and long-term ownership costs. Which is the best overall choice for my usage, and are there any better alternatives within my budget?

Hi Autocar, I currently own a Swift ZXi (2013 model) and it still runs well in Bangalore traffic. I’m looking to upgrade to a big car that has a spacious second row that can be used as a 5 or 7 seater. My budget is around 30 lakh (on-road) but if it is worth increasing my budget, I can consider it. I’m looking for a performance car that will be primarily used for highway driving that will be around 1000km per month. I have taken the test ride of Harrier, XUV 700 (not 7XO), Jeep Meridian (which is my friend’s car that I took for 1000km+ drive and it did not cause any fatigue). I really liked the looks of Sorento but it seems little out of my budget. Is it worth considering now or should I give it some more time? Let me know if I can consider any other car for my requirement that does not have manufacturing or service issues. Also, please suggest whether I should choose diesel, petrol or EVs. I am fine with any fuel but my usage is not that much. Please advice accordingly.

I am planning to buy a new car and am considering the Honda Elevate VX manual. The colour I want may be available in a month or two. In the meantime, I am wondering whether I should consider the diesel Kia Seltos HTE (O) instead. I don't commute daily and mainly use my car on weekends, sometimes with my family, for city drives and occasional picnics. However, given the rising fuel costs, I'm considering the Kia diesel. What would you suggest?