Kia Sonet

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If your 2021 Kia Sonet 1.0 iMT is serving you well without any issues, we'd suggest you retain it. On the E20 issue, ethanol blends can reduce fuel economy slightly, but the drop is not likely to be significant enough to justify selling a good car. Keep in mind that you will lose a fair chunk of money as far as residual value goes, which won't justify the additional outlay your next new car will command.The bigger question is whether the Baleno AGS is the right upgrade. At under Rs 10 lakh on-road, you are looking at the Zeta AGS, which is a well-equipped car. This Maruti Suzuki car is comfortable, reliable and very easy to drive in the city. The AGS gearbox is an automated manual, which will be more convenient than the iMT. And the Baleno's 1.2 NA petrol will certainly be more efficient than the Sonet's 1.0 Turbo. That said, as far as quality and performance go, the Baleno will feel like a step backwards compared to your outgoing Sonet.If your father is looking for a smoother city driving experience and better fuel efficiency, the Baleno AGS is a good choice. If the Sonet is otherwise running well, there is no urgent need to sell it purely because of E20 concerns.

Kia Sonet

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

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Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It is the most sensible choice for a second family car under Rs 10 lakh. It offers a comfortable 5-seat layout, good ground clearance and a smooth, fuss-free driving experience. The naturally aspirated petrol engine of this Maruti Suzuki car is refined and easy to live with. Plus, Maruti’s service network and low running costs make it a very easy car to own long-term. The rear seat is comfortable for family use, and the ride quality is well-suited to bad Indian city roads.The Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon are both good cars, but the Sonet’s rear seat is spacious, and the Nexon’s would also feel tight for a family of five. The Skoda Kushaq is spacious but is a more driver-focused car, and would go well above the Rs 10 lakh mark for even the base version.The Brezza is not the most exciting car in the segment, and there is an updated one arriving in just a few weeks.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Sonet

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Both, the Seltos and Sonet share their 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and 6-speed torque converter (automatic). Of course, being the lighter car, the Sonet will feel a touch peppier and is likely to be a bit more efficient, however there isn't much difference as far as smoothness goes. Sound insulation feels a bit better in the Seltos, but the difference is only marginal.Between the two, if budget permits, go for the Seltos - it is bigger, roomier cabin and it has the latest tech and features. The Sonet will be more suited if you usually drive alone, and need something that's a bit more compact (in length).

Kia Sonet

Kia Seltos

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The Hyundai Venue Diesel is the better choice for this usage. With an annual running of around 15,000km, split between 60 percent city and 40 percent highway, a diesel is well-suited to the driving pattern. It will deliver excellent fuel efficiency on long highway drives while remaining refined and easy to drive in the city.For a first-time buyer planning to keep the car for around 10 years, the Venue also makes a strong ownership case. Hyundai has a widespread service network, the 1.5-litre diesel is a proven engine, and the Venue's compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre in traffic while remaining comfortable enough for family trips.The Kia Sonet HTK+ Diesel uses the same engine and is a capable alternative. However, the Sonet is expected to be replaced next year, whereas the Venue is the newer product, making it the more sensible long-term buy. The Maruti Brezza ZXi continues to be an excellent petrol SUV with lower maintenance costs, but for your annual running and highway usage, the diesel Venue is better aligned with your requirements and will be more fuel efficient on longer journeys.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

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Your annual running of just 7,000km, the fact that this will be a second car, and having a solar plant at home make an EV a very compelling proposition. You'll enjoy extremely low running costs, quiet performance and the convenience of charging at home.Our top recommendation would be the MG Windsor EV. It is priced similarly to the top variants of the Sonet and 3XO, but offers a much more spacious cabin and a greater sense of space inside. It also feels more premium than its price suggests and is an excellent family car.The Tata Nexon EV is another excellent option. It offers good ground clearance, strong performance, a proven electric powertrain and a wide service network. If you prefer the more traditional SUV stance and slightly better rough-road ability, it remains a very sensible choice.If you decide to stay with a petrol automatic, we'd lean towards the Mahindra 3XO over the Kia Sonet. The 3XO offers a more spacious cabin, stronger safety credentials and a more comfortable ride, while the Sonet counters with a richer feature list and a more premium-looking interior.

MG Windsor

Tata Nexon EV

Kia Sonet

Mahindra XUV 3XO