Mahindra cars in India (18)

autocar.india

•17h

Go for the Mahindra BE 6 Pack 2 59kWh. Your usage pattern is ideal for an EV, with a mix of expressway and city traffic, and you already have affordable home charging. At Rs 10/kWh, your running costs will be significantly lower than a diesel, and the BE 6’s 59kWh battery is more than adequate for your daily needs and occasional longer trips. The current discount makes it a strong value proposition, and waiting for the next version is unlikely to yield dramatically better deals given how quickly EV technology and pricing are evolving.The Seltos is a good car, but at 7,000-8,000 km a year, buying a diesel car is harder to justify because of the higher upfront premium. You would also be looking at a replacement in 4-5 years. The BE 6, on the other hand, can be handed over to your parents after that period, making it a more sensible long-term purchase. As for E20/E25 concerns, modern petrol engines are engineered for these blends, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20, so it should not be a reason to avoid petrol cars altogether.Overall, the BE 6 fits your usage, budget and long-term plans best.

Mahindra BE 6

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•16h

Given your budget and requirements, the Kia Sonet petrol DCT is actually a very sensible choice. This Kia car is one of the most polished sub-4-metre SUVs on the market, with a refined turbo-petrol engine, a well-appointed cabin and a strong aftersales network. The DCT gearbox is quick and smooth in normal driving, and the car is compact enough to be easy to manoeuvre in city traffic. The reverse camera is available on mid-spec variants, so you do not have to stretch your budget to the top-end model.On the DCT reliability question, it is important to be realistic rather than alarmist. DCTs are fundamentally different from torque converter automatics. They use two clutches and can feel slightly jerky at crawling speeds, especially in stop-start traffic. Over very high mileages, clutch wear can become a factor, but this is not a widespread issue at 70,000 km if the car is driven sensibly and serviced on schedule. The Sonet's DCT is one of the better-tuned units in the segment, and for your monthly running of 500 km, it should not be a major concern. The key is to avoid excessive creeping on the brake and to shift to Neutral when possible.If you are open to alternatives, the Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic is worth considering. This Mahindra car uses a torque converter automatic, which is smoother at low speeds and better suited to heavy traffic. The 3XO is also one of the most spacious sub-4-metre SUVs, with a wide rear bench and a strong safety rating. However, the boot is smaller than the Sonet's, and the overall cabin does not feel as premium.Given your requirements, the Sonet petrol DCT remains the best fit.

Kia Sonet

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•19h

Given your usage pattern of a 30-40 km daily commute with occasional highway trips, the VinFast VF6 Wind Infinity is a tempting option with its strong range and feature set. However, your concerns about after-sales support, service network and long-term reliability are valid. VinFast is still a relatively new player in India, and while the company is making efforts to establish a service network, it does not yet have reach of more established brands. So it really boils down to the support you have in your area. If there is a dealer close to you and in the areas you drive to, you could go ahead with the car. As for the company itself, Vinfast is investing in expanding their network and has also massive plans for India for their auto business as well as other businesses like the GSM app based taxi service. From that point of view you need not worry as they are not a fly-by-night operator. If you would however you would prefer an electric car from an established brand, the Mahindra BE6 would be a good option as it too has a striking coupe like design, as this seems to be what you prefer. As an all rounder the Hyundai Creta EV would be a good option.

Vinfast VF6

Hyundai Creta Electric

Mahindra BE 6

autocar.india

•19h

Why not consider the Mahindra Thar Roxx instead? The Thar is a good secondary car, however the absence of rear doors hampers practicality. Also, while the Thar is excellent off-road, it can feel a bit bumpy on the road. In comparison, the Thar Roxx feels a lot more practical, usable and comfortable for daily use and long drives. The Hilux is simply too large for daily driving, especially in the city. However, if you're looking to get a vehicle purely for butch looks and stand-out road presence, then nothing will come close to the new Hilux. Be prepared to spend a lot more for it (compared to a Mahindra Thar Roxx).

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Toyota Hilux

autocar.india

•59m

With a budget of under Rs 5 lakhs, you will only be able to get pre-owned examples of the first-gen Thar. And while it is a very appealing SUV, it is not the best choice for daily driving, especially if comfort is a priority. It is a rugged off-roader; however, the first-gen's ride is bouncy, entry-exit isn't very easy, and heavy steering and crude nature will become tiring for daily use. The side-facing rear seat is also neither safe nor comfortable, and overall, it is better suited as a lifestyle or weekend vehicle rather than a daily commuter.Since you have a Rs 5 lakh budget and you want something with good road presence, you could consider an SUV car which is compact and easy to drive. A Maruti Brezza or Ford EcoSport could be good options for daily driving.

Mahindra Thar

Maruti Suzuki Brezza