Tata Manual Cars in India (7)

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Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO. This Mahindra car is the best fit for your requirements. The 3XO is one of the most spacious sub-4 metre SUVs, especially at the rear, and it is also one of the safest cars in the segment with a strong Global NCAP rating. The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads and offers a comfortable ride in the city. The Skoda Kylaq is the better driver's car with a more engaging driving experience, but it is not as spacious at the rear. The Tata Nexon is also a safe car, but the 3XO offers better rear seat space and a more comfortable ride. For 90% city driving with a focus on safety, suspension comfort and rear seat space, the 3XO is the clear recommendation.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

Tata Nexon

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Our top pick would be the Kia Seltos. It is the most well-rounded midsize SUV of the three, with a spacious cabin, good equipment levels and interiors that feel genuinely premium. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the manual gearbox is a smooth, easy-to-use combination, and that is particularly important given that 90 percent of your driving will be in the city. It is easy enough to manoeuvre in traffic, comfortable on the occasional highway run and feels like the most complete package overall.The Hyundai Creta would be our second choice. It uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine and manual gearbox as the Seltos, so performance, drivability and likely running costs will be very similar. It is also well equipped in SX trim and Hyundai’s service network is a big plus. However, compared to the Seltos, the Creta feels a little less fresh in terms of its cabin ambience and overall appeal. With a replacement expected in the near future, it could also start to feel dated sooner. It remains a sensible option, but the Seltos currently has the edge.The Tata Sierra petrol manual would be our last choice for this specific usage. It is the most spacious of the three, has real road presence and feels the most secure, safe and planted on the highway, thanks to its excellent high-speed manners. However, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine feels sluggish in a vehicle of this size and weight. You have to work it harder in city traffic, while highway overtakes need more planning than in the Hyundai or Kia. It is also larger and heavier, which makes it less convenient in Delhi’s traffic and tight parking spaces. If you are mostly driving yourself, the Seltos is the one we would recommend.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Tata Sierra

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The Brezza LXI Turbo is far superior to the Punch and Tiago as far as smoothness, performance, and cabin space are concerned. It is also backed by Maruti's widespread support network, and the ownership experience is likely to be fuss-free. The on-road cost of the Brezza LXI will fall within your Rs 9 lakh budget, and even though you might miss a few features, it still feels worth opting for. Alternatively, you could also consider the Maruti Dzire VXI MT for its large boot, comfy ride and strong fuel efficiency.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Punch

Tata Tiago

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

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Even though the Harrier's turbo-petrol engine isn't very efficient, it is still the right choice for you, given your low running of 200-400 km a month. There is a significant price difference between the two cars, with the Smart variant being more affordable. However, the Smart lacks several features (which the Pure X gets) that make day-to-day usage much more comfortable and convenient. Besides the sunroof, the Pure X gets electrically adjustable and foldable outside mirrors, auto headlamps and wipers, a reversing camera, an infotainment screen with steering controls, among others. So yes, if it falls within your budget, it is worth stretching for the Pure X.

Tata Harrier

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With just 300km a month and a maximum speed of 100-110km/h, the Tata Sierra petrol manual is a perfectly sensible choice. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is tuned for smoothness and ease of use rather than outright performance, so it will feel relaxed and comfortable at the speeds you are talking about. Pick-up is adequate for city driving and steady highway cruising, but it is not a particularly quick car, so overtaking at higher speeds will require a bit of planning. The AC is strong and the Sierra's cabin is well insulated, so noise levels are well controlled at city speeds and up to around 100km/h. Overall, for your usage pattern, the Sierra petrol manual is a comfortable and practical choice. The only thing to be aware of is that the engine is not particularly punchy, so if you regularly drive with a full load or do a lot of overtaking on the highway, you may notice the lack of power. Otherwise, it is a solid and sensible option.

Tata Sierra