Latest questions answered by experts

Autocar India

•1h

The right choice essentially boils down to your priorities. If the driving experience and general feel-good factor are important to you, the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 L has more to offer. The 200hp petrol engine is strong and refined, and delivers an enjoyable drive experience. The 6-speed AT gearbox that's well in tune with the engine's character and well-balanced ride and handling also easily makes the XUV 7XO a better driver's car. Mahindra has also gone to town with features on the XUV 7XO, and elements like the triple screen layout do add a wow factor to the cabin. On the flipside, the 7XO isn't the best vehicle for 6/7 passengers. The middle row seats don't slide fore and aft, so there's no way to balance space for the third row of occupants. Space in the last row is tight, and there's also very limited luggage room with all seats up. The Toyota Innova Hycross with the 2.0-litre petrol engine does little to excite. Sure, engine refinement is good, and performance is pleasant, but the CVT gearbox really takes away from the experience. Fuel economy is also very poor (to be fair, the XUV 7XO petrol is also poor on efficiency). Also, the GX(O) is a mid-spec variant of the Hycross. The interior looks and the fabric upholstery are not in keeping with a vehicle of this price. Where the Innova Hycross excels is in seating comfort and space. The second row is flexible, and there's loads of room even in the last row. It's easily the comfiest vehicle on long distance journeys. Further, the Hycross also offers reasonable space for luggage with all seats up. An alternative you could consider is the all-electric Mahindra XEV 9S. It has all the wow factor of the XUV 7XO and also adds in seating flexibility with sliding middle row seats. Other highlights include refinement and strong power. The XEV 9S offers more than enough range for your daily drives and, if you choose a route with ample charging stations on the way, can also be used as a long-distance vehicle.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9S

Autocar India

•1h

It will be hard for a larger car to match the fuel efficiency you get from your i10, but the new Maruti Suzuki Swift with the Z-series engine does a very good job. In our real-world tests, we managed 14kpl in the city and 19kpl on the highway with the manual gearbox. The AMT is only marginally less efficient, and you also get the same engine in the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire, which will fit your budget.The Swift and the Dzire get cruise control in the higher trims and also feature rear AC vents. The cabins of both cars are more spacious than before, with comfortable seating for four and decent refinement. The Swift’s boot is 265 litres, and if you need more space, the Dzire is the better choice.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

•2h

Both the Hyundai Venue and the Mahindra XUV 3XO are good choices for your needs. Since most of your usage is on the highway, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the better pick. Its suspension has a more robust feel than the Venue's; it feels planted and composed at speed, making it more comfortable. It also offers more cabin space for passengers, but loses out to the Venue in boot space.In terms of safety, both are well equipped, but the XUV 3XO has scored five stars in the Bharat NCAP tests. The Venue is yet to be tested. Do test drive both before you make your final decision.

Hyundai Venue

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•3h

160-170km daily is a rather high usage, and as an EV is off the cards, your next best bet is a strong hybrid if you want to keep running costs in check. You should check out the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid. In real-world usage, it gives upwards of 20kpl easily and in city usage, that could go up to 25kpl. This is because it will largely run on the electric motor at lower speeds, and the best part is you don't have to plug it in to recharge it. It has achieved a 5-star crash test rating from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP, since safety is also a concern of yours.Alternatives come from the same family of SUVs - the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and later this year, Renault will also be launching a strong hybrid variant of the new Duster.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Renault Duster

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Autocar India

•3h

The Kia Seltos HTX(A) 1.5 NA CVT suits your use case, which is predominantly city driving. The CVT gearbox is super smooth and helps the engine deliver its power in a seamless manner. In fact, in stop-and-go city driving, the experience is smoother than the DCT which is offered with the turbo-petrol engine. Performance is also fine for the city and decent on open roads and highways, as long as you drive in an easy-going manner.Enthusiastic drivers or those with more highway driving, however, will be better served by the punchier turbo-petrol engine and quick-shifting dual-clutch auto combo.

Kia Seltos