Hyundai Creta or Mahindra XUV700: which is the better petrol-auto SUV?

I am looking for a petrol-automatic car under Rs 21 lakh as a replacement for my Honda City. My monthly running is 800km, and most of that is on the highway. I have shortlisted the Hyundai Creta IVT, the Mahindra XUV700 and the MG Hector Plus. Which is the best option considering my priorities: fuel efficiency and long-term reliability?

Ramesh, Delhi

Autocar India says: Since the majority of your driving will be on the highway, we would rule out the Hector as the suspension is on the soft side. It’s great for a comfortable drive in the city, but it doesn’t feel as planted on the highway as the others in your shortlist. Also, the 1.5 petrol in the Hector has poor fuel efficiency.

Between the Creta and the XUV700, we feel the Creta is a better option as it better balances your mix of city and highway driving. The XUV700 has a strong set of engines that’s great for overtaking on the highway; it’s quite stable, too. However, it’s not as user-friendly as the Creta in the city. The Creta IVT offers an incredibly smooth drive and has possibly the best CVT gearbox in the market today, which does a fair job of maximising performance on the highway, too. Moreover, the Creta is a proven package and comes with all the features and comfort you need.

Also See:

2021 Mahindra XUV700 review, test drive

2021 Mahindra XUV700 video review

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