I have a budget of Rs 25 lakh-30 lakh, and I am interested in the Mahindra XUV700 or a sedan with good ground clearance. I drive 1,000km monthly, so I am confused about whether I should go for a petrol or a diesel. What are the chances of diesel getting banned in the future, and are diesel engines easy to maintain? Also, is the XUV700 hybrid on the cards?

Prashant, Mumbai

Autocar India says: Though your running of 1,000km a month is not excessive, a petrol XUV700 is not fuel-efficient and will burn a hole in your pocket. We suggest you go for the 2.2 diesel. It is outstanding in terms of performance and refinement, better than the 2.0-litre petrol in many ways, and far more efficient, too. Also, the diesel will command a better resale value. Any ban on diesel is likely to be only for future diesel cars, not existing ones, so you are safe once you buy one. Unfortunately, there are no sedans in the Rs 25 lakh-30 lakh range; SUVs are your only option. The XUV700 hybrid is a long way off, and there are no definite plans to launch one yet.

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