BHPian M-Roc recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Hello fellow BHPians, I’m in the market for a mid-size SUV and currently stuck in the classic petrol vs diesel dilemma. I’ve gone through multiple threads and understand the basics of the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issue and its implications. From what I’ve gathered:DPF issues are more likely in heavy city stop-and-go traffic.If highway usage is higher, chances of DPF problems are minimal or almost negligible.My usage is a mix of city and highway driving, and that’s where the confusion begins.Current Car & BackgroundI currently own a Hyundai Exter AMT, clocked 42,000 km in 20 months.Recently added a puppy to the family, and comfort has become a bigger priority (wife complains during long trips).Plan: Keep Exter at my hometown and buy a new SUV for long runs and family comfort.Usage PatternCity:Office commute: ~18 km one way (takes 1 hr 15 mins), so ~36+ km per day when I go.I go to office 2-3 times a week.Occasional weekend runs to malls/restaurants.Highway:Trip to hometown once every two months.Bangalore hometown = 600 km one way.Including local runs and return, each trip = ~1,600 km.Annual MileageCity + Highway (including occasional holiday trips) combined will easily cross 20,000 km/year.The DilemmaCity usage is significant, and Bangalore traffic is notorious for stop-and-go conditions.Highway usage is also heavy, with long trips every couple of months.Rule of thumb says:Heavy city usage Avoid diesel (DPF issues).High annual mileage (>20,000 km) Diesel makes sense.I qualify for both scenarios, hence the confusion!Other ConsiderationsHybrids: Current options don’t appeal to me for various reasons.EVs: Out of scope due to range anxiety.What I’m Looking ForA clear, informed decision from experienced members:Should I go for Petrol or Diesel for my next mid-size SUV given my usage pattern?Any real-world experiences with DPF in Bangalore traffic?Suggestions for specific models are welcome too.Thanks in advance for your insights! Here’s whatBHPin shankar.balanhad to say on the matter:I have read your thread. Your use case warrants use of the least expensive fuel possible. Despite your ruling it out, this points us very clearly towards an EV. Yes there is going to be a bit of range anxiety in the beginning but this ‘mental block’ is very easily overcome with a little care in planning and real-life experience built over a few trips. South India has very good charging infra. And with a little planning, intelligent choices of timing for your drives, judicious charging stops along with food/ breaks and home charging (with a plain 15 A plug point and/ or a company provided 7.2 or 11KW wall charger), you will actually start to see unprecedented savings and benefits from the use of an EV.Do consider seriously the Tata Harrier EV or Mahindra BE6 or the Creta EV or the MG or the BYD if buying new. I am a straight off example – I own two EV’s (one bought brand new and one bought used) and I have done quite a few longish trips in them. indeed I am on one such trip as we speak. I think that you too can look for and buy a good used EV with good range (such as a BYD Atto3 or a a Volvo XC40 Recharge or a Hyundai Ioniq5 or a Kia EV6). You won’t regret it, believe me. And alongside this research, please read all the various other team bhp threads on EV usage in city and for longer distances. They will help to open your eyes to this new world.All the best!Here’s whatBHPian SensibleSpeedhad to say on the matter:Try taking a cab or using public transport on your office runs. That will reduce your running in peak stop-n-go rush hour traffic. And since it’s only 2-3 times a week, the hit on your wallet will be the same as taking a gas-guzzling SUV into heavy traffic. Most importantly, it’s one less car on the roads.Regarding your weekend runs to a mall/restaurant, taxis again, may be the way to go. This basically eliminates your need to drive in the city almost entirely as per your post. I stopped driving in the city almost entirely after 2023. The only occasional trips are to the airport or out of town. We get on perfectly fine with a 11 year old Hyundai Xcent.Finally, if hybrids or EVs don’t row your boat, just get whatever petrol SUV you enjoy driving, as your city runs are basically non-existent now. Honestly, public transport is the only way forward in ultra-congested cities like Bangalore. I speak from experience as I live in the CBD and commute to the suburbs everyday. It is not worth the agony of driving in the city.Here’s whatBHPian antz.binhad to say on the matter:If you can have a 15 amp plug installed at your hometown residence, All you need to do is find just 1 reliable charger about half way from your hometown. Charge there on a rest stop both ways on your journey. In such a scenario, a Windsor Pro / Nexon 45 / Curvv 55 / BE6 / Vinfast VF6 can easily cover the use case with ease. This is the best use case for an EV actually!High usageStop go city trafficPredictable highway tripsCompared to a Hybrid, you will save roughly 5-6k/ month in just fuel. The least priced hybrid will cost 4-5 lakhs more than most cars I mentioned above. Over the course of 5 years, it will come to at least 10 lakhs in just savings. If only you find that 1 reliable charger.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
