Latest questions answered by experts

I own a Ritz VDI 2013 model. My steering light is not going off. My mechanic checked the wiring, etc., but it still persists. The mechanic says it is ok. The steering is perfectly alright. But why is the light not going off?

•14m

That light staying on means the electric power steering computer has stored a fault and needs a proper scan and reset, even if the wheel feels normal. On a 2013 Ritz, this often happens after a weak battery or charging dip, or after wheel alignment or suspension work, when the steering sensor loses its zero point.Two simple checks save time. Get the battery and alternator tested with a multimeter - you want roughly 12.6V with the car off and about 13.8-14.4V while idling with lights and AC on. Low voltage can trigger the light. Then ask for a scan that talks to the EPS module specifically. A generic OBD reader may miss it, so use Maruti’s tool or a good Bosch/Launch scanner. Clear the code and run the steering calibration with the wheels straight. If the light returns, the common culprits are the torque sensor in the column or the EPS control unit.Your mechanic saying “wiring is ok” isn’t the finish line. Without the right scan, the light won’t go.

•1d

Hi, I am planning to replace my 2017 S-Cross 1.6 Alpha. My annual running will be less than 15,000 km and includes both highway and rural road usage. My budget is within Rs.10 lakh. Please suggest the best options.

•1h

Go for the Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo - it is powerful enough and can shrug off rough rural roads and still feels settled enough on the highway, but you might have to stretch your budget slightly to get desirable features. Your running is low, so a petrol suits you fine, and the Magnite’s high ground clearance will give you peace of mind on broken surfaces and village tracks. It is also one of the safer small cars around, with a 5-star Global NCAP rating, which matters more when you spend time outside the city. It gives you the best bang for your buck at this price range, and that includes space, which is as big as some vehicles from a segment above. If you stretch your budget a bit more, you could even get it with the smooth CVT automatic. Just be ready for less power than your S-Cross 1.6 diesel on fast highways. You will need a downshift for quick overtakes, and the engine gets a bit vocal when pushed.

Nissan Magnite

•1d

I own a Maruti Zen VX Deluxe 2002 model. I want to purchase an SUV. My budget is around 15 lakhs. My daily running is very less around 10-15 kms. My expectations are good mileage, safety and features. I want a good mixture of all of these. Kindly suggest some good options.

•2h

Go for the Hyundai Venue. It gives you a good mix of mileage, safety and modern features at this price. It secured a 5-star BNCAP crash rating and has a good safety feature list with kits like six airbags, ESC at ADAS at higher trims. Its size for the city is also good, with its length coming in under 4 meters, and it should feel easy after a Zen. Opt for the 1.2 litre petrol engine as it would offer you a better real-world efficiency than the 1.0 litre turbo while also coming in at a more affordable price point. As an alternative, you can consider the upcoming Maruti Brezza, which is due to arrive in about two months and would also give you this same mix.

Hyundai Venue

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•6d

Dear Editor, I currently own a Ford Aspire Petrol (top-end but one variant) and am planning to upgrade to a more spacious car in around Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom). My daily city commute is between 10 to 20 km with an additional 50-60 km once a week. I also take occasional long drives of around 500-700 km. I travel with 3 passengers, but occassionally my parents join us. I have a dedicated parking slot with home charging setup capability. Coming from a Ford, I deeply value sharp handling, tight body control, and steering feedback. I am highly intrigued by the MG Windsor EV Pro through corporate car lease due to its incredible tax benefits, low running costs, and lounge-like rear seats for my parents. However, I am worried about its soft suspension and light steering that will feel too disconnected as compared to my Aspire. Does the MG Windsor EV Pro offer enough driving engagement, and are its drive modes sporty enough for a driving enthusiast? Please suggest some other option if I buy a car myself or choose a corporate car lease. Also, between turbo petrol or EV, which one will be fun-to-drive?

•3h

Go for the Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 TSI or Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI. They're the closest to your Aspire’s feel for Rs. 20 lakh - quick turbo punch, crisp steering, and tight body control that stays clean at highway speeds. They're exciting enough to keep you connected, yet are easy in the city. They're spacious, have big boots for trips, and the rear benches will keep your parents happy, though they're not “lounge-like”. Do note, both sedans are due for updates soon, so its best to wait for the latest versions. If you'd prefer higher seating, the VW Taigun 1.5 TSI and Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI SUVs are good alternatives.About the MG Windsor EV Pro: it's got an airy cabin, being an EV runs quiet, and your parents will love the sofa-like rear. But if driver feel matters, you will miss your Ford. The steering stays light and a bit numb, and the soft suspension brings float over bumps. Drive modes mostly tweak weight and throttle, not real feedback. Lease it only if rear comfort and ultra-low running cost beat driving fun for you.

My dad is 60 years old. He currently drives a Skoda Slavia 1.0 MT for his daily commute of around 30-40 km (to and fro), mostly on small two-lane roads with moderate traffic. He really loves the car, particularly because of its very light steering at city speeds. He also drives sedately and prioritizes fuel efficiency. The only issue now is that, due to ageing, he feels he may switch to a smaller automatic car. His priorities are fuel efficiency, ease of driving, light steering, and compact dimensions. He is inclined towards the Kylaq, as he has developed a liking for Skoda cars after owning the Slavia. What are the other EV and petrol options available in the sub-4-metre segment with light steering and easy drivability comparable to Skoda cars? Or should we go with the Kylaq 1.0 AT?

•3h

The Skoda Kylaq 1.0 AT would be our recommendation. Since your father already enjoys driving the Slavia 1.0 MT, the Kylaq will feel instantly familiar. It retains the light steering, solid build quality and confidence-inspiring driving manners that have made him a fan of Skoda cars. The 6-speed torque-converter automatic is smooth, predictable and well suited to city driving, making it an ideal upgrade as he gets older. Its compact dimensions also make it much easier to manoeuvre on narrow two-lane roads.If you're open to an EV and have access to home charging, the Tata Punch EV is another excellent option. The combination of light steering, instant torque and a single-speed transmission makes it one of the easiest cars to drive in city traffic, and its compact size is well suited to your father's usage.

Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Slavia

•2d

Should I choose the Mahindra XEV 9S or the Mahindra XUV 7XO? My weekly running is around 200 km, and I only undertake highway trips once or twice a month, with each trip being approximately 600 km one way.

•4h

Pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Your once-or-twice-a-month 600 km one-way trips will be far simpler with normal fuel stops and no range or charger planning, so the day runs smoother and shorter. Weekly use of about 200 km is not heavy enough to swing the maths strongly toward an EV, and the 7XO’s space and steady highway manners make long hours feel less tiring for everyone on board.The XEV 9S is lovely in the city - smooth, quiet, and cheaper per km when you can charge at home - but those 600 km runs will mean hunting for fast chargers, sitting through charging stops, and building extra buffer time into every trip. If a key charger is busy or down, it can derail your schedule.You will spend more on daily fuel with the XUV 7XO and it is not as silent as the XEV 9S in traffic, but for your mix of short weekly use and long intercity runs, it is the easier, lower-stress choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9S

•2d

I want to buy a new car, but I am unable to decide which one to choose. I am considering buying the Honda Amaze and then converting it to CNG, as I believe Honda offers excellent engine performance and reliability. Alternatively, should I consider Maruti Suzuki cars such as the Dzire or Brezza instead?

•4h

Pick the Maruti Suzuki Dzire S-CNG. It matches your plan for low running costs without risking a new-car warranty. Maruti’s CNG is factory-integrated and tested, the tuning and suspension are set up for the added weight, and the boot floor is designed around the tank, so you avoid the hassles that come with an aftermarket kit. The Amaze’s petrol engine is lovely, but converting a new Honda to CNG will likely void warranty, dull performance more, and long-term reliability depends on how perfect the kit and calibration are. Not worth that gamble.Between Dzire and Brezza, choose the Dzire if most driving is in the city and you want the cheapest ownership. The Brezza is roomier and sits higher, and you can get it with CNG too, but it costs more to buy.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Brezza