Latest questions answered by experts

Suggest a good electric scooter for an elderly person with a maximum commute of 30 km, easy to ride and replace an old activa 3G. It has to be light, simple to use, and no nonsense.

•6m

Since your daily run isn't that high and you've said you want a no-nonsense scooter, the best option for you would be the TVS iQube 2.2. In our experience with it, the iQube consistently returned real-world range as what was indicated on the display, in its higher Power mode. Eco mode saw us extract 75km on a single charge, and unlike most EVs, the iQube's Eco mode is actually fairly usable. At 110kg, it is also only 5 kilos heavier than an Activa and will be easy to manage for most folks.

TVS iQube

•17h

How does the Triumph T4 2026 old-stock model (400cc engine) compare to the Gixxer 250SF? I am planning to upgrade from Xtreme 160R. My total usage in the metro in-city.

•36m

The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is due to undergo a generation change later this year, and we'd advise you not to buy the current model, as that will be phased out soon, and the next-gen model will likely bring in many meaningful updates to this aged platform.Coming to the Triumph Speed T4 (400cc version), this is an accomplished city bike, and if you can find one, we'd recommend you jump on that because now all single-cylinder Triumphs in India are 350cc. Coming from the XTreme 160R, this will be a comprehensive upgrade, although lower fuel economy will be one trade-off.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250

Triumph Speed T4

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 160R

•8h

My daily ride is 120 to 150km, mostly on Highway 90%, suggest a good car within 20 lakh. Should I buy a diesel or a hybrid petrol?

•1h

While hybrids are a great option and do deliver maximum mileage, in your budget of Rs 20 lakh, you will only get a base model variant of the three hybrids in this price range, namely the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara, and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Hence, we would recommend going with a diesel, of which there are many options within your budget.If you want a larger vehicle, we would recommend the Kia Seltos diesel, which you will get in the mid-spec HTK (O) and HTX variants within your budget. It's a modern SUV with great space and comfort, and a lot of the latest features and tech. Its diesel engine is not the strongest, but it is very smooth and efficient, and can be had with a stutter-free torque converter automatic gearbox.If you don't mind a smaller car, go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO, whose diesel engine is even more powerful than the one in the Seltos. It will feel stronger out on the highway, helped by its smaller size and lighter weight. It's got a spacious cabin and a comfortable and stable ride that feels like an SUV from a segment above. Do note, however, that its boot is not that large, in case you travel with luggage frequently, and it uses an AMT-type automatic, which isn't very smooth. Best of all, however, you can get a fully loaded version within your budget.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•2d

I'm considering buying a Triumph Scrambler 400 X. However, the government's fuel-blending policies have made me reconsider my decision. Can we assume that E20 fuel will continue to be available over the next few years? Also, if higher ethanol blending levels, such as E30, are mandated in the future, would that have any significant impact on the motorcycle?

•1h

For the short to mid-term, E20 will be the current baseline blend of petrol available on a nationwide scale. Speaking strictly about material compatibility, E20 machines should be able to handle up to E30 fuel with the fuel tank, rubber seals, gaskets and hoses all ready to support the higher blend. What will need recalibration is the ECU to handle the higher ethanol content in the fuel, which is something that will have to come from the manufacturer.

•5d

I am looking for an SUV that is very comfortable on highways and powerful enough to tackle a slippery uphill section that I need to drive on about twice a month. My current Hyundai i10 can manage the climb during the dry season, but it struggles to make it up during the rainy season when the surface becomes slippery. Could you please suggest the best SUV options within a budget of Rs. 25 lakh?

•2h

Get the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara AllGrip AWD (manual). It is calm and comfortable at highway speeds, and its proper AWD with a lock mode gives you traction for that slippery climb in the rains, which a normal front-wheel-drive SUV will struggle with. You also get decent ground clearance and sensible tires, so you are not scraping or spinning when the surface turns slick.For your twice-a-month climb, it is the smart balance: much easier to live with than big ladder-frame 4x4s, yet far more capable than the usual soft-roaders. On long drives it rides well, has all the features you need, is super efficient and won’t tire you out. Running costs and service are friendly too, which matters over years of use.One thing to be aware of: the AWD comes only with the automatic - in case you preferred a manual, and the 1.5 petrol is not very quick for fast overtakes when fully loaded. If you can live with that, this is the most painless way to get real rainy-season ability within Rs. 25 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

•6d

Which would be the better choice among the BYD Sealion 7, Mahindra XEV 9e, and Vinfast VF7? I currently own a Skoda Superb, which is 6 years old, and my ownership experience has been good so far. However, I am considering switching to an EV as a replacement, mainly because I am concerned about potential mechatronics-related repairs and higher maintenance costs as the car ages, even though I have not faced any issues yet. My heart says the BYD Sealion 7 would be the ideal replacement or upgrade for the Superb because of its build quality, premium cabin, and overall feel. However, my mind wonders whether it truly offers good value for money considering its premium price tag, although budget is not a major constraint for me. My daily driving is around 20-30 km, mostly within the city, with only occasional outstation trips. Considering my usage pattern and expectations, which of these EVs would you recommend?

•3h

Pick the BYD Sealion 7. It comes closest to your Superb in the way it feels inside and the calm, premium way it goes down the road, and BYD’s EV tech is well proven here. For 20-30km city usage it is smooth, very efficient, and the cabin quality, quietness and ride will feel like a real upgrade that's on par with luxury cars in the same price range.The Mahindra XEV 9e and Vinfast VF7 do sound like good value with the amount of performance and features they offer, but they both belong a size and segment down on the BYD, and that's reflected in the price too. Plus, though feature laden, their cabins will not give you the same plushness you enjoyed in your Skoda Superb. One catch with the Sealion 7 is BYD’s smaller network as compared to Mahindra. But with budget not being a big worry and your usage being mostly in the city, the peace-of-mind of mature EV hardware and genuine upmarket feel makes the BYD the right call for you. Charge at home and you will need to top up just once every few days.