Latest questions answered by experts
Alok Tirkey
•2dI need a 7-seater family car under a ₹16-17 lakh budget with safety and mileage for medium running. Ertiga, XL6, Clavis, Scorpio N, etc. I want to invest in only one car for long-term, 10+ year use. Please suggest.

Autocar India
The Kia Carens Clavis would be a good option for you. The insides and comfy, and the third row is spacious for two adults and has AC vents as well as type C ports for charging. With three rows up, there's also a fairly useable 216-litres of boot space, and there is some more space under the boot floor too.Kia cars have proven to be quite reliable, and this would serve you well since you plan to keep it for a long time. The car is well-equipped with a host of safety features that are standard, and since mileage is also your priority, we would suggest you opt for the diesel or the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 1.5-litre petrol engine.

sathish
•2dI need a car within ₹10 lakh on-road in Bangalore. 80-90% city usage and 10-20% highway. It should have all the necessary features, inside and outside. It should be comfortable for my parents, with low maintenance, tension-free and reliable ownership. Occasionally, I may use it for long trips as well. This is my first car, and I am a new driver, so an automatic is better.

Autocar India
We would recommend you take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Being a Maruti car, it will meet your requirements of being low on maintenance and generally tension-free. The car is also slightly higher off the ground compared to sedans and hatchbacks at this price, and thus, this will offer an easy entry and exit for your parents. Rear seat head and legroom are also good, and for two adults, the rear is very spacious and a comfortable place to be in.The Fronx fits within the 'small car' definition as it measures less than 4-meters in length, thus it is very manageable in crowded city conditions. For your few highway trips, too, you will find the handling secure, and the car remains planted at regular highway speeds.
Kushal Yadav
•1dI am planning to buy a Brezza CNG Zxi. I have heard a facelift is expected around April-May 2026, which may come with an underbody CNG tank and a manual 6-speed gearbox replacing the existing 5-speed gearbox. Should I wait, or should I buy right now?

Autocar India
The update is expected around April-May 2026, and there are chances that the CNG version could get improvements such as a better-packaged CNG tank, like in the Maruti Victoris and possibly a 6-speed manual. Even if the exact changes are different from what is currently expected, the facelift will at least bring cosmetic updates and feature additions.Since the timeline is quite close, waiting a few weeks will give you clarity on what the updated model offers. If the changes are meaningful, you can buy the new version. If they are minor, you can still choose the current model, often with better discounts as dealers clear older stock.Given how close the facelift appears to be, it makes sense to wait a little before buying the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG so you can decide with full information once the updated model is revealed.
Jithin
•2dI am looking to buy my first car. I am currently looking at the Kia Sonet Diesel Automatic 1.5, which comes at ₹16.25 lakh and the Skoda Slavia Sportline Auto at ₹17 lakh. My main usage would be travelling between Kochi and Bangalore and occasional city drives in and around both cities. I had a Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi earlier, which I loved and would prefer something with a similar driving punch. Which would be an apt choice?

Autocar India
Since a large part of your driving will be on the Kochi-Bengaluru highway and you enjoyed the performance of your old Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, choosing a car with strong performance and relaxed cruising ability will make your drives more enjoyable.Between the two, you will likely be happier with the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI with the 7-speed DSG. It offers superior performance and refinement compared to the Kia Sonet diesel automatic, especially for highway usage. The Slavia’s turbo-petrol engine delivers effortless acceleration, and the DSG gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly, which makes overtaking and long-distance cruising feel easy.Another advantage is that the 1.5-litre engine features cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders under light loads such as steady cruising. This helps improve fuel efficiency when driving on the highway. The Slavia also feels more planted and stable at higher speeds, which will be noticeable on your frequent intercity drives.However, we would recommend waiting a little before making the purchase. The Slavia facelift is expected soon, and with it around the corner, it makes sense to see what updates and features the refreshed model brings before committing to the current version.
Yogesh
•1dHi all, I have been using a Skoda Rapid for the last 12 years, and it has amazing power and stability on the highway. I generally drive at the highest permissible speed on the expressway, and my Rapid has never disappointed me. Now it has started ageing and I am looking for a 5-star NCAP-rated SUV. Any recommendations for me, considering I drive weekly 150km in the city and occasional outings? The budget is around ₹30 lakh. Thanks for your recommendation.

Autocar India
Since you have had a positive experience with the Rapid, sticking to a Skoda would be ideal. The updated Skoda Kushaq was recently revealed, and the price launch is just around the corner. It will continue to get the 1.5 TSI engine that is unanimously loved for its performance inside the city and out on the highway. The facelift has not been tested for the Global NCAP rating, but the old Kushaq had scored a perfect 5-stars and the facelift is likely to follow the same.The new Kushaq is a facelift that brings with it new equipment and refreshed design, but mechanically, it has carried over its powertrain for the bigger engine. The smaller 1.0-litre TSI will feature a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but since you are a keen driver, we would recommend you stick to the 1.5.The engine also features cylinder deactivation, which helps save fuel in the city, and the DSG gearbox is smooth and effortless. The top-spec version would be well under your budget when it gets launched.
Shubh
•1dHi everyone, I’m planning to buy a compact SUV automatic for city driving in Delhi NCR with occasional highway trips. I’m confused between the Mahindra XUV 3XO TGDi AT and the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. My priorities are: smooth automatic for traffic, good ride comfort for NCR roads, reliable ownership and reasonable maintenance, and decent mileage. Would love to hear feedback from owners or experts on which would be the better long-term choice.

Autocar India
Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. In Delhi traffic, it's automatic is very smooth, and the ride is mature on broken roads, and although not as supple as the Mahindra XUV 3XO, it is not a sore point. The 6-speed torque converter is known to be reliable and futureproof, as most torque converters are.For your stop‑and-go NCR commute, the Kylaq's calibration makes creeping and low‑speed shifts feel natural, reducing head‑nod in queues. You’ll also appreciate the 446‑litre boot on occasional highway trips. Ownership is predictable with 15,000 km/1‑year service intervals, and you can add an extended warranty (up to 6 years; confirm coverage in your city). Expect roughly 9kpl in Delhi traffic and 13kpl on relaxed highway runs at 90-100kph.The one thing you give up is the XUV 3XO TGDi’s stronger low‑end punch and overall power; the Kylaq AT feels calmer off the line and asks for kickdown for quick overtakes.If you prioritise a punchier engine and more rear seat space, consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 TGDi AT instead, but if that is not a high priority, the Kylaq is more enjoyable to drive.
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