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•47w

I’m planning to buy a car with a budget of ₹18–25 lakh. I want an automatic that doesn’t suffer from the “rubber-band” effect; an electric vehicle is also acceptable. I’m torn between the Sierra and Harrier, or between the Kushaq and Sierra (petrol). I’m a performance lover - which should I choose?

•46w

Given your budget, and that you are a performance enthusiast, you should check out the Tata Sierra with the new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It comes with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, which means there should be less of the rubber band effect that you might have gotten with a CVT auto.

The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 petrol is another good option, although there is a facelift due in the second half of next year, which will bring many new features. While an EV is also a good option, the Tata Harrier EV will be slightly out of your budget, and the Tata Sierra EV will only be launched in 2026.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.33 Lakh

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.41 Lakh

Tata

Harrier EV

from ₹23.21 Lakh

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•3d

I own Toyota Etios and now want to purchase a new car under the budget of Rs. 20 to 25 lakh. I am planning to get a 7-seater as sometimes I need it (around 10% of the times). I am considering XUV 7XO (diesel). Please suggest a suitable vehicle.

•1d

Given your usage pattern, where only about 10 percent of your driving genuinely requires a third row, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is a sensible choice. It is one of the most complete 7-seaters in the segment, offering a strong diesel engine, good highway manners and a genuinely usable third row when needed. The diesel engine is particularly well suited to long-distance touring and occasional heavy loads, which aligns with your requirement for a car that can comfortably accommodate seven passengers on demand. Alternatively, consider the Kia Carens Clavis diesel if you want a seven seater with a smaller footprint. However, it is worth considering whether a 7-seater is truly the best fit for your needs. If 90 percent of your usage is as a 5-seater, you may be better served by a more spacious and comfortable 5-seater SUV, such as the Kia Seltos or the Tata Sierra, both of which offer excellent comfort and practicality.If you genuinely need the third row even 10 percent of the time, the XUV 7XO diesel is a strong recommendation. If those occasions are rare and can be managed with alternative arrangements, a 5-seater may actually deliver a better ownership experience over the long term.

Hi, I am thinking of replacing Toyota Corolla (2006 model) with a car under the budget of Rs. 20 - 22 lakh. Which car do you suggest replacing the trustworthy Corolla with as it has served me very well. I am considering the VW Virtus/ Skoda Slavia, VW Taigun /Skoda Kushaq and Honda City Hybrid.

•11m

The Honda City Hybrid is the closest modern equivalent to your Corolla. It offers a similar ownership philosophy: reliable, comfortable, easy to live with and efficient. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel economy in city driving, and Honda's long-term reliability record is strong. The only drawback is that the boot is smaller than the standard City due to the battery pack.The Skoda Slavia and VW Virtus are both excellent sedans with strong turbo petrol engines and good driving dynamics, but they do not offer the same ownership simplicity or efficiency as the City Hybrid. The Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun are more practical and offer better ground clearance for Indian roads, but they are not as refined or as comfortable as the City Hybrid.However, the City Hybrid is expensive, and will fall outside of your Rs 22 lakh budget. If you're okay with that and sold on the city, you should go ahead. There is another car to consider, however, and that's the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid. Not only does it come from the same reliable house of Toyota, but it gets you the practicality of an SUV and also falls within your budget. Do note, however, that its rear seat is not as spacious as what you'll get in the City hybrid.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

•1d

I am considering buying a new car to replace my Ford EcoSport diesel. Since 70% of my driving is in the city, I am looking for an automatic transmission. However, I also want a powerful engine. Could you please recommend suitable mid-size SUVs within a budget of Rs. 15 lakh?

•22h

Since you're looking for a mid-size SUV with a powerful engine and automatic transmission, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT Classic Plus seems to be the right fit. The 1.0 TSI turbo petrol engine is adequately punchy and responsive, making it well-suited to city and highway driving. The new 8-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and seamless, and the Kushaq offers a good balance of ride comfort and handling, making it an enjoyable car to drive. Additionally, the 2026 version gets an upgraded air-con, making it a good buy.If you're open to a sub-4-meter body style, you could consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Skoda Kylaq too. Both of these are very competent cars you can replace your outgoing EcoSport with, and compared to the Kushaq, you are likely to get more features too. However, boot space and rear legroom will not be as generous as the Kushaq.

Skoda Kushaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

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•1w

I currently own a Jeep Compass and want to get an additional car for my father, with good reliability, unlike the Jeep. My father still drives a 2008 Honda City, and I am torn between a few choices: the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Nissan Tekton and Toyota Hyryder. Or should I wait for the Virtus facelift or the new-generation Creta? His usage is low, at almost 500 km per month. Please suggest.

•4d

With just 500km a month, petrol is the clear choice, and reliability and ease of ownership become the most important factors. The Honda City is the safest recommendation here. It is a proven product with a strong reliability record, a comfortable ride and a familiar ownership experience that your father will appreciate, especially coming from a 2008 City. The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are both excellent to drive, but the 1.0 TSI engine can feel a bit laggy at low speeds, and the 1.5 TSI is overkill for this kind of usage. The Nissan Tekton is a good value proposition, but engines are not responsive at low speeds and Nissan's service network is not as strong as Honda's, which matters more for a low-running, long-term ownership scenario. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a solid option if you specifically want an SUV, but the hybrid premium does not make financial sense at this running, and the naturally aspirated petrol is not as refined as the City's engine. The new-generation Hyundai Creta is worth waiting for only if your father specifically wants an SUV; otherwise, the City remains the more sensible choice. Overall, the Honda City is the most reliable, comfortable and hassle-free option for your father's usage.

Honda City

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Nissan Tekton

•1w

I’ve almost finalised the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, and I really like the car. However, I’m a little worried about Skoda’s long-term service and maintenance costs, especially after the warranty period. I’m planning to keep the car for around 7–8 years. Would you recommend taking the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) along with the car? Is it worth the additional cost considering regular servicing and potential maintenance expenses? Also, compared with the Brezza and Nexon, how is the Kylaq Signature Automatic in terms of long-term reliability, service costs and parts replacement? Would really appreciate your advice before I make the final purchase decision.

•4d

If you like the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, go ahead and buy it. It is a genuinely good car and one of the best driver’s cars in the segment. The 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven combination, and Skoda’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years. The bigger concern is not reliability but long-term maintenance costs, which can be higher than Maruti or Tata once the car is out of warranty.This is where the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) makes sense. It locks in your service costs for the first 4-5 years, covers all scheduled maintenance and gives you peace of mind during the most expensive ownership period. If you are planning to keep the car for 7-8 years, it is worth the additional cost because it protects you from unexpected bills and helps you budget ownership costs more accurately.Compared to the Brezza and Nexon, the Kylaq is the better driver’s car with a more engaging driving experience and a stronger engine. The Brezza is the benchmark for long-term reliability and low maintenance costs, while the Nexon sits somewhere in between. The Kylaq is not unreliable, but parts and service can be more expensive once you are out of warranty.If you are buying the Kylaq, take the SMP and enjoy the car. If long-term ownership costs are your absolute priority, the Brezza is the safer financial choice.

Hi, I am planning to buy a new car and am confused between the Kia Seltos HTX (A) DCT and the Tata Safari Adventure Plus. I liked the interior quality of the Seltos, while the Safari’s road presence is impressive. My annual running is around 15,000km, including both city driving and highway trips. Could you please guide me on which car would be the better choice for my needs?

•5d

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX(A) DCT. At 15,000 km a year with a mix of city and highway driving, the Seltos is the more sensible choice. This Kia car is easier to drive in the city, more efficient and still comfortable on long trips. The DCT gearbox is quick but a bit jerky in traffic, but the car feels premium inside, which you already like. The Tata Safari has great road presence and more space, but this Tata car is a much bigger car to live with every day and does not feel as well-finished inside. The Seltos is the better all-rounder for your usage.

Kia Seltos

Tata Safari

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