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?

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.