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My elderly parents, who are over 80 years old, stay in a remote subdivision town. We need a car to visit doctors and occasionally go to relatives’ houses. The expected monthly travel is approximately 400 km. We want to invest in a budget-friendly car like a Wagon R. We once had a first-generation Alto, but had to sell it due to age. Please suggest a suitable car.

Asked by: Aakash

For your usage, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R can be an excellent choice. It is one of the most spacious budget cars, and its reliability is well documented. 

Maruti has the most expansive service network; you won't find it difficult to find service stations, which can be an issue for other brands, as your parents live in a remote location. 

The variant we recommend is the Wagon R VXi Manual with the 1.0-litre engine. The 1.2-litre engine is worth considering only if you frequently drive in hilly areas, as it makes uphill driving a bit more effortless.
 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team24 Dec' 25
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Latest questions

Asked by: SENTHIL KUMAR

I currently own an RR 310, but due to changes in personal circumstances, I now prefer shorter trips with my wife and child. However, I still want a powerful motorcycle that I can use for solo rides in the future. I am considering the Husqvarna Svartpilen and the Honda CB350RS, but have heard that the Honda’s suspension is stiff. Which option would be better suited to my needs?

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a reskinned KTM 390 Duke with both bikes sharing the same engine, chassis and feature-set. As such, the Svartpilen will offer you considerably more performance than the CB350RS, and it will also have the stiffer suspension setup - it's not harsh, but definitely feels more taut than the Honda.On the other hand, the Honda CB350RS is more laidback in terms of its seating position and torquey, air-cooled engine and will have a much lower performance ceiling than the Husqvarna. Its suspension is quite well-judged and will likely be more pliant than the Svartpilen, too.You should take a test ride of both bikes to see which one suits you better, as both bikes have very different personalities and price points.
AI
Autocar India team
9 Jan' 26
Asked by: Kulvansh Raghav

I am planning to buy a Royal Enfield motorcycle and am considering the Hunter 350. My daily commute will be around 35km to 40km, along with one or two long trips each year. I will also use the bike for family errands, including riding with my parents. Please advise if the Hunter 350 would be suitable for my requirements.

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a functionally sorted, well-priced and good-looking machine, so if you've got your heart set on it, you can go ahead with your purchase. It is good to use inside the city thanks to its plush suspension, upright and neutral ergonomics and torquey, smooth engine. Out on the highway, as long as you're not crossing the triple-digit threshold, the Hunter will make for a relaxed mile munching partner.Pillion comfort is the one area where the Hunter isn't as great as its larger siblings - owing to its physically smaller size. We would recommend you visit the showroom for a test ride to gauge this matter for yourself with your parents in tow.
AI
Autocar India team
9 Jan' 26
Asked by: Siddharth Gawai

I am planning to upgrade from my current bike, on which I have clocked over 1 lakh kilometres. I have been considering the TVS Apache RTX 300 for a long time, but after a recent transfer to Mumbai, I am unsure if it would be suitable as a daily commuter, especially given its wider stance. My daily commute is around 30km in city traffic, along with a monthly 100-200km ride. I am looking for a reliable, low-maintenance motorcycle. I would also like to know Rishaad’s view on choosing between the Xpulse and the RTX for daily commuting, as he can relate to these concerns.

Both bikes have their pros and cons when it comes to city usage. The Hero Xpulse 210 is slimmer and more manageable, but throws quite a bit of noticeable heat on the left side of your leg. If you’re comfortable with the size of the TVS Apache RTX 300, that’s the one we’d recommend of the two.However, in both cases, it’s too early to comment on reliability, and there are complaints online with the Xpulse, although our long-term test bike has not faced any issues in the 3,000km we’ve run it yet. Overall, the RTX will feel like a more premium, better-made bike that gives you a lot more for your money. You’ll also have the peace of mind of tubeless tyres.On the flip side, the Xpulse has a lightweight and fun character that you will especially enjoy if a bit of off-road riding forms a part of your usage. It would be best to take test rides of both and hold off on your purchase for about six months to see how the reliability situation plays out. Especially since you are used to having a bike that has served you well for so long! - Rishaad
AI
Autocar India team
9 Jan' 26
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