Hi, I am currently using a Maruti Suzuki Wagon R LXI CNG. My monthly running is around 900 km, with approximately 80% of my driving on highways. I have noticed some performance limitations on highways, so I am planning to upgrade. Which car would be more suitable for my usage pattern? Also, should I go for a CNG or a petrol car?

Autocar India

•1h

The 2026 Tiago gets more cosmetic enhancements, new interiors and more features, and like the outgoing car, it feels very user-friendly, thanks to its light controls, compact size and good visibility all around. If you like the Tiago, go ahead with it.For similar money, you'll also get a Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, which has more cabin space, and its engines are also smoother and more efficient. You can also get a Hyundai Grand i10 Nios with a four-cylinder petrol engine which is more refined, and its controls are smoother than the Tata's. The Nios also has better interior quality and fit-finish.

Tata Tiago

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Autocar India

•58m

The important thing to understand is that while the government has notified standards for fuels up to E30, it has not mandated an immediate switch to E30 fuel. In fact, the government has asked ARAI to conduct long-term testing on how E25 affects existing E10 and E20 vehicles before taking any further decisions. The study is expected to assess durability, mileage, engine health and long-term reliability over tens of thousands of kilometers.There is also a strong possibility that consumers will be offered a choice of fuel blends at petrol pumps rather than a sudden replacement of E20 with E30. Discussions are already underway around offering multiple ethanol blend options based on vehicle compatibility. Even if higher ethanol blends eventually arrive later in the decade, manufacturers, fuel companies and regulators will have to provide a transition path because millions of E20-compatible vehicles will still be on the road.Between the two cars, we would actually lean towards the Baleno AMT. The Baleno's 4-cylinder petrol engine is noticeably smoother and more refined than the Dzire's 3-cylinder unit, which makes a difference in everyday driving. It also has one of the better calibrated AMT gearboxes in the segment, feeling smoother and more predictable than many rivals. For elderly parents, the Baleno's wide-opening doors, comfortable ride and easy drivability are all strong positives.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

•5h

Your 2020 Baleno Alpha BS6 has covered 90,000 km, but it has also been maintained well. The major wear items, such as the tyres, battery, clutch and brake discs, have already been replaced, so many of the expensive maintenance jobs are behind you.We would also not replace the car because of concerns around E20, E25 or E30 fuels. Any move to higher ethanol blends will be gradual, and there will need to be a transition path for the millions of existing BS6 vehicles already on the road. Your Baleno is still a relatively modern car.Since you enjoy long road trips, the Baleno continues to be a comfortable, efficient and dependable companion. Unless you specifically want more space, ground clearance or performance, there is no strong reason to upgrade right now.Our advice would be simple: keep the Baleno, continue maintaining it well and enjoy it. It should still have plenty of life left in it.