Latest questions answered by experts

Hi, please suggest an EV two-wheeler, should I purchase non brand non RTO electric two-wheeler like Strikeco in on road price of 51k with a lead-acid battery, or with a lithium battery of 71000 or go for a Bajaj Chetak or TVS I Cube scooter or orbiter on road pricing around 1.20 lacs, as running is 1000 kms per month.

•20m

It is not worth going for these electric scooters from unproven brands, which are likely of Chinese origin, sold here under dubious names and in a slapdash fashion, especially since your usage is on the higher side. If something goes wrong, then going to a reputed brand for a fix will be easier than these upstarts, which have no guarantee of being there tomorrow.Given your Rs 1.20 lakh budget, we'd recommend going for the TVS iQube 3.1 or Chetak 3503, which will give you over 100km of real-world range on a single charge, and both come from reputed brands. These scooters have also made a name for themselves by having the fewest reported widespread issues. Whichever one you choose, you can't go wrong with either of them, and we'd recommend a test ride of both before you make a decision.

•1d

Planning to buy a new car, focused on the Skoda Kushaq facelift, with weekly usage of 2 to 3 times, and need to ensure low to average maintenance costs as per usage. Monthly one long trip with family. Please suggest.

•1h

Go for the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI, preferably the manual. Your usage is light, so the smaller turbo petrol keeps costs sensible, gives better city mileage, and still has enough pull for a full family on that monthly highway run. The Kushaq is comfortable over rough roads, and its 5-star safety adds peace of mind on long trips.For low to average maintenance, stick with the 1.0. Routine service once a year is typical, parts are now more reasonable than they used to be, and fuel costs stay in check if you drive smoothly. If most of your driving is stop-and-go traffic, the automatic is easy to live with, but it will cost more upfront and use a bit more fuel.One thing to be aware of: Skoda’s service network is smaller than Maruti or Hyundai, and costs won't be quite as affordable either. If you often drive fully loaded on highways or climb hills, the 1.5 TSI is stronger, but for 2-3 short trips a week and one family trip a month, the 1.0 fits better.

Skoda Kushaq

•1d

I am planning to buy a TC or CVT automatic car around 15 lakhs. City driving of about 30 kms daily, and on weekends about 100 kms. Highway trips once every 6 months (mainly to a hill station). My priorities are safety, features, comfort, low running costs, and a sunroof. Please suggest the best options.

•2h

There are two good options at your budget and with your requirements, and those are the Skoda Kylaq and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Both have sunroofs, and both use smooth 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearboxes. The Kylaq has the stronger 1.0 turbo engine, tougher feel, 5-star NCAP rating and more premium feeling interiors. However, the Brezza has lower running costs, including mileage, and is a bit more spacious overall. On balance, we think the Brezza suits your needs better as it is the better all-rounder and isn't all that lacking in performance either. However, if you can wait for a bit, a facelift for the Brezza is due very soon, and it would make sense to wait and see what updates that brings.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•6d

I am planning to buy a new scooty and am looking for something lightweight with a low seat height. Which would be the best option in the 125cc segment? Please suggest.

•2h

If you want the lightest 125cc scooter, look no further than the Yamaha Fascino / RayZR models. Both weigh under 100 kilos and have low 780-785mm seat heights, making them very friendly and approachable. They also come from a reputed brand like Yamaha and should be hassle-free and affordable to own. If you want to consider a product from a different brand, look no further than the hugely popular Suzuki Access. At 106-107kg, the Access is still very light and with its low 770mm perch, most people should be able to handle this scooter. The Access is also frugal yet has a peppy motor and in its latest gen it is quite hard to fault. In fact, the top 2 variants even come with ABS making it the only one of the mainstream 125cc Indian/Japanese options to offer this feature.Take test rides between these proven products and make your decision based on whichever one you gel with more.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi

Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi

•6d

When is the Ola Roadster Pro expected to launch? Should I wait for it, or should I go ahead with the Roadster X+? I want an electric motorcycle that looks substantial, offers good range, and is not priced like a car. I am not interested in the overpriced Ultraviolette bikes.

•3h

There is no clarity on when the Ola Roadster Pro will launch. Based on our poor experience with the regular Ola Roadster X+ 4.5 in our road test review, we would not recommend Ola products. Some of Ultraviolette's e-bikes are expensive but the recently launched base version of the Ultraviolette X-47 is reasonably priced at 2.50 lakh ex-showroom and warrants your consideration. However, if you do not want to consider Ultraviolette bikes, there are very few other proven and impressive electric motorcycles we can recommend at this point. Hero MotoCorp is likely to launch the Vida Ubex and VXZ electric motorcycles either by this year end or in 2027 and those bikes should be worth waiting for.

Ultraviolette Automotive X-47

Ola Electric Roadster X+

•1d

I currently own an Alto that is now 15 years old, and I am looking to replace it. My usage is primarily within the city, with occasional highway trips during summer and winter vacations. I need a family car that can comfortably accommodate my three growing children, although they are still a few years away from their teenage years. I do not want to spend too much on the new car. I am considering the Nissan Gravite, Renault Triber, and Tata Tiago. I am also thinking about choosing a Maruti Suzuki car instead. Considering my family size, usage pattern, and budget-conscious approach, which car would you recommend?

•3h

Go for the Renault Triber. Your three kids will fit far more comfortably than in a Tiago, and its flexible seats mean you can use it as a five seater now, and a more comfortable six or seven seater when they are older.In the city, it is easy to drive and park as it is a small car, but you get rear AC vents and a wide second row, so school runs and weekend outings are comfier. For road trips, pop out the third row and you get huge boot space. It will cruise fine, but if fully loaded, you will need a heavier right foot for hills and overtakes - its 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is the only real compromise.The Tiago is a sweet, tough little hatch and nicer to drive, but with three growing kids you will outgrow its rear seat and boot fast, then feel the need for another upgrade. The Gravite has all the strengths of the Triber, just in a Nissan-badged and styled package, so pick based on your preference and which brand has a dealer and service centre close to you.

Please advise on the best lightweight scooter for a female rider.

•4h

One of the lightest ICE scooters in India is the TVS Zest 110, which weighs just 102kg and has just a 760mm seat height, attributes that should make it very approachable for those vertically challenged. Even popular options like the Honda Activa, Suzuki Access and TVS Jupiter are manageable in terms of weight, weighing between 105-106kg and low seat heights ranging between 760-780mm. These should also be easy to manage while being more feature rich than the Zest, which is now a fundamentally very old product.Since you're keen on getting a scooter that's easy to manage, take test rides of all four before you make your decision.

TVS Zest 110

Honda Bikes Activa 110

Suzuki Access

TVS Jupiter