Autocar India
•14m

Decision Help: Citroen Basalt X vs. Jeep Compass Automatic (Insights on Suspension & Highway Loads) ​Hi everyone, ​I’m looking for some advice on deciding between the Citroen Basalt X (top-end model) and a Jeep Compass automatic (any variant). ​To give you some context on my driving habits: ​City Driving: I clock approximately 1,000 km a month in the city, dealing with daily traffic, bad roads, and potholes. ​Highway Driving: I don't do weekly highway commutes, but I do take a long road trip covering 2,000 to 3,000 km once every 3 or 4 months. ​Current Ride Baseline: Right now, I drive a Citroen C5 Aircross. I haven't had any issues with its suspension, though to be honest, I can't quite tell if it's on the firmer or softer side because it manages to feel both firm and soft at different times depending on the road. ​I have a few specific questions regarding how the Basalt and Compass compare for my use case: ​City Comfort & Spine Support: Given my heavy city usage, how does the Basalt’s notoriously soft suspension setup compare to the Compass’s firmer ride? The Compass is famously planted, but I'm worried its firm setup will transmit too many city potholes into the cabin and lack good spine support on bad roads. Will the Basalt be vastly more comfortable here? ​Highway Stability & Body Roll (Solo vs. Fully Loaded): I know the Jeep Compass is an absolute champ on the highway. I want to know how the Basalt behaves at cruising speeds between 100 to 120 km/h. Specifically: ​ 1. How different or pronounced is the body roll when driving completely solo vs. when the car is fully loaded with a family and a trunk full of heavy luggage? ​2. Does a heavy payload cause a drastic, potentially dangerous difference in how the Basalt's soft suspension handles high-speed turns or sudden braking? ​Highway Disadvantages: What are the practical disadvantages or dealbreakers of taking the Citroen Basalt X out on long highway stretches at higher speeds? Is there anything else I should be considering while comparing these two cars? ​Note: Please do not suggest any other vehicles or brands. I am strictly looking only into Stellantis vehicles. ​Looking forward to your insights and ownership experiences!

•1d

Dear Autocar, I’m looking for some advice on a dilemma that I haven’t been able to resolve. I’m replacing my 2015 Audi Q3 Diesel, which has been an excellent long-distance tourer for us. I haven’t test-driven the Alcazar yet, but I plan to do so shortly. My annual running is relatively low, so this isn’t a petrol vs diesel question from a fuel-cost perspective. Our typical usage is very long road trips (Mumbai-Goa and similar), often 8-10 hours at a stretch, with two adults (my wife and me), our Beagle, and lots of luggage. We also drive through highways, ghats, villages and city traffic, so the car needs to feel effortless and confidence-inspiring in every situation, especially while climbing steep ghats with a full load. I’m considering the Hyundai Alcazar, but I’m confused between: 1. 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT 2. 1.5 Diesel AT (Torque Converter) If the petrol had a conventional torque-converter automatic, I would probably choose it without a second thought. My dilemma exists only because the petrol comes with a DCT, whereas the diesel gets a torque-converter automatic, which is generally considered smoother and more refined at low speeds. My priorities are, in order: - Overall refinement and cabin quietness - Smoothness of the transmission in city traffic - Effortless performance while climbing ghats with a full load - Long-distance comfort and relaxed cruising - Long-term ownership experience and reliability I am not looking for maximum fuel economy or the lowest running costs. I also have another dilemma regarding the seating configuration. Should I choose the 6-seater with captain seats or the 7-seater with the bench seat? My wife almost always travels in the second row during our road trips. She normally likes sitting in the middle seat because she enjoys the forward view. However, from the videos I’ve watched, the captain seats in the 6-seater appear significantly more comfortable and supportive for long journeys. Based on my usage, which powertrain and seating configuration would you recommend, and why? Thank you.

Verified
•29m

Between the 1.5 turbo petrol and 1.5 diesel Hyundai Alcazar, the diesel is the better fit for your usage. It offers strong low-end torque and a more relaxed, effortless character on long drives. Just as importantly, the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smoother and more intuitive in city traffic. In contrast, Hyundai-Kia DCTs tend to have a sharper engagement, which can feel slightly jerky at low speeds and in stop-go conditions.Do note that while the 1.5 diesel pulls well from low revs, its top-end performance is not particularly strong. With a full load, highway overtakes will require a bit more planning compared to the turbo petrol. That said, for your kind of driving, which prioritises ease, consistency and long-distance comfort, the diesel’s overall delivery and gearbox pairing work better.On seating, the 6-seater with captain seats is the more comfortable choice. The individual seats are better contoured, offer superior support, and the addition of armrests makes a noticeable difference on long journeys. Your wife will likely appreciate the enhanced comfort over extended hours on the road. The trade-off, of course, is the loss of the exact central seating position she prefers, but in the Alcazar, the front seats are not overly bulky, so forward visibility remains reasonably good.One alternative worth considering is the Mahindra XUV 7X0 diesel. It offers stronger performance, better refinement, and feels more effortless on highways, especially when fully loaded. The ride quality is also well suited to mixed road conditions. However, it is a larger vehicle than the Alcazar and can feel more cumbersome in tight urban environments.Overall, for your priorities, the Alcazar diesel with captain seats strikes the best balance of comfort, smoothness and ease of driving

VehicleHyundai Alcazar
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
•3d

I am planning to buy a car for my sister. She currently drives a 2016 Volkswagen Polo diesel manual. The budget is around Rs. 20-22 lakh. Her priorities are a premium-looking interior, a feature-rich cabin, low maintenance costs, and good performance. A diesel engine is strongly preferred. She was initially interested in the Hyundai Creta, but someone advised her to wait because the Creta is expected to receive a facelift in March 2027. Please suggest some good options.

Verified
•1h

Go for the Kia Seltos diesel automatic. It is the best fit for your sister's requirements. Coming from a Polo diesel, she will appreciate the strong diesel punch, and the Seltos diesel automatic delivers that same effortless surge while being far more refined and relaxed on the highway. The cabin is among the most premium in its segment, with a rich feature list and a high-quality interior. Kia cars also have a widespread service network, and the 1.5-litre diesel engine has a proven reliability record, so maintenance costs are unlikely to be a concern.If she prefers something that is more engaging to drive and wants to stay with Volkswagen cars, the Taigun 1.0 TSI with the new 8-speed automatic is also worth considering. While it does not have the same diesel-like punch, the turbo petrol engine is strong, and the new 8-speed Aisin automatic is smooth with an improvement in terms of efficiency. That said, the Seltos diesel automatic remains the more natural and well-rounded upgrade for someone moving from a Polo diesel.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleVolkswagen Tiguan
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
•3d

I’m planning to buy a new car for casual use with a budget of under Rs. 11 lakh. It will primarily be used for city driving, including daily office commutes and occasional weekend trips, with an expected monthly running of around 300 to 400km. My priorities are reliability, low maintenance costs, good fuel efficiency, and a car that is hassle-free to own over the long term. I’m currently confused between the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Swift, Honda Amaze, New Brezza, and Fronx. I don’t specifically need a turbo-petrol engine, although I’m open to considering one if it offers good features. I would prefer a manual gearbox, but I’m also willing to consider an automatic or AMT if it delivers good mileage in city driving. The Dzire has caught my attention, but I’m slightly hesitant because of its three-cylinder engine. Please clear my confusion.

Verified
•2h

For your usage, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is actually the most sensible choice. Your running is low, your usage is mostly city with occasional weekend trips, and you want reliability, low maintenance and fuel efficiency. The Dzire is built exactly for this brief. The 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine is smooth enough in everyday use, and the car is light, easy to drive and very efficient in the city. Concerns about the three-cylinder engine are largely overstated. Modern 3-cylinder engines are well balanced and refined at city speeds, and the Dzire is tuned for efficiency and reliability rather than outright performance. In our real-world testing, the Dzire has managed 14.5kpl in the city and 20kpl on the highway. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is essentially the same mechanical package in a hatchback body, so the decision there is simply whether a hatchback or a sedan better suits your needs. The Honda Amaze is a good alternative if you specifically want an automatic. It gets a CVT, which is much smoother compared to the AMT on Dzire, but it's not as fuel efficient. In our standard test cycle, the CVT Amaze mileage is 9.94kpl in the city cycle and 16.62kpl on the highway loop. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Fronx are both good cars, but they will not be as efficient in the city as the Dzire.Go for the Dzire manual and do not worry about the 3-cylinder engine – it is a well-proven, efficient and reliable package.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Dzire
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Swift
VehicleHonda Amaze
•4d

Hi Autocar, I currently drive a 2015 Honda City petrol and am planning to replace it with a 7-seater that I intend to keep for the next 10 years. My annual running is around 10,000km, with approximately 8,000km in the city and 2,000km on highways. My budget is Rs. 25-30 lakh. I also have rooftop solar and a dedicated home charging setup, so an EV is an option. Since I am a business owner, I can also claim depreciation benefits on an EV. Please suggest a car.

Verified
•3h

Given your annual running of around 10,000km, with 8,000km in the city and only 2,000km on the highway, the Kia Carens Clavis EV makes the most sense. Since you have solar and can set up charging at home, running costs will be very low. Also, Since most of your driving is in the city, the Clavis EV suits your usage well. It also offers a modern, comfortable cabin, a usable third row for adults, and well-established aftersales network of Kia cars should make it a dependable choice for long-term ownership.The drawback of an Electric car is your highway trips will need more planning for charging stops. If you regularly travel to destinations where charging infrastructure is limited, the Toyota Innova Hycross would be the better alternative.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis EV
VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
•1w

I currently ride a Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and have been very happy with it. However, I now feel it's time to upgrade to something that offers more performance while also being more comfortable for everyday use. I'm not a fan of highly committed sportbikes like the Yamaha R15, which has an aggressive riding stance. Most of my riding is within the city, including daily office commutes, with the occasional weekend ride. My average monthly running is around 1,000 km. My budget is Rs 5 lakh (on-road). I've shortlisted a few motorcycles. The KTM Adventure S appeals to me even though I don't ride off-road, mainly because an adventure tourer is versatile and comfortable. The Triumph Speed 400 is another option I'm considering. I was also looking forward to buying a Royal Enfield 650, but the absence of tubeless tyres is making me reconsider. Can you suggest which one I should pick, or is there a better option as well?

Verified
•4h

Since most of the riding will be in the city with occasional weekend trips, you are already leaning towards the adventure-touring segment; the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the best all-rounders in this price range, if you can manage its size and weight.The KTM 390 Adventure range is quick, engaging to ride and packed with useful features such as cruise control, cornering ABS, traction control and a quickshifter. It also handles exceptionally well on highways and twisty roads. That said, the engine is not as refined as some rivals, and the large windscreen can make slow-moving city traffic feel warmer.If off-road capability is not a priority, the Triumph Scrambler 400 models deserve serious consideration. It combines the commanding riding position of an ADV with the styling of a scrambler. The engine is refined, the handling is neutral and predictable and comfort over bad roads is good too.Among these, the Triumph Bike is the most affordable, while the KTM 390 Adventure S is the most expensive. The Himalayan 450 falls comfortably in between. One advantage of the Royal Enfield bikes is the strong riding community and touring culture that comes with the brand, which may appeal if you enjoy long-distance travel and group rides.Take a test ride and see which one suits you best before making your decision.

Royal Enfield Himalayan
Triumph Scrambler 400 X
KTM 390 Adventure S
Royal Enfield Himalayan
Royal Enfield Himalayan
•4d

Hi Autocar India Team, I currently own a 2020 Ford EcoSport Titanium Diesel Manual, which has covered nearly 1,00,000 km. It continues to return around 16.5–18.5 km/l in mixed city and highway driving, and I plan to keep it for several more years. I'm now looking to buy a second vehicle and would appreciate your advice. My monthly driving is around 1,000–1,500 km, split between city and highway use. In addition, my family and I undertake a long road trip of approximately 1,500 km (round trip) or more once every three months. I live in Hyderabad, where EVs currently benefit from zero road tax, making them similarly priced to comparable diesel automatic vehicles. My priorities are value for money, comfortable long-distance touring, enough space for a family and luggage (preferably in a large SUV or MPV), reliability over the next 8–10 years, low running and maintenance costs, and strong safety, ride comfort, and resale value. Since I already own a dependable diesel manual that is well suited for long-distance travel, would you recommend buying an EV or another diesel automatic as my second vehicle? If you were making this purchase today, which large SUV or MPV would you consider the best value-for-money option, and why? I'd also appreciate recommendations across different budget ranges, if possible. Thank you!

Verified
•5h

Given your usage pattern and priorities, we would recommend going for a diesel automatic SUV or MPV rather than an EV. Since you regularly undertake long road trips with your family, a diesel eliminates the need for range planning and charging stops that electric cars require. While the Ford EcoSport can continue to handle long-distance journeys, it is now six years old and has already covered nearly 1,00,000 km. If something were to go wrong far from home, sourcing parts or repairs could be more challenging. It would therefore make more sense to use the new vehicle for family road trips, as it will be more comfortable and reliable.The Kia Carens Clavis diesel automatic is one of the strongest options for your requirements. It offers a spacious cabin with a genuinely usable third row, a refined diesel engine, and a smooth automatic gearbox. Kia cars also have a well-established aftersales network, which adds to their appeal as a long-term ownership proposition.Another excellent option is the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic. It offers a spacious cabin, a strong diesel engine, a comfortable ride, and a good balance of features and safety. The drawback is that the third row is not as roomy as the Clavis.Overall, a diesel automatic SUV or MPV is the more practical and value-for-money choice for your usage pattern, especially considering your regular long-distance travel and plans to keep the vehicle for several years.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
•5h

Hi Autocar Team, I'm a first-time car buyer and have narrowed my shortlist down to these three automatic variants: - Honda Amaze ZX CVT - Tata Punch Accomplished+ S AMT - Skoda Kylaq Signature AT Initially, our budget was around ₹16 lakh, but we've consciously reduced it to around ₹12 lakh because of the uncertainty surrounding the future impact of ethanol blending. We felt that if regulations or technology change significantly over the next few years, we'd be more comfortable having spent less on our first car. I've managed to test drive only the Punch AMT, Amaze manual, and Kylaq Prestige manual, as the automatic variants weren't available. My impressions: Tata Punch Accomplished+ S AMT - Overall, I liked it but felt lag in the starting gear changes. - The seating position, visibility, and 360-degree camera were impressive. - However, I noticed noticeable lag and jerks during the 2nd-to-3rd gear shift, and the pickup felt slow at times. Is this something owners get used to, or does it remain noticeable in daily driving? Honda Amaze ZX - I drove the manual since the CVT wasn't available. - The engine and driving experience felt smooth. - My main concerns were the front seats lacking under-thigh support, the infotainment screen being difficult to see in bright sunlight, and the cabin feeling a bit dated compared to the others. Skoda Kylaq - I drove the Prestige manual. - The cabin quality and overall driving experience felt very good. - Since I couldn't drive the automatic, I'm unsure how the torque converter behaves in city traffic. A bit about our usage: - This will be our family's first car. - Both my parents (50+) will also be driving it, so ease of driving and confidence behind the wheel are very important. - We plan to keep the car for 6-8 years. - Current expected usage is around 50% city and 50% highway, although our usage may increase once we own a car. Considering long-term ownership, reliability, service experience, overall build and quality, ease of driving for first-time drivers, and lower chances of issues over 6-8 years, which would you recommend among these three? Also, if your recommendation is the Skoda Kylaq Signature AT: - Can the infotainment system be upgraded later to include a rear-view camera or even a 360-degree camera while retaining good integration and warranty? - Or is it better to stretch the budget and buy the Signature Plus AT from the start?

•5d

Hi AAA, My name is Richu, and I'm from Kerala. I'm keen on buying a lifestyle pickup truck. I don't really have a practical use case for it. It's purely a passion purchase, and I want something that stands out from ordinary vehicles. It will be my secondary car, mainly used for occasional family trips and some mild off-roading. I recently test-drove both the Isuzu V-Cross and the Toyota Hilux. I loved the Hilux for its strong performance and, the availability of a locking rear differential. However, I wasn't impressed with its ride quality. It felt quite stiff, and there was noticeable pitching from the back. When I drove the V-Cross on the same stretch of road, the ride felt much more comfortable. I also preferred the V-Cross for its looks and overall ride comfort. Now I'm confused about which one to buy. The Hilux is based on Toyota's current-generation platform, whereas the V-Cross is based on a much older platform. Toyota also has a stronger service network than Isuzu. So, it's a classic heart vs mind dilemma, and I'd really appreciate your help in choosing between these two vehicles.

Verified
•6h

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross certainly scores with its more comfortable ride and attractive pricing, but it is built on a platform that now feels dated. The Toyota Hilux, on the other hand, offers a more powerful engine, a more premium cabin, better equipment, and the added confidence of a locking rear differential. It also benefits from an extensive service network of Toyota cars and its well-earned reputation for long-term reliability.That said, if the purchase isn't urgent, it would be worth waiting a little longer. The next-generation Hilux is expected to arrive in India soon, bringing improvements in comfort, interior space, features, and overall refinement. There's also a good chance it will address some of the ride quality concerns you experienced with the current model. So, while the Isuzu car might be the safer bet at the moment, we would advise test-driving the new-gen Toyota Hilux before making your decision.

VehicleToyota Hilux
VehicleIsuzu D-Max V-Cross
•4d

Hello Autocar Team, My wife is 51 and I am 55. We are planning to buy an automatic car for my wife, with an expected monthly running of under 500 km. We are both first-time drivers and will be graduating from riding a scooter. Please suggest an automatic car with the smoothest transmission (no jerks), high reliability, low ownership costs, and that can negotiate bumper-to-bumper traffic. A small turning radius is also important because the lane opposite our stilt parking is quite narrow, with cars often parked in front of the building. The car needs to be reversed and turned into the parking space, so easy manoeuvrability is essential. Our budget was initially under Rs 10 lakh, but it is flexible if there is a significantly better option. We are looking for a car that will last at least 15 years. My wife will be the primary driver.

Verified
•7h

If home charging can be arranged, the Tata Tiago EV is the strongest fit for these requirements. The electric powertrain delivers seamless, jerk-free acceleration, making it especially easy for first-time drivers. Its compact dimensions and tight turning circle also make it far easier to manoeuvre in narrow lanes and into tight parking spaces. With monthly running of less than 500km, running costs will be extremely low, and the Tiago EV remains one of the most sensible city cars on sale.Another option worth considering is the MG Comet. While its unconventional two-door layout won't suit every family, it is exceptionally easy to drive in congested city traffic. For a car that will spend almost all of its time in the city, this MG car has plenty of merit.If you cannot arrange for home charging, then we'll recommend the Hyundai i20 IVT. The engine is smooth, and the transmission is seamless, resulting in a jerk-free drive experience that's better than all other cars equipped with an automated manual transmission (AMT). Do keep in mind that the i20 is a relatively large car, so maneuvering it might not be as easy as the Tata Tiago EV or MG Comet.

VehicleTata Tiago EV
VehicleMG Comet
VehicleHyundai i20
Tata Tiago EV
Tata Tiago EV
•4d

I am confused between buying the Tata Harrier Pure X Dark Edition Diesel AT and the Tata Harrier EV Fearless+ 75 kWh. I have charging facilities available both at my apartment and at my office, and I live in Hyderabad. Since I plan to keep the car for the next 10 to 12 years, would it be better to buy the Tata Harrier Pure X Dark Edition Diesel AT, which is based on an older platform, or should I go with the Tata Harrier EV Fearless+ 75 kWh, which is built on a new platform and features an all-new architecture? Alternatively, would it be wiser to wait for Tata to launch the next-generation Harrier ICE? By then, there may also be more clarity on the future of iso-butanol as an automotive fuel.

Verified
•8h

Go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless+ 75 kWh. With charging available at both home and the office, the ownership experience is well suited to an EV. The Harrier EV also offers a long driving range, a spacious cabin, and a premium feel.The Tata Harrier Pure X Dark Edition Diesel AT remains a capable SUV, and its Land Rover-derived platform is not an issue. However, considering the relatively low running requirements and the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, the electric car makes more sense in this case.That said, since the plan is to keep the vehicle for 10 to 12 years, it is worth considering that the battery will gradually lose capacity over time. This can reduce both driving range and performance. In addition, the resale value of diesel SUVs is likely to remain stronger than that of EVs over such a long ownership period.As for iso-butanol, there is currently no official policy or implementation timeline as there was for the E20 petrol. Modern diesel engines are engineered with a degree of tolerance for future fuel changes, and if iso-butanol-blended diesel is introduced, manufacturers are expected to develop engines that are compatible with it. At present, however, there is no reason to delay the purchase solely because of uncertainty around iso-butanol.

VehicleTata Harrier EV
VehicleTata Harrier
•5d

Hi, I own a 2017 Baleno RS and am currently looking to replace it with another car that offers one of the best turbo/Boosterjet engines available in the market. The reason I am considering replacing my Baleno RS: Since E20 fuel has become the norm, the 2017 Baleno RS is not officially compatible with it. I have already noticed a significant mileage drop. More importantly, I am concerned that continued use of E20 fuel over the coming years, it might hamper the parts of my car. It has been almost 10 years since I bought this car. I feel it is the right time to upgrade to a newer vehicle that offers better technology, improved refinement, and modern safety features. Now that I have explained the reasons behind the upgrade, I have my eyes on the newly launched Brezza 2026 facelift, especially the ZXi+ variant with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine. It seems to offer the turbocharged performance I enjoy, while still delivering the fuel efficiency Maruti Suzuki is known for. Since I am upgrading from one Maruti Suzuki to another, I also expect to receive a better exchange value and a more attractive overall deal. What are your thoughts?

Verified
•9h

The new Maruti Suzuki Brezza 1.0 Boosterjet appears to be a logical upgrade from the Baleno RS. It retains the familiar Boosterjet character while offering a more modern, E20-compliant package with improved safety, better features and the added practicality of an SUV. If paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Brezza ZXi+ variant could also prove to be a more relaxed highway cruiser than the Baleno RS. The Brezza 1.0 Boosterjet is a good choice if you value the service network of Maruti Suzuki cars, reliability, and ownership experience.You could surely consider exchanging the Baleno RS for the Brezza at the Maruti dealership if you're getting a great deal. However, we recommend first getting the car evaluated by a few reputed used car dealers or independent buyers to understand its true market value. Comparing multiple offers will help ensure the best possible resale price before finalising the exchange with the dealership.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza