Sir, I currently own two cars, a 2022 XUV700 diesel manual and a 2024 BMW X1 diesel. We are a family of five, and I plan to keep only one car since maintaining two is becoming difficult. Which one should I keep, or should I sell both and opt for a new one? I’m confused. Please advise.

Autocar India

•1d

Don't worry, you are fine to have bought your Mahindra XUV700 when you did, and that's for a few reasons. For one, it's a well-sorted, great all-round SUV that you no doubt researched before purchasing, and chose above other SUVs also available in the market.For one, the FTA does not necessarily mean new car brands will come to India. Even without setting up a factory, the cost of entering a new market like India is very high and brands will still have to invest in dealerships, leadership, service network, staff, marketing and much more.Then there are the restrictions of the various FTA deals. The India-US FTA applies only to cars with engines above 3,000cc, while the India-EU FTA applies only to cars above around Rs 16 lakh, and then too the duty reduction will be in phases and slabs, so it's not likely that all cars will get the same reduction.It's also up to the brand whether or not to launch new models here (based on their viability, not just the price) and whether or not to reduce prices of existing imported models - some brands have already said they will not do this.Moreover, all these deals are still in discussion and will be introduced in phased manners, so it will be a few years before they are introduced, and even more years before we get the full benefit. So your decision to buy an XUV 700 now will not be affected.

Mahindra XUV700

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Autocar India

•3m

Since you are going to be learning on this motorcycle, getting something approachable and lightweight will be advisable. In that regard, both the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N250 are good options. Instead of getting them later, you can directly learn on these bikes and save some money, which will be lost when you sell your learner bike, because they are unintimidating machines, which will be good for a beginner rider. However, if you want something even more approachable, a simple 125cc commuter like a Honda Shine or TVS Raider would be an excellent place to start.

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Autocar India

•41m

Of the three bikes you've shortlisted, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X will be the best all-rounder and will also be very easy to ride inside city traffic with its tractable engine and short gearing. While the RTX 300 has slightly better suspension travel and composure, it is still a new product, and it would be advisable to wait some months before buying an all-new machine like this, so if there are any teething issues, they can be ironed out. If you are open to having a retro riding experience, then the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 are worth looking at. These are very comfortable machines, although their performance won't be anywhere close to as sprightly as the other bikes you're looking at. On the plus side, the Bullet/Classic are much more affordable to purchase. We'd recommend a test ride of the RE 350s before you make a decision.

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