Latest questions answered by experts

tharun

Hi Autocar India, I regularly read your news and advice articles, and I find them both interesting and helpful. I would like your guidance regarding a future car purchase. I am interested in buying an EV, particularly the upcoming Kia Syros EV. However, I have concerns about two aspects. First, as far as I understand, Kia currently does not offer a DC home charging solution, and I would prefer faster DC charging over conventional AC home charging. Second, I am concerned about battery health. My understanding is that current EV batteries cannot stand frequent DC charging. Is there a possibility that Kia could launch the Syros EV with a DC home EV charger and battery technology that can better withstand frequent DC charging? Given these concerns, would you recommend proceeding with the Kia Syros EV when it launches, or would it be wiser to postpone the purchase until these issues are addressed? I would appreciate your advice.

Autocar India

•11m

No manufacturer currently offers a DC fast charger for home installation as part of a mainstream EV package. Home charging is almost universally done via AC chargers, while DC fast chargers are intended for public charging networks.As for battery health, there is no evidence to suggest Kia Syros EV batteries are unusually sensitive to frequent DC fast charging compared to other modern EVs. While regular DC fast charging can increase battery wear over very long periods, modern battery management systems are designed to minimise this effect.If an EV is predominantly charged using DC fast chargers or is rarely charged to a high state of charge, it is generally advisable to charge it to 100 percent occasionally. This allows the battery management system to accurately calibrate and balance the individual cells within the battery pack, helping maintain optimal performance and range estimation. However, there is no need to charge to 100 percent every day. For routine use, most manufacturers recommend keeping the battery within a moderate charge window and reserving full charges for longer journeys or occasional battery balancing.

Sankar

•23h

I own a Hyundai Xcent SX(O) Petrol (2014 model) and have been quite happy with it. I am now looking to upgrade to a compact SUV with an automatic transmission. I am not particularly concerned about fuel efficiency or features such as a sunroof, ADAS, and other premium equipment. My main priorities are interior space, safety and crashworthiness, boot space, and good after-sales service. My budget is around Rs. 20 lakh. Which SUV would you recommend?

Autocar India

•41m

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT. It gives you proper family space and reasonable-sized boot, and it is has also secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash rating. Coming from a Hyundai, Kia’s service reach and experience will feel familiar and generally hassle free.Cabin quality is solid, seats are supportive for long drives, and it feels like a clear step-up compared to your outgoing car. You could opt for the entry-level HTE O IVT variant, which doesn't get a panoramic sunroof and some other features, so you are not forced into paying for things you do not want.If you prefer something smaller and more compact, you could consider the entry-level Skoda Kushaq or VW Taigun with the 1-litre turbo-petrol engine and 8-speed automatic. Both are nicer to drive than the Seltos, and their boot space is surprisingly better than what the numbers suggest.

Ayush

I am planning to buy a new Kia Seltos around October. Should I go ahead with the Seltos, or would it be better to wait for the new Hyundai Creta?

Autocar India

•1h

Go ahead with the Seltos in October; it already offers the same core package the new-gen Creta is likely to bring, without waiting on launch dates or risking a price jump. Both share engines and most features, and the Seltos’ facelift brought all the modern, feel-good bits, so you are not missing anything major. October also tends to bring festival deals, and quicker delivery on the Seltos, which you can actually use.The next-gen Creta is likely to hit showrooms in the first half of 2027. And even post launch, deliveries could take a few weeks. Hence, your wait is likely to get even longer.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Rajendra Madhwani

•7h

I want to buy a new car and have shortlisted the Tata Tiago CNG AMT and the Hyundai Exter CNG Manual. My primary requirements are fuel efficiency and driving comfort. I also considered the Tata Tiago EV, but I am somewhat apprehensive about buying an EV due to range anxiety and the relatively limited driving range. I do not have the budget for higher-range EVs. My usage will be predominantly in the city, with an expected daily running of around 30-40 km. I would appreciate your suggestions on which option would be the better choice for my needs.

Autocar India

•1h

If you can arrange for home charging, the Tiago EV is an excellent pick. It is very user-friendly, and its driving dynamics are very sorted. Expect around 200km on a single charge with the 24kWh battery version, and around 150-160km with the smaller battery version, so with 30-40km daily usage, you will barely need to charge the vehicle twice or thrice a week. However, in the absence of home charging, we'd recommend you to opt for the Exter instead, simply for its smoother and refined engine, lighter controls, and higher seating. Sure, the Tiago CNG is likely to be more efficient, but the Exter CNG doesn't fall behind. Expect the Exter CNG to return around 22km/kg in the city and 30km/kg on the highway.

Vimlesh

I am confused between the Honda Elevate V MT and the Kia Seltos HTE MT. I live in a Tier-5 city that also has some hilly terrain. My usage is around 40% city driving and 60% highway driving, and my annual running is moderate. I like the Honda Elevate for its engine response, strong initial pickup, mid-range performance, long-term reliability, and generous rear-seat legroom. However, I am not entirely comfortable with the driver's seating position and legroom, and I feel it may not be as comfortable on long drives. Another concern is that the nearest Honda service centre is about 100 km away from my location. On the other hand, the Kia Seltos offers a much better interior, more features, excellent driving comfort, and ample legroom. While the rear-seat space is not as generous as the Elevate, it is still comfortable and sufficient for my needs. It also has a service centre close to my location, a good service record, and better parts availability. However, I find the initial pickup to be less impressive, and I am slightly concerned about the engine's long-term reliability. Considering all these factors, which one would you recommend as a family car?

Autocar India

•3h

You seem to have answered your own question. The Kia Seltos seems to be the better pick for you on account of its comfier seats, and proximity of its service centre. Sure you might miss the Elevate's energetic performance, at least initially. However, the Seltos' 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and has adequate pep for most scenarios. Also, this engine has been doing duty in many Hyundai and Kia models for many years now, and it has proven to be quite reliable so far.

Kia Seltos

Kishore

•3d

Hi experts, I own a Baleno RS and am looking to upgrade to an SUV. My daily usage is around 20km, and I take a highway trip once every three months. On average, I drive around 8,000km a year. I recently tested the Duster and enjoyed the drive, but the rear-seat space was not up to the mark. I am also thinking of checking out the Sierra. With the current trend of rising petrol prices, I am confused about whether shifting to an EV is worthwhile or if a petrol vehicle would still be ideal for my usage.

Autocar India

•4h

Pick the Tata Sierra petrol. Your daily 20 km and rare highway runs do not justify the extra price and charging fuss of an electric car, and you already flagged rear space as a concern. The Sierra feels roomier and comfier in the back than the Renault Duster you tried.You enjoyed the Duster’s drive, and rightly so, as it feels more eager and easier to throw around. But for quarterly highway trips and family comfort, the Sierra’s wider cabin and more relaxed ride suit your upgrade better. With 8,000 km a year, the fuel savings from an EV will take a long time to catch up; unless you have easy home charging and plan to keep it for many years, petrol is the simpler, lower‑risk choice.One trade-off is that the Sierra will cost more and won’t feel as engaging to drive as the Duster. If you mostly drive with just one passenger and love that driving feel, the Duster still tempts, but for space and ease, the Sierra wins.

Tata Sierra

Renault Duster

Kaushik Mallick

•1d

Hi Autocar. I recently bought an R3 and will mainly use it for solo rides. Now I need a touring motorcycle that is comfortable for a pillion as well. I am quite short, and I want a bike with performance similar to my R3. I generally do not prefer retro-style motorcycles. Performance and pillion comfort are important. My budget is around Rs 4 lakh. Kindly suggest.

Autocar India

•5h

An ADV is the logical recommendation usually for your query, and we'd normally recommend options like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure and TVS Apache RTX 300. These bikes will fit your criteria quite nicely and offer you similar performance to your R3.However, since you have said you are on the shorter side and you want something more manageable for your stature, the only option you have realistically is the 350cc Bajaj Dominar 400. The Dominar has a low 800mm seat height, and while it weighs as much or more than the aforementioned options, since it is a lower bike, you'll be able to manage it better. Do bear in mind that the Dominar is a much simpler, older and more affordable machine than the three ADVs mentioned above, and you will feel that. To assess whether or not the Dominar should be your next bike, take your preferred pillion along with you on a test ride of all the options listed above. Then, depending on what you feel, go ahead with the bike that suits you guys best.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

KTM 390 Adventure

Bajaj Dominar 400

TVS Apache RTX