Latest questions answered by experts

I want to buy 6/ 7 Seater car, budget-friendly. Also, more comfortable in all three rows. I chose Kia Clavis and Xl6. I did test drive both vehicles. I'm comfortable with XL6. More leg room in all three rows. But experts in many forum they praised Clavis. Most of my family members are above 5.9. So I feel XL 6 would be a better option. Suggest to me what's best?

•24m

The Kia Carens has a roomier third row, as well as a middle-row bench seat option, while the XL6 is only available with captain chairs. But if you and your family members found the Maruti XL6 more comfortable, and you're fine with the six-seater layout, then that is the one you should get. It is a fuss-free, no-nonsense offering, and with Maruti's widespread, as well as proven, reputation for reliability, it is an option you can't go wrong with.

Kia Carens

Maruti Suzuki XL6

•2d

Currently using Maruti Breeza 2019 diesel. Now, I want to upgrade, the budget is 30L max. My monthly running is 2000km/month with 50:50 city and highway.

•1h

Do you have a provision for home charging? If yes, an EV like the Mahindra XEV 9E is something you must seriously consider. With its long range, effortless performance, and very low running costs (provided you're charging at your home for the most part), it will be a very economical option. Additionally, it has the latest in terms of tech and features; it is spacious and is surprisingly easy to drive despite its size.If an EV isn't an option for you, go for the Mahindra XUV7XO Diesel automatic. It is feature-rich; it gives you the flexibility of three rows of seats; its engine is smooth, punchy, yet efficient; ride quality is very good; and overall, it is your best bet.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•2d

I currently have a Hyundai Eon and I am planning to upgrade to the Virtus GT. How good is the Virtus over bad roads in the city? Does it make passengers uncomfortable? If yes, should I consider Slavia?

•2h

As far as your query regarding the Virtus GT or Slavia goes, both cars are mechanically identical, and the difference between their ride quality, if any, is negligible. Pick the one that appeals to you more. For bad city roads, these cars ride better than you’d expect, with enough ground clearance and suspension travel to clear tall speed breakers and swallow most potholes. Also, stability is rock-solid, which inspires great confidence at highway speeds.Volkswagen will be launching the updated Virtus towards the end of this year. It is likely to get some cosmetic enhancements, new features, and, more importantly, an upgraded air-con unit for more effective cooling. If you can, do wait for that.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

•2d

I own a Ritz VDI 2013 model. My steering light is not going off. My mechanic checked the wiring, etc., but it still persists. The mechanic says it is ok. The steering is perfectly alright. But why is the light not going off?

•3h

That light staying on means the electric power steering computer has stored a fault and needs a proper scan and reset, even if the wheel feels normal. On a 2013 Ritz, this often happens after a weak battery or charging dip, or after wheel alignment or suspension work, when the steering sensor loses its zero point.Two simple checks save time. Get the battery and alternator tested with a multimeter - you want roughly 12.6V with the car off and about 13.8-14.4V while idling with lights and AC on. Low voltage can trigger the light. Then ask for a scan that talks to the EPS module specifically. A generic OBD reader may miss it, so use Maruti’s tool or a good Bosch/Launch scanner. Clear the code and run the steering calibration with the wheels straight. If the light returns, the common culprits are the torque sensor in the column or the EPS control unit.Your mechanic saying “wiring is ok” isn’t the finish line. Without the right scan, the light won’t go.

•1d

Hi, I am planning to replace my 2017 S-Cross 1.6 Alpha. My annual running will be less than 15,000 km and includes both highway and rural road usage. My budget is within Rs.10 lakh. Please suggest the best options.

•5h

Go for the Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo - it is powerful enough and can shrug off rough rural roads and still feels settled enough on the highway, but you might have to stretch your budget slightly to get desirable features. Your running is low, so a petrol suits you fine, and the Magnite’s high ground clearance will give you peace of mind on broken surfaces and village tracks. It is also one of the safer small cars around, with a 5-star Global NCAP rating, which matters more when you spend time outside the city. It gives you the best bang for your buck at this price range, and that includes space, which is as big as some vehicles from a segment above. If you stretch your budget a bit more, you could even get it with the smooth CVT automatic. Just be ready for less power than your S-Cross 1.6 diesel on fast highways. You will need a downshift for quick overtakes, and the engine gets a bit vocal when pushed.

Nissan Magnite

•1d

I own a Maruti Zen VX Deluxe 2002 model. I want to purchase an SUV. My budget is around 15 lakhs. My daily running is very less around 10-15 kms. My expectations are good mileage, safety and features. I want a good mixture of all of these. Kindly suggest some good options.

•6h

Go for the Hyundai Venue. It gives you a good mix of mileage, safety and modern features at this price. It secured a 5-star BNCAP crash rating and has a good safety feature list with kits like six airbags, ESC at ADAS at higher trims. Its size for the city is also good, with its length coming in under 4 meters, and it should feel easy after a Zen. Opt for the 1.2 litre petrol engine as it would offer you a better real-world efficiency than the 1.0 litre turbo while also coming in at a more affordable price point. As an alternative, you can consider the upcoming Maruti Brezza, which is due to arrive in about two months and would also give you this same mix.

Hyundai Venue

Maruti Suzuki Brezza