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•3d

I live in Bangalore and currently, I own a 2008 Swift Dzire. Now, I am looking for a mid-size SUV (around 4.3 m in length due to home parking constraints) under a budget of Rs. 18-20 lakh (+/- Rs. 2 lakh). I cannot opt for an EV or diesel due to my low usage and I cannot opt for a petrol-CNG hybrid, as I feel it is more suited for cabs and then, I will have to wait in very long lines at filling stations since I have observed around 30 cars in queue near my area. I am worried about the uncertainty around ethanol-blending issues, and low mileage of 1.5 litre engine. Petrol-electric hybrid cars are slightly over my budget. I have another year to finalise my new car, which may be my last car purchase, if all goes well. I am not interested in fancy ADAS features. I am confused between Hyryder Hybrid and Creta NA petrol engine. The car will be mostly used for outstation trips. Are there any other cars that you would recommend?

•2h

Since diesel, EV and CNG are out of contention, a petrol-hybrid actually gives you the best of what you need. The new Renault Duster Hybrid is an ideal choice given your requirements and your budget. It gets a 1.8 L engine that is mated to a battery pack, making it a strong hybrid with very strong efficiency. It is also around 4.3 m in length.It's also a good-looking car with a lot of ground clearance so bad roads will definitely not worry it. Also, despite being a hybrid boot space is actually usable. For your outstation trips you're not going to struggle too much.Between all the options the Duster Hybrid is the best choice. The starting price is Rs. 17 lakhs but given your budget that can stretch slightly above 20 lakhs. You can actually opt for the top spec model as well. It gets a good amount of kit but it does not get ADAS, which you anyways don't want. The only thing that you would find missing is a spare wheel and a 360° camera. You can get the spare wheel as an optional extra and there is space under the boot floor to store that as well.All things considered I think the Duster Hybrid would be a good choice for you.

Renault Duster

•2h

Which old-school car brings back the best memories?

Hi Autocar, I currently own a Swift ZXi (2013 model) and it still runs well in Bangalore traffic. I’m looking to upgrade to a big car that has a spacious second row that can be used as a 5 or 7 seater. My budget is around 30 lakh (on-road) but if it is worth increasing my budget, I can consider it. I’m looking for a performance car that will be primarily used for highway driving that will be around 1000km per month. I have taken the test ride of Harrier, XUV 700 (not 7XO), Jeep Meridian (which is my friend’s car that I took for 1000km+ drive and it did not cause any fatigue). I really liked the looks of Sorento but it seems little out of my budget. Is it worth considering now or should I give it some more time? Let me know if I can consider any other car for my requirement that does not have manufacturing or service issues. Also, please suggest whether I should choose diesel, petrol or EVs. I am fine with any fuel but my usage is not that much. Please advice accordingly.

•3h

Given your requirements the best choice would be a Mahindra XUV 7XO. Compared to the 700, there are substantial changes in the 7XO with regard to the suspension and ride quality. It also has a lot of tech and with your Rs. 30 lakh budget you can actually get a top-spec AX7 in luxury trim, which gets all the bells and whistles. It gets a very smooth and powerful petrol engine, a smooth gearbox, and a lot of space in the second row. It is also a seven-seater, so the third row is also spacious. If not you can even always fold it and use it as a massive boot. The Sorento is also a good choice but its starting price of over 30 lakh is hard to justify especially when you consider your requirements, which the 7XO fulfills properly. The Mahindra would be the best recommendation.Between a diesel and a petrol, it depends on your usage. If you don't travel a lot and you don't cover a lot of kilometers over a year, a petrol is always better so we would recommend you go for the petrol.If an EV is something you want to choose, then the Mahindra XEV 9S is the best choice as you get the same space as you do on the 7XO, but in an all-electric guise.

Which bike would you pick for a proper weekend ride?

POLL

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

KTM 390 Adventure

Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210

•3h

With unpredictable traffic and insurance disputes, a dashcam seems increasingly useful. Seen many videos online of cars having one.

I am planning to buy an automatic transmission sedan. I have filtered down to VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia but I am confused between the two since both vehicles are pretty similar to each other. My budget is around Rs. 20 lakh. Also, VW Virtus Topline AT and Slavia Prestige AT variant are in this similar range. Which one to go ahead with and for what reasons? I currently own a Dzire and this will be my first german car.

•4h

Since you are upgrading from a Maruti Suzuki Dzire and this will be your first German car, both the Volkswagen Virtus Topline AT and Skoda Slavia Prestige AT are worth considering. They share their engines and platform, so the differences largely come down to styling, features and pricing. The updated Slavia gets improved air conditioning with a new variable geometry compressor, an eight speed torque converter automatic that is smoother and more efficient, larger infotainment and driver display screens, a 360 degree camera and a rear seat massage function, making it a more appealing package than before.However, the Virtus is also expected to receive a facelift soon, with similar styling and feature updates likely. We would suggest waiting before making a decision, especially as the updated Virtus could address some of the current model’s shortcomings.

If you could remove one feature from modern cars to make them cheaper, what would it be? Panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, powered tailgate or something else?

Hello, I am planning to buy an electric car for city drive (which is around 50 km per day) and occasional intercity drive (which is around 300km) to my village. I expect to own the car for a long time (around 8-10 years) and want a car that is easy to drive within city that can also carry heavy luggage. I want a good ADAS system. My other concern is regarding the damage to batteries when driven on village roads since they are placed underneath and battery warranty have many terms and conditions. I find Creta EV lucrative but it is a bit expensive. I am looking for something under the range of Rs. 15 lakh to 20 lakh. Please suggest 3-4 models of electric car that are available under my budget and specifications.

•5h

The Kia Syros EV would be a good option to consider. Since you need a city EV, the Syros' compact dimensions are perfect for an urban runabout and in your budget you can also get the ER variants that gets the larger 51.4kWh battery pack with a range of over 400kms for your occasional outstation trips. The Syros also has one of the most sought after ADAS systems that works well in our conditions and the battery also gets a protective casing to prevent it from being damaged over bad roads. The HTX ER will just about fit in your budget and is well equipped. The other option is the MG Windsor which is larger in size and has a lot of space on the inside, but isn't as good as the Syros in terms of range. Still if you want a larger boot than the Syros, the Windsor is worth looking at. It's top-spec Essence Pro will also fit in your budget.

Modified Thar with bigger tyres, a new grill and aftermarket lights certainly stands out.

I’m planning to buy an automatic sedan and have narrowed my choice down to the Volkswagen Virtus and the Skoda Slavia. I’m confused between the two, since both offer similar features. My budget is around Rs 20 lakh, and in that range I’m considering the Virtus Topline AT and the Slavia Prestige AT. I currently own a Maruti Suzuki Dzire, so this will be my first German car. I’ll drive about 12,000 km a year at most, including four to five long trips a year. Most of my driving will be in the city, in typical Chennai traffic. How should I decide between the two, and what factors should guide my choice?

•5h

The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are essentially the same car under the skin. The Slavia is fresh from an update that brings with it an upgraded air conditioner and a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which have enhanced the driving experience. The same changes, along with similar feature upgrades, are coming soon to the Volkswagen Virtus as well.Both models suit your requirements of 12,000km of annual driving with 4 to 5 long trips. The 8-speed automatic feels smooth in the city and works well with the 1.0 TSI engine. There's also more than adequate performance for long highway drives, backed up by very reassuring high-speed manners. In essence, the choice boils down to your personal preferences in terms of looks and brand image. You could also decide on the basis of proximity to a dealer and the best deals that you're getting on comparable models.

Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos: they’re in the same segment at similar prices, but which one do you actually prefer? Which would you pick, and what makes it better?

•5h

While the two are closely related models, the second-gen Kia Seltos that came out earlier this year is actually built on a new-gen platform. The platform brings with it enhanced refinement as well as the promise of better safety. The new Seltos is also significantly larger than the current Creta and offers more space. You also get the latest tech in the Seltos. Of the two models on sale today, the Seltos is the more wholesome package.Do note, the Hyundai Creta, which has been on sale since 2020, is towards the end of its life and will be replaced by a new model at the start of 2027. The new model will be built around the same platform as the new-gen Seltos and correspondingly will be larger, more tech-laden, and safer than the outgoing Creta. In essence, the new Creta and Seltos will have similar, if not the same, highlights. If you are not in a hurry to make your buying decision, we'd advise you to hold on for the new-gen Creta that's around the corner. And, of course, stay tuned for the detailed Autocar India analysis to know which is the better pick of the two. We are just as eager to know!

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Which EV would you choose for your daily commute?

Hyundai Creta Electric

I recently booked a Toyota Innova Hycross ZX(O) and have been promised delivery by early November 2026. However, the recent spy shots of the facelift have me second-guessing my decision. I need to replace my current car before February 2027, but I have priority access at my dealer if I decide to switch my booking to the upcoming facelift. Given my February deadline, is it realistic to get the facelifted ZX(O) by then, or should I stick with my current allocation? Overall, is it worth waiting for the facelift?

Given your February 2027 deadline, we would stick with your current Innova Hycross ZX(O) allocation rather than risk waiting for the facelift. The updated model is expected in early 2027, but Toyota has not confirmed its launch date, and getting your preferred ZX(O) variant delivered by February is far from certain, even with priority dealer access.The facelift is expected to bring styling and feature updates rather than major mechanical changes. The current Hycross remains a comfortable, spacious family car, so you would not be missing out on a fundamental improvement in the powertrain or driving experience.

Toyota Innova HyCross

I’m confused between two cars: the Maruti Suzuki Fronx naturally aspirated (NA) petrol and the Brezza turbo-petrol. Which one should I buy?

The choice of car completely depends on your requirements. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza Turbo is more powerful and does give you a slight performance edge over the Fronx with the naturally aspirated engine. Do note, Suzuki's turbo petrol engine isn't as punchy as turbo petrol engines that you get on cars such as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, or Mahindra XUV 3XO. The focus of the Suzuki turbo petrol engine is on drivability and smooth power delivery, which makes it feel very comfortable to drive in town. On the other hand, the Fronx, with its 1.2 L naturally aspirated petrol engine, feels smooth and more than adequate for everyday duties. However, it doesn't have the performance of the Brezza's turbo unit, and you will particularly feel this on highways, where the Fronx's NA engine feels adequate but no more. If it's the convenience of an automatic that you're looking for, you are left with the Fronx NA only. The Brezza Turbo doesn't get an automatic transmission, at least for the moment. The automatic transmission version of the Brezza comes with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and is significantly pricier than a Fronx AMT.

I’m looking for a car mainly for my parents. It will be driven by both me and a driver. I’m deciding between the Honda Elevate V CVT (Rs 16.5 lakh) and the Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo DCT Evolution (Rs 17.5 lakh). I’ve ruled out the VW-Skoda twins (Taigun and Kushaq) because their rear seat backrest angle isn’t comfortable at all. I enjoy driving enthusiastically, but I’m also giving some importance to rear-seat comfort (if the difference is marginal, it can be ignored). Please help me choose, or suggest any other car that suits this category. My maximum on-road budget is Rs 18 lakh.

Go for the Honda Elevate V CVT. Since the car will primarily be used by your parents and rear seat comfort matters, the Elevate makes more sense. It offers generous legroom and headroom and is comfortable for two adults in the back. The Duster has a stronger turbo petrol engine and a more engaging performance character, but rear seat space is one of its weaker areas. The Elevate’s naturally aspirated engine and CVT won’t be as exciting when driven enthusiastically, but its predictable handling and smooth gearbox make it easy to live with.

Honda Elevate

Renault Duster

I wish more cars had windows that could be operated remotely before getting inside. Cooling a parked car before entering it would be genuinely useful.