Mumbai

•5w

Why does the Maruti Eeco 6-seater version not come with AC? Doesn't Maruti offer the option of installing an air conditioner? Can AC be fitted through the aftermarket after purchase?

•5w

The reason the Maruti Eeco 6-seater Standard variant is not offered with factory-fitted AC is largely a cost and positioning decision by Maruti. It is worth noting that this restriction is specific to the 6-seater Standard variant. The 5-seater versions of the Eeco are available with factory-fitted AC, so Maruti is not avoiding AC altogether on the model.

As for adding AC later, yes, it is technically possible to fit an aftermarket AC, and many owners have done so. However, we would generally not recommend it. Factory-fitted AC systems are integrated with the engine calibration, wiring, dashboard layout and cooling system. An aftermarket setup may not cool as effectively, can affect reliability and could create issues with electrical components over the long term if not installed properly.

If AC is important to you, the better solution is to buy an Eeco variant that comes with factory fitted AC from the outset or go for alternatives like the Renault Triber or the Nissan Gravite.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Eeco

from ₹6.05 Lakh

Renault

Triber

from ₹6.72 Lakh

Nissan

Gravite

from ₹6.53 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

•6d

Dear Autocar India Team, I am writing to highlight a serious ownership concern with premium Volkswagen Group CBU SUVs in India. I own a Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line costing over Rs. 60 lakhs on road. After tyre damage, I approached the authorised service network and was informed that the OEM tyre size - 255/45 R19 - is not available in India. This is a safety-critical consumable, not a cosmetic accessory. For a premium CBU SUV, it is deeply disappointing that owners are left struggling to source the standard tyre size after damage. This concern may not be limited to the Tiguan R-Line alone. The Volkswagen Tayron R-Line in India also uses the same 255/45 R19 tyre size, and the recently launched Skoda Kodiaq RS uses another rare performance tyre size, 235/45 R20. This raises a larger question: are premium CBU models being sold in India without adequate long-term tyre and consumable support? Insurance has approved an alternative tyre size in my case, but that does not solve the core issue. Owners should not be forced into non-OEM tyre sizes because the manufacturer has not ensured the availability of the factory-specified tyre. I had publicly raised this with Volkswagen India, but received no response. I request Autocar India to kindly look into this and raise the issue with Volkswagen India / Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, so that either OEM tyre availability is ensured or formal written guidance is provided for safe alternative tyre sizes. Regards, Dr. S. Alagu Ganesh Madurai

•4d

We’ll take this up with Skoda Auto Volkswagen India right away and ask for a clear tyre support policy, stocking timelines for 255/45 R19 and 235/45 R20 in India, and written guidance on approved alternates. We will publish their response. You’re right to call this out. A Rs. 60 lakh CBU that leaves owners hunting for a basic, safety‑critical size is not acceptable. No doubt, import curbs and BIS rules have choked niche sizes, but that is the OEM’s job to solve with their tyre partners, not the owner’s problem.While we push for a fix, two practical options keep you mobile without straying far from spec. For Tiguan R‑Line 255/45 R19, the closest matches are 245/45 R19 or 235/50 R19. For Kodiaq RS 235/45 R20, 255/40 R20 is closest. Only choose tyres with equal or higher load and speed rating, check full‑lock clearance, and do an alignment. With AWD, replace in pairs at a minimum, ideally all four, to avoid drivetrain stress. Expect a small speedometer error.

•1w

I am considering the Kia Seltos HTE petrol with the NA engine. Will it be suitable for 800 km highway trips and around 200 km of city driving in Tamil Nadu? Will it feel underpowered because of the K3 platform?

•4d

Yes, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTE will handle 800 km on highways and 200 km city in Tamil Nadu just fine. It will sit at 90-100 kph all day without feeling strained, the engine is smooth, and it’s easy to live with in traffic.It won’t feel weak because of the K3 platform. Platform decides stiffness and safety; how strong it feels is down to the 1.5 engine and gearing. This motor is good for steady cruising, but quick overtakes from 80-120 need a downshift and some space, especially with five adults and luggage. On flat TN highways like Chennai-Trichy or Salem-Kanyakumari, you’re sorted; on steeper ghats, you’ll work the gears a bit more.The honest catch is that it isn’t exciting when fully loaded. If you often drive with a full family and want easier, shorter overtakes, the Seltos turbo petrol feels much stronger, though it costs more and will use a bit more fuel. If your trips are mostly relaxed with two to four on board, the HTE NA is absolutely okay and won’t feel underpowered for your use.

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•1d

I am planning to buy the MG Hector Smart Pro Manual. However, I am concerned because the MG Hector's monthly sales has been declining. Please advise me on choosing between the Hyundai Creta and the MG Hector.

•58m

Go for the MG Hector Smart Pro manual. The Hector remains a strong product with a spacious cabin, comfortable ride and a genuinely premium feel for the money. The recent sales decline is more a reflection of increased competition and the age of the product rather than any fundamental issue with the car itself. MG has also been consistent with updates and feature additions, which helps keep the Hector relevant.The Hyundai Creta is the more modern product with a wider engine line-up and a stronger brand pull, but it is also significantly more expensive for a similarly equipped variant. The Hector offers better value for money, especially in the mid-spec variants, and remains a very comfortable and practical family SUV.The only real drawback with the Hector is that it is a larger car and not as easy to manoeuvre in tight city conditions as the Creta. If your usage is predominantly urban and parking is a concern, the Creta is the better choice. Otherwise, the Hector remains a solid buy and the sales numbers should not be a deterrent.

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•1w

Hi, I own a Wagon R 1.0 liter engine. I bought it in November 2025. I had done 2 free services of it. My car gives me about 13-15 kmpl in city driving when the AC is on. I drive at a speed of about 60 km in the city. Is this average ok? If not, then what should I do? My daily ride is about 20 km.

•6d

A city fuel efficiency of 13-15kpl with the air conditioning on is slightly on the lower side for a Wagon R 1.0, but it isn't necessarily a cause for concern, especially if you're driving in Lucknow's city traffic with frequent stops and the AC running throughout your journey.Your 20km daily commute should be enough for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature, but fuel efficiency can still vary depending on traffic conditions, idling time and driving style. We'd recommend checking that your tyre pressures are maintained at the manufacturer's recommended levels, avoiding hard acceleration and excessive idling, and using good-quality fuel from reputed fuel stations.

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•2w

I am planning to buy a family car. Should I choose the Toyota HyCross or the Hyundai Alcazar? Please suggest.

•6d

Go for the Toyota Innova HyCross. For a family, it simply works better as the cabin is roomier, the third row is actually usable for adults, the ride is smoother, and the hybrid saves a lot of fuel in city traffic where most family cars spend their time. Long trips feel easier too, and Toyota’s hassle-free ownership and resale help over years.Pick the Hyundai Alcazar only if you’re on a tighter budget or you want a slightly smaller, easier-to-park 3-row. It’s great for four or five with the third row used occasionally, and the diesel suits heavy highway use. But the last row and boot are tighter, and it doesn’t feel as plush or relaxed on bad roads.One honest trade-off with the Innova HyCross is the higher price and possible waiting period, and the boot with all three rows up isn’t huge. If that stretch and wait are okay, it’s the better family car overall.

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•3d

I am planning to purchase a new SUV. I have shortlisted two vehicles. Toyota Hyryder non-hybrid top model (manual) and Kia Seltos manual top model. Which one should I prefer? My daily running is very less around 10-15 kms.

•2d

With a daily running of just 10-15km, there's little benefit in stretching to a strong hybrid, and since you've shortlisted the non-hybrid Hyryder, the Seltos is the more complete package. It offers a more premium cabin, better performance from its naturally aspirated petrol engine, a stronger feature list and an overall more polished driving experience.The Toyota Hyryder still has its strengths. Toyota's reputation for reliability and aftersales support is second to none, and if long-term peace of mind is your top priority, it remains a very sensible choice. However, the non-hybrid petrol doesn't offer a significant efficiency advantage over the Seltos, so you miss out on the biggest reason to buy a Hyryder in the first place.Given your low running, we'd simply choose the SUV that you enjoy driving and living with every day. The Seltos also feels a little more modern inside and delivers a better overall ownership experience without asking you to compromise on reliability.

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