I own a 2015 BS4 diesel car with valid fitness and pollution certificates, and I'll be visiting Delhi in a few days. Am I allowed to drive it in Delhi when GRAP restrictions are not in force?

autocar.india

•13h

The EPC light and stalling on your Taigun are understandably concerning, especially at 70,000km. The EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning is a generic fault indicator, so the underlying cause could range from a simple sensor issue to something more complex like a fuel system or throttle body problem. The fact that the car is stalling suggests it is not a minor glitch and needs proper diagnosis.The bigger concern here is the dealer response. Volkswagen’s service experience can be inconsistent, and if your authorised dealer is not resolving the issue, it is worth escalating the matter to Volkswagen India customer care and requesting a more thorough investigation or a different service centre. At 70,000km, the car is still relatively young, and this should be fixable.

Volkswagen Taigun

autocar.india

•4d

That fuel efficiency figure does sound a little on the lower side for the Hyundai Verna naturally aspirated petrol automatic, but it is not necessarily abnormal depending on your driving conditions. In dense city traffic with the AC running, frequent stop-start driving and short trips, it is not uncommon for fuel efficiency to drop into the 7-9 km/l range. The Verna’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and refined, but it is not the most fuel-efficient unit in heavy urban conditions, especially when paired with an automatic gearbox.At 3,500 km, the engine is still relatively new and may improve slightly as it loosens up, but do not expect a dramatic change. If your driving is predominantly bumper-to-bumper city traffic with the AC on, this figure is within the expected range. If you start seeing figures below 7 km/l consistently, or if this Hyundai car feels sluggish or rough, it would be worth having the car checked by the service centre. Otherwise, this is largely a reflection of the driving conditions rather than a problem with the car.

Hyundai Verna

autocar.india

•1h

Although your annual running of around 12,000km sits on the fence between petrol and diesel, your usage pattern is predominantly highway, which plays to a diesel's strengths. The concern about DPF is understandable, but it's often overstated. DPF issues are far more common in vehicles used almost exclusively for short city trips. Since your driving is mainly on highways, the system will get the opportunity to regenerate properly. As for the car remaining parked for 3-6 months, that's not ideal for either fuel type. Diesel cars require some precautions, such as keeping the tank full and using fresh DEF when the car is put back into regular use. Still, long periods of inactivity are not a reason to avoid diesel altogether.We wouldn't let E20 fuel influence your decision either. Modern E20-compliant engines are designed to run on it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. While ethanol can marginally reduce fuel efficiency, it is not a reason to avoid buying a petrol car today.Among your shortlist, we'd place the Mahindra XUV 7XO ahead of the others. It is the most rounded package, offering excellent space, comfort, safety and highway ability.

Mahindra XUV 7XO