Reposting the question I asked a few weeks back. Could you please give your expert opinion? I own a 2020 Tiguan TDI Highline. The practicality of the SUV, with its interior space, top-notch build quality, fuel economy, AWD capability, and driving pleasure, is second to none. VW is no longer selling the 2.0-litre TDI engine with the DQ500 gearbox, so I plan to keep this car for another five years. With the warranty period completed, I would like to remap the engine to 180+ bhp with 400 Nm torque. Will the DQ500 gearbox be able to handle this? Do I need to install a bigger turbo? What other precautions should I consider (suspension, brakes, etc.)?

Autocar India

•2d

For long highway trips with your parents, lots of luggage, and a driver who enjoys doing the distance, the Jeep Meridian base variant used as a 5-seater fits well. With the last row folded, the boot is huge, and the ride is calm at speed, so your parents stay comfortable. It feels steady and quiet on expressways, and the diesel’s easy pull makes cruising and quick passes simple. Coming from a Duster, you’ll notice a nicer cabin and better noise insulation. The Meridian isn’t as sharp to drive as the VW Tiguan, but the Jeep rides softer, which suits long tours.Know the trade-offs. The third row is only for short hops and eats boot space when up, so keep it folded. The base trim will miss a few nice-to-haves; if the budget stretches, the next trim up adds useful highway bits. On long-term presence, there’s no signal of Jeep pulling the plug on the Meridian. It’s built here alongside the Compass, meets current emission rules, and CAFE is managed at brand level. A 3-5 year sale window looks safe. Even if plans change, parts and support normally continue for many years.

Jeep Compass

Jeep Meridian

Renault Duster

Volkswagen Tiguan

Autocar India

•4h

This isn’t normal on a brand-new Punch Turbo; book an immediate inspection and avoid driving it till they check it.Visible white smoke from the bonnet with a burnt smell right after the first drive points to oil or coolant touching a hot exhaust or turbo, or a loose clamp. A slipping clutch can create a burnt smell, but it rarely causes visible smoke on a day-one car unless something is already wrong, so the half-clutch explanation sounds like deflection. There is one harmless case, thin coatings or a bit of fluid spilled during prep can burn off and give a faint smell or light wisps for the first few kilometres, but that should fade quickly and not produce sustained smoke.Park it, look for any fresh wet spots under the car, and check the coolant level once the engine is fully cold. Note where the smoke seemed to start, especially front right near the turbo and exhaust, and record a short clip if it happens again. Take it back to the dealer, ask for a job card, and have them check for leaks, loose hose clamps, or clutch issues under warranty. Do not accept “driving style” as the only answer on day one.

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•22m

Buy the Maruti Suzuki Victoris VXI strong-hybrid, because it is the only true hybrid SUV you can get within about Rs. 20 lakh on-road today and its smooth, quiet drive will feel natural coming from a Honda City. You will see big fuel savings in traffic, and Victoris also comes with a comfy cabin and a stable ride quality.The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong-hybrid are the same underneath, so if you prefer their styling or cabin look, that works too. I would still pick the Victoris as its the newest of the lot.One honest caveat: the hybrid’s boot is smaller than the regular petrol variant and performance is calm rather than quick. Also, top trims cross Rs. 20 lakh on-road, so stick to the base hybrid for your budget.If you can wait till Diwali 2026, Renault will launch the Duster strong hybrid and you may also see facelifts of the Hyryder and Grand Vitara, but that is yet unknown.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Renault Duster

Honda City