I’m planning to buy an electric scooter, but unfortunately, there aren’t many options that come with both ABS and traction control. Recently, I was riding my dad’s scooter when the front wheel locked up. Although I like the Ather Apex, I’m not comfortable with the fact that it doesn’t come with ABS. I have a couple of questions. Will all electric scooters eventually be mandated by law to have ABS? I also like the TVS X electric scooter, as it’s fun to ride. Is it a safe choice in terms of maintenance, considering it’s a relatively new model? I don’t use the scooter much and ride only around 1,000km a year. This is mainly a purchase for my happiness. My budget is up to Rs 5 lakh. I’m not considering a petrol scooter because of my low usage and the additional maintenance it would require. Any advice would be appreciated.

autocar.india

•3h

Go for the Hyundai Venue. It is the best all-rounder in this budget and fits your requirements well. The new Venue offers a spacious cabin, making it comfortable for your parents, and the suspension provides a good balance between ride comfort and stability. Safety is strong, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and Hyundai's service costs are reasonable, so ownership should not be hard on the pocket. The petrol engine performs well both in the city and on highways, and the automatic gearbox is a quick shifter out on the highway; in the city at low speeds, though, you may seem some hesitation in shifts at some times. The Venue is also one of the more feature-rich cars in the segment, and at your budget, you will get most of the good-to-have features. Overall, it is a well-rounded package that balances your requirements well.

Hyundai Venue

autocar.india

•6h

Given your banking job with frequent transfers, moderate running and a budget of Rs 12 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza petrol is the most sensible choice. It is a reliable, low-maintenance car with a strong service network across India, which is crucial when you are moving between cities. It now gets a turbo petrol engine, so it has the performance you need in the hills. Its compact SUV form factor gives you enough ground clearance and practicality for hilly terrain without being difficult to drive as a new driver.Diesel does not make sense at your running level, and EVs in this price range either compromise too much on space or practicality. The Brezza strikes the right balance between ownership experience, reliability and ease of use, making it a car you will be happy with for years regardless of where your job takes you. If you want a slightly more premium feel and an automatic option, the Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol is also worth considering, but the Brezza remains the more rounded package.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•9h

Go for the Tata Nexon Creative AMT Camo. The premium is justified by the additional features, especially the 360-degree camera with dashcam functionality, which is genuinely useful in daily driving and parking situations. Its larger 12.3-inch Harman touchscreen infotainment system is also a great addition to the feature list. The Camo package also adds a unique visual identity with the Munnar Mist colour, which helps the car stand out. The extra Rs 44,000 you are spending does get you a fair bit of useful kit and, since you are planning on keeping the car for a long time, it’s worth spending a little extra now to keep the tech feeling fresh for longer. From a long-term ownership perspective, the Nexon remains a strong choice with its solid safety credentials and comfortable ride. However, the service experience of Tata cars can be inconsistent depending on the city and dealership, so check your dealer’s reputation before you commit.The Creative AMT Camo strikes a good balance between value and features, making it a solid pick within your Rs 13 lakh budget.

Tata Nexon