I need to drive close to 100 km daily, which will be a mix of city and highway driving. My budget is within 5-7 L. This will be my first car. What fuel type and transmission should I go with? Which car would you suggest I pick to meet my requirements while having minimal maintenance?

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Tiago petrol automatic. With only 500 km a month, the money you save on CNG won’t recover the higher upfront price and the compromises for a long time. The petrol feels smoother and livelier in traffic, the gearbox works better with it, and you keep your full boot for luggage. CNG adds weight, cuts boot space, and performance drops when you switch to gas, which you’ll feel on flyovers and quick overtakes.If your city has patchy CNG supply or long queues, the convenience gap gets wider. Petrol also needs less planning on highway runs, and service is simpler.One honest catch: your running cost per km will be higher on petrol. If fuel prices worry you, or your usage could jump to 1,000+ km a month and you plan to keep the car 7-8 years, the Tiago CNG automatic can make financial sense. For your current 500 km pattern though, petrol automatic is the cleaner, easier choice.

Tata Tiago

autocar.india

•2d

Pick the Maruti Suzuki Celerio. For a sub-10 km city commute and the odd road trip, it offers the best mix of mileage, simple upkeep, and an easy drive while staying within your Rs. 7 lakh budget. It fits four adults comfortably, and the boot can take weekend bags. Maruti’s service network is everywhere, and parts are cheap, so long-term costs stay low.Given your short daily runs, a small petrol hatch makes more sense than a diesel or an electric car. The Celerio’s light controls and tight size make traffic and parking stress-free. At highway speeds, it can feel a bit light, so it's advisable to keep a relaxed pace on trips. If you want a sturdier feel and stronger crash rating, the Tata Tiago is worth a look.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Tata Tiago

autocar.india

•1d

The first step is to identify whether the rust is surface rust or structural corrosion on your Tata Tiago. Surface rust, especially around stone chips, door edges or weld joints, can usually be treated by sanding, applying anti-rust treatment and repainting the affected panels. If the rust is recurring in the same areas despite repairs, we'd recommend getting a second opinion from a reputed independent body shop rather than relying solely on the dealership.We also wouldn't agree that "Tata cars naturally rust". While some owners have reported rusting issues, it is certainly not normal for every Tata car, and recurring corrosion after a proper repair suggests the root cause may not have been addressed.If the corrosion is extensive or affecting structural areas such as the floor, suspension mounting points or chassis members, then it becomes a safety concern, and you should seriously consider replacing the car. However, if it is confined to cosmetic panels, it is usually worth repairing, especially since the rest of the car has served you well.

Tata Tiago