Latest questions answered by experts

I have a new 2024 Swift model, and it is now 2 years old. After switching to E20 fuel, I feel that the mileage and power have reduced. My monthly fuel expense is around Rs. 7,000- Rs. 8,000, and my monthly running is approximately 1,200 km. Should I exchange it for a Tata Punch EV?

•18s

The Tata Punch EV is worth considering, but only if you have access to reliable home charging. At 1,200km a month, you're driving enough to benefit from the significantly lower running costs of an electric car, especially if you're currently spending Rs 7,000-8,000 on fuel. The Punch EV is a genuine upgrade over the Maruti Suzuki Swift in terms of ground clearance and overall practicality, while also being much cheaper to run. However, before making the switch, it's worth checking whether the drop in mileage and performance is actually due to E20 fuel or if the car needs a service, tyre pressure check or air filter replacement, as a two year old Swift shouldn't see a dramatic drop in efficiency. An aftermarket CNG kit isn't something we'd recommend as it can affect the warranty, reliability and resale value of such a new car. The only drawback with this Tata car is that it makes sense only if home or workplace charging is available. Overall, if charging isn't an issue and you're planning to keep the car for a few years, the Punch EV is the better long-term choice.

Tata Punch EV

•5m

Hi Autocar team, I am looking to buy car in range between 50-55. I am preferring sedan but open to good SUV. I am thinking to go with audi A4, but its new generation A5 and Q3 both are due in india. I have also seen XUV diesel as my running 12-15k max 20k in year. Also explored Camery. Can you please suggest an options. I am looking for fun to drive car.

•1h

Planning to buy my first car with a budget of around ₹18 lakh. It will be my daily-use vehicle for Kerala roads, with occasional long trips. I've shortlisted the 2026 Renault Duster, Škoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun. My highest priority is crash safety, especially structural integrity and occupant protection, rather than features or ADAS. Which one would you choose, and why?

•1w

Hi, I want to buy an electric scooter for my 75-year-old father. It should be lightweight and suitable for local use only.

•1h

Try the new Bajaj Chetak C25 and see if it fits your needs. It's light, has enough poke for short distances and is very affordable to buy and maintain.Another option is the TVS Orbiter V1, which will have lower range but slightly more performance. This TVS scooter has a larger boot and feels more stable and grown up in the way it handles, compared to the diminutive Bajaj Chetak.A test ride of both will help you understand which of these Electric scooters is a good fit for your father.

Bajaj Chetak

TVS Orbiter

•2h

I am planning to buy a new car. I was about to buy i20 N. Then I heard about next gen i20 releasing 2027. So I am confused if I need to wait till 2027 in case we are going to see next gen i20 N. Q: are we expecting 4th gen i20N as well in 2027? Should I wait ?

•3d

My budget is Rs. 15 lakh. We are a family of four adults and two young kids (12 and 6 years old). Occasionally, we also travel with my two in-laws. Which is the best manual petrol car with good mileage, easy servicing, and easily available spare parts?

•2h

To buy a car under Rs. 15 Lakh for a family of four adults, two young children, and occasional trips with your in-laws, the priority should be space, comfort, and low running costs. The Kia Carens Clavis 1.5-litre NA petrol manual is the best fit here. It is one of the few cars in this price range that genuinely accommodates seven people comfortably, has a proven and reliable petrol engine, delivers decent fuel efficiency and benefits from Kia’s strong aftersales support. The sliding second row makes access to the third row easier, and the overall ownership experience is hassle-free. The only drawback of this Kia car is that the boot space is limited with all three rows up, but for your usage pattern, it strikes the right balance between practicality and cost of ownership.

Kia Carens Clavis

•2h

I'm a Female, 5'1", small built, currently drive a Venue (Turbo) automatic, and a Wagon R. I'm looking for a mid size Petrol SUV, 1.5 L turbo, automatic for highway drives, safety (gncap) being my first priority (will retain venue for city driving). Some days I tend to drive 4-5 hrs without a break on Highways. 20-21L on road is my budget. ADAS 2, ambient lighting, illuminated buttons, hill assist, a great music system and seat and seatbelt height adjustments are a must too apart from all other features that I've got in my Venue. (My amazing Venue has never failed me, even in steep hilly terrains of HP and Uttarakhand or dry, scorching highways of Haryana, UP, 200-250 km nonstop with absolutely no engine heating, and that's what I expect from my new car too- never get me stranded ever; ) Love Harrier, hate tata dealerships; love xuv 7xo, hate Mahindra; Love Victoris, hate its rear styling; At present I'm left with Taigun, Seltos and Creta. Is there any SUV that fits my requirements? Thank you. P.S (some other cars I've driven long term are Indica, Indigo XL, Fiat Palio, Ford Figo, Grand Vitara 2010 (imported) etc.) No.of passengers-3- all small built.)

•3d

I want to buy a car that offers low maintenance and high mileage. I am 6 feet tall and need a car for daily office use, with a running of around 50-60 km per day. My budget is around Rs. 7-9 lakh. Which car should I go for?

•3h

With a daily run of 50- 60 km, fuel efficiency and low running costs become very important. At the same time, your height of 6ft means you need a car with good headroom and a comfortable driving position. In your budget of Rs 7-9 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is the most sensible choice. This Maruti Suzuki car is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in the segment, has a very low maintenance cost, and Maruti's service network is unmatched. More importantly, the tall-boy design gives excellent headroom and a comfortable upright seating position, which makes a big difference for taller drivers on daily commutes. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is also more than adequate for city use and occasional highway runs. If you are open to CNG cars, the Wagon R CNG is even more economical and makes strong financial sense given your daily running. The only drawback is that the boot space is limited in the CNG version. If you want a slightly more premium feel, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a good alternative, but it only comes with a 1.0-litre engine, which, though efficient, isn't as punchy as the optional 1.2 in the Wagon R. Overall, the Wagon R remains the more practical choice for your specific requirements.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

•3h

I want to buy a car for my parents. criteria is automatic and fuel efficient. They both are teacher and travel 30km to a nearby village. My maximum budget is 9 lakh. My father have tummy so he generally prefer to sit in those cars in which he can easily get in and out without so much bending. I can opt BH number since I work in a central PSU. I selected 3 cars, 1 .Tiago amt cng pure plus 2. Altroz amt cng pure. 3 punch amt cng pure plus. Dealer is also giving discount on altroz amt cng that can bring this car under 9 lakh. Kindly suggest

•3d

Hi Team, Please help me choose the right car. I am planning to buy a car with a budget of around Rs. 11-12.5 lakh (on-road price in Delhi NCR). I need an automatic car, and my monthly running will be approximately 600 km, mainly in city traffic, especially on the Delhi-Gurgaon peak traffic stretch. I prefer to keep my cars for a longer period and will be upgrading from a Hyundai i20 manual. Based on my requirements, please suggest the best option among the following: Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi AT - Rs. 11.9 lakh on-road Kia Sonet DCT HTK(O) - Rs. 11.2 lakh Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT - Rs. 9.6 lakh Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic - Rs. 11.2 lakh I am unable to decide which one would be the most suitable choice for my needs. Kindly suggest the best option.

•4h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic. It is the best fit for your usage and available under Rs. 12 lakh, which fits your budget. Your running is low, so petrol is the right choice, and the Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven and reliable combination that works well in Delhi-Gurgaon traffic. This Skoda car is also one of the most fun-to-drive cars in this price range, with strong performance and good highway manners, which makes it a meaningful upgrade from your Hyundai i20. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXI AT is a solid alternative if you want a more relaxed ownership experience and Maruti’s service reach, but the Kylaq is the more engaging car to drive. The Kia Sonet DCT is not the right choice for your usage because the DCT gearbox is not ideal for heavy stop-and-go traffic. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT is the most affordable option, but the AMT gearbox is not as smooth as the Kylaq’s torque converter, and the car itself does not feel like a meaningful upgrade from your i20.The Kylaq strikes the best balance between driving experience, reliability and value for money.

With average run of 500 kms per month, I want a petrol car manual. Which one will be better Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Honda Elevate.

•3d

Hello Autocar Team, I obtained my car driving licence over a year ago, but I have almost no real-world driving experience apart from the driving test. Since my father drives a Mahindra XUV300 Manual (he lives in another city), I was initially inclined to buy a Mahindra XUV 3XO AT (AX5/AX5L/REVX A). However, some advice I found online has encouraged me to consider buying a smaller, less powerful used car to drive for a year. After giving it some thought, I completely agree with the idea of starting with a smaller car, especially since I'll mostly be driving alone. After some research, I narrowed my options down to the Hyundai i20 AT (2021-2023 IVT) over the Toyota Glanza and Maruti Suzuki Baleno in Bengaluru. My plan is to use the car mainly for highway trips (I'm planning lots of temple visits across South, East, and West India) while also practising city driving over the next few months. As a motorcyclist, I've been riding a Triumph Scrambler 400 X for the past two years and occasionally go on highway rides. Although I'll be a new car driver, I don't want to feel that the car is underpowered after a short period of ownership. Along with the i20 (and the Glanza/Baleno), I've now also added the Hyundai Venue to my shortlist. P.S. I'm also planning to enrol in a 10-day doorstep driving instruction course. Could you please suggest which car would be the right choice for me? My key requirements are: Automatic transmission, beginner-friendly automatic gearbox, reasonably quiet cabin, good highway stability, and good or decent resale value after 12-15 months

•5h

The Hyundai i20 IVT is an excellent city car; however, its 1.2 petrol engine will not feel effortless for highway drives. The Hyundai Venue is a good alternative, and its turbo-petrol and dual-clutch automatic combination will feel well-suited for highway drives. Also, visibility is very good thanks to its high seating, and with light steering, it feels quite easy to drive.Given that you plan to take the car for highway drives frequently, we'd recommend you also consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Turbo AT or Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor Turbo AT. Both are essentially the same car and are powered by a turbo-petrol engine and a smooth torque converter (automatic). Their turbo-petrol engine delivers strong performance, which will make the drive experience rather enjoyable. Also, these cars are quite stable for highway drives, are feature-rich, yet compact enough for the city. Between the Taisor and Fronx, pick the one you think looks better and the brand you're more comfortable with.

Hyundai i20

Hyundai Venue

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

•5h

Am looking for car under budget of 20 lacs now creta king automatic finalised What's is your suggestion pls

•4d

Hi, my monthly running is under 1,000 km, and I prefer a mid-size SUV as I'm over 6 feet tall. My driving is around 80% in the city and 20% on highways, and my budget is approximately Rs. 14 lakh. I'm confused about buying a petrol car due to the transition to E20 fuel. Could you please suggest a good car that suits my needs?

•6h

Your concern about E20 is understandable, but it should not be a deal-breaker. All petrol cars sold new today are engineered to handle E20 and even tend to have material tolerances for higher blends like E25 or E27 engineered in, and the impact is largely limited to a drop in fuel efficiency. Worth noting, however, is that at Rs. 14 lakh, you only have access to the absolute start of the midsize SUV segment. This usually means just the base or second variant of each car, which typically miss out on a lot of features, are limited on colour options and look a bit barebones. If you're okay with this, we would recommend the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol MT HTE(O). It's among the newest of the bunch, and this Kia car will provide you with a spacious, comfortable, efficient, and smooth engine and gearbox that's well suited to the city. We would recommend the smooth CVT automatic, but you would have to stretch your budget by around Rs 2 lakh for that.If you would prefer having more features, consider the Kia Syros. Though it is technically a compact SUV, its tall and boxy shape means it is far more spacious than others in the segment. And owing to its sub-four-metre size, its price is much lower than the Seltos, and you can have it in a high specification on your budget of Rs 14 lakh. Do note, however, its 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is not quite as smooth and effortless as the Seltos's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol.

Kia Seltos

Kia Syros

•6h

Hi Team, I am planning to purchase my first family car and would appreciate some expert advice from the community. Initially, I explored the sub-4-meter SUV segment with a budget of around ₹15 lakh. While these vehicles offer good features and value for money, I felt they lacked the cabin and rear-seat and boot space required for comfortable family use. Since I primarily drive in city , highways and native trips(350km), an automatic transmission is a must-have as I feel easy to use. Based on my requirements, I have now shifted my focus to the compact SUV segment. Within my budget of approximately ₹19–20 lakh, the two vehicles that stand out are the **Hyundai Creta S(O) iVT (Summer Edition)** and the **Kia Seltos HTK(O) iVT**, both with naturally aspirated petrol engines. However, I am now in a dilemma because the Creta facelift is expected to launch soon. I am unsure whether I should proceed with the current **Creta S(O) iVT Summer Edition**, choose the **new Seltos HTK(O) iVT**, or wait for the upcoming Creta facelift. My priorities are: * Family comfort and rear-seat and boot space * Automatic transmission * Long-term reliability, * Safety * Ride quality and comfort * Good feature set and overall value for money I would be grateful for your suggestions on which option would be the better choice and the reasons behind your recommendation. If you own either of these vehicles, I would especially appreciate hearing about your real-world ownership experience.

•5d

I'm looking to purchase the X47 Crossover (base variant) for my daily office commute and occasional medium/long weekend rides. My daily running is around 28 km, and I frequently encounter bumper-to-bumper traffic. My primary reasons for choosing this bike are to reduce fuel costs and have a capable motorcycle that is easy to handle in city traffic. However, I’m concerned about the software glitches and mapping issues reported by some owners. Is the Ultraviolette X47 Crossover a good choice for my requirements? Also, please suggest some petrol alternatives that would suit my usage. Thanks in advance!

•7h

The Ultraviolette X-47 base variant is a well-rounded option for your needs, and it will definitely not only reduce your running and maintenance costs, but also the effort needed to ride a motorcycle in stop-and-go traffic since there's no clutch to modulate or gears to shift.Coming to the software glitches and navigation issues, while Ultraviolette has made progress with updates and bug fixes that are usually quick, you could still face occasional niggles on such a tech-heavy machine. If absolute reliability and zero fuss are your top priorities, a petrol alternative like the TVS Apache RTX 300 or Hero Xpulse 210 is worth considering.It will all hinge on what sort of riding experience you prefer and whether you really are ready to make the switch to an Electric bike. A test ride of all three should help you make your decision.

Ultraviolette Automotive X-47

TVS Apache RTX

Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210

•7h

Hi Autocar, Log in You said: Hi Autocar, I am planning to buy a car and here are the details- Weekly commute within the city-650km Every quarter we go for a trip -2500-3000km(mostly south india) Every year we go for a north trip-6000-7000km(source location -Hyderabad). We are 2 of a family, I am thinking to buy an Ev (3 cars in my mind Harrier AWD/Sierra AWD/XEV 9S) please suggest me, if EV works for the above. Can i ask in this way? ChatGPT said: Yes. Your question is understandable, but you can make it clearer and include the information that matters most for getting useful advice. Here's a polished version: I'm planning to buy a new car and would like your recommendation on whether an EV suits my usage. Here are my driving patterns: City commute: ~650 km per week (Hyderabad) Quarterly road trips: 2,500–3,000 km across South India Annual road trip: 6,000–7,000 km to North India (starting from Hyderabad) Family size: 2 adults (occasionally carrying luggage for long trips) I'm considering these EVs: Tata Harrier EV AWD Tata Sierra EV AWD Mahindra XEV 9e AWD My questions are: Is an EV the right choice for this kind of usage, especially considering the frequent long-distance road trips? Which of these three vehicles would you recommend, and why? What are the pros and cons of each in terms of real-world range, charging network, highway comfort, reliability, service support, and long-term ownership? Are there any challenges I should expect during my South India and North India road trips? Would you recommend an EV over a diesel or petrol SUV for my driving pattern? Please explain with estimated running costs and travel-time differences. I'm looking for a practical recommendation based on real-world ownership experience rather than just brochure specifications.

•5d

Dear Autocar Team, I drive around 45,000 km annually across highways and city roads. I previously owned a pre-owned Toyota Glanza Petrol (October 2020 to April 2024), which covered 90,000 km, and I currently drive a Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG (April 2024-present), which has now clocked 96,000 km. While the running costs are low, driving a manual car daily has become physically tiring. Additionally, frequent CNG queues and the limited boot space are major inconveniences. Around 85% of my driving is on highways. My questions are: Is 1.5 lakh km the right financial milestone to sell my Brezza CNG before major maintenance or overhaul costs start increasing? I am looking for an automatic strong hybrid car that can comfortably run up to 1.5 lakh km with low maintenance, fatigue-free driving, and a dedicated spare wheel (stepney). Between the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid, Hyryder CNG, and Honda City e:HEV, which would be the better choice for my requirements? Looking forward to your guidance.

•8h

With 45,000 km a year and 85% highway driving, your priorities are clear: low running costs, fatigue-free driving and long-term reliability. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG has served you well, but the manual gearbox and CNG queues are taking their toll. 1.5 lakh km is a sensible point to consider selling it before major overhaul costs start to creep in.Between the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid and the Honda City e:HEV, the decision comes down to your usage. The Hyryder Hybrid is the better fit. It offers a more relaxed driving experience with a higher seating position, better ground clearance and a smoother ride over long distances. The hybrid system in this Toyota car is well suited to your highway-heavy usage, delivering strong efficiency without the compromises of CNG. The Honda City e:HEV is a very efficient sedan, but this Honda car is lower to the ground, which may be a deal-breaker if you frequently travel on bad roads.Overall, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid is the best balance of efficiency, comfort, and long-term reliability for your driving pattern.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Honda City

•6d

I want to buy my first car within a budget of around Rs. 15 lakh. My annual driving would be below 10,000 km. I am looking for a reliable, low-maintenance car with good long-term ownership prospects. I am confused between choosing a top-end sub-compact SUV like the Maruti Brezza or Tata Nexon, or a mid-size SUV like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or Toyota Hyryder in their mid variants. Please suggest which would be the better choice.

•9h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi+ petrol automatic. With under 10,000 km a year, petrol is the right choice, and the Brezza is one of the most reliable and low-maintenance cars in the segment. This Maruti Suzuki car is also a genuinely comfortable 5-seater with a wide rear bench, good ride quality and a simple, proven naturally aspirated engine paired with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic. The ZXi+ variant is well equipped, so you are not compromising on features, and Maruti’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the country.The Tata Nexon is also a strong option, but the Brezza’s naturally aspirated engine is better suited to long-term ownership and low-maintenance requirements. If you need the space and don't mind compromising on features, the Kia Seltos HTE (O) IVT is a good choice. It is actually well equipped for a lower-end trim and offers a roomier, more border cabin than the Brezza. Overall, the Brezza ZXi+ gives you a complete package without compromise, and that is the right approach for a first-time buyer looking for long-term ownership.

Hi Team, I am currently driving a 2020 Maruti Suzuki Baleno and am planning to upgrade to an SUV. My shortlisted options are the Honda Elevate, Tata Harrier, and Mahindra XUV 7XO. My daily drive involves around 35 to 40 kms in heavy Bangalore city traffic, along with occasional highway trips. My primary priority is a car with a solid 5-star safety rating, along with good ride comfort and easy city drivability. Coming from a lightweight hatchback, I am looking for an option that offers a clear step up in safety and space without feeling overly cumbersome during my daily urban commute. Could you please evaluate these three models based on my usage and suggest the best option and engine-transmission combination for me?

•10h

Based on your usage, the Honda Elevate CVT is actually the best fit for your needs among your shortlist. With a 35-40 km commute in heavy Bangalore traffic, the CVT makes life easy; the engine is responsive enough to go for gaps in traffic, and the steering is light in the city. Importantly, this Honda car is not so large as to become cumbersome to drive in tight city traffic, which is important to you. The Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV 7XO are both physically larger, making them slightly more cumbersome to drive in traffic. Their petrol powertrains are also quite thirsty in the city, while their diesel engines do not suit your city-heavy usage, likely requiring additional highway trips just to keep the DPF happy.If you want an alternative similar to the Elevate, the Kia Seltos is a strong choice. It has a 5-star safety rating, is very well equipped in terms of features, and its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with the IVT offers a smooth, relaxing drive in the city.

Need expert advice?

Ask the Autocar community and experts.

Latest questions answered by experts

Need expert advice for your car?

Can't decide between two cars?

Worried about service and upkeep?