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•3d

I currently drive a 2022 Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo and am planning to upgrade to a new car sometime next year. I am particularly interested in hybrid vehicles, with the upcoming JSW Combat and the next-generation Kia Seltos Hybrid being the two options I am keeping an eye on. My primary requirements are excellent fuel efficiency, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and practicality. I need a car that can comfortably accommodate my family while also serving my work requirements, including carrying equipment and occasionally travelling to operational sites in hilly areas. Considering these requirements, which of these two vehicles would be the better upgrade from my current Kushaq? I would appreciate a comparison of their expected real-world mileage, cabin and boot space, comfort, performance on steep and hilly roads, reliability, maintenance and overall value for money. Since both options may not have confirmed specifications or launch details yet, I would also like to know what information is currently available and whether it would be worth waiting for these hybrids or considering other alternatives.

•4h

The JSW Combat (based on the Jetour T2) and the next-generation Kia Seltos Hybrid are unlikely to be direct competitors, with an expected price difference of around Rs 15 lakh. The Combat will be a much larger SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and considerably more performance, while the Seltos will be a conventional strong hybrid aimed at better fuel efficiency.As an upgrade from your Kushaq 1.5 TSI, the JSW Combat would be the more substantial step up, provided budget isn't a constraint. Its larger dimensions, more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain and greater capability should make it better suited to carrying equipment and travelling to hilly operational sites. The Seltos, on the other hand, will be a more practical and affordable upgrade. It should offer a more premium and spacious cabin than your Kushaq, along with a significant improvement in fuel efficiency. However, in terms of outright performance and the sense of an upgrade, it may not feel like a major step up from your current 1.5 TSI.

What's the biggest deal-breaker when buying a used car?

POLL

Poor service history

Multiple previous owners

Accidental damage

High kilometres driven

•4h

First EV of Honda is coming guys, its named Alpha. What do you expect from it?

I'm looking for a new car with an on-road budget of Rs 8-10 lakh in Mumbai. I want something that offers an enjoyable driving experience and has some character, along with no-nonsense reliability and ownership. Some important features for me are a decent infotainment and audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear AC vents to deal with Mumbai's humid summers, and automatic climate control. The car should also feel stable on the highway during long drives. I prefer a petrol car with a manual transmission, ideally with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. A turbo-petrol is also fine if it offers a good power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratio. Features such as alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seat covers and ventilated seats would be good to have, but aren't essential.

•4h

The Hyundai i20 N Line will meet your requirements well. It will not meet every specification but will match what you are expecting from your car. The driving experience is very good, and it is a reliable car too. Being a Hyundai, it is very well equipped with features like alloy wheels, auto climate control, rear AC vents and a decent touchscreen with Android Auto.

Hyundai i20

Toyota has introduced updated Innova Hycross in Indonesia, is that a signal of what is coming to India?

•7h

Hello, I am searching for a sub-4-metre car under Rs 13 lakh. I am confused between a petrol automatic and a diesel manual, as a diesel automatic exceeds my budget. I liked the Brezza, but since we already own a Maruti and some interior parts have not changed in 10 years and resemble our older vehicle, I am not drawn to it. Our annual usage is about 8,000 kilometres. Because my parents will drive it mostly, I lean towards an automatic. Thank you.

Since your annual running is around 8,000km and your parents will be driving the car predominantly, we would suggest sticking to a petrol automatic rather than a diesel manual. The Hyundai Venue and Skoda Kylaq are both worth considering. If a premium looking cabin is important, the new Venue is one of the best in the segment. Its interiors feel modern, with good quality and fit and finish. However, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol paired with the DCT may not be the most natural choice for prolonged bumper to bumper traffic.The other option is the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. Its six speed torque converter automatic is better suited to stop start city driving and makes it a smoother, more predictable car to drive. This Skoda car is also more engaging behind the wheel, although its interiors aren't quite as impressive as the Venue's. They will, however, feel more distinctive and premium compared to your existing Maruti Suzuki car.Our pick would be the Kylaq if gearbox smoothness and ease of driving for your parents are the priorities.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai Venue

•3d

I have had a Hyundai i10 for the past 14 years, I want to replace it with an automatic vehicle for city driving. Could you please suggest options?

Since you're upgrading from a 14-year old Hyundai i10, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is worth considering. The Baleno Zeta AMT variant fits in your budget and it would be a clear step up from your i10 in terms of space, features and convenience. It gets an efficient, three-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox which is well suited for city driving. The cabin is also spacious, the ride is comfortable and it will be stress-free to own in the long term. Alternatively, if you want a compact SUV consider the Hyundai Exter AMT or if you wish to have a sedan, go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire AMT.

Hi, I’m looking for recommendations for an automatic car primarily suited to city driving, with an on-road budget of Rs 10–12 lakh in Hyderabad. I currently own a 2022 Maruti Suzuki Ignis manual and a Brezza, which I plan to retain for highway trips. I’m looking to replace the Ignis with an automatic that will primarily be used for daily city commutes. My monthly running is around 1,500km, with approximately 80% city driving and 20% on the ORR. My priorities include a comfortable driving position for my 5’10” height, good ride quality, real-world fuel efficiency and a smooth automatic gearbox. Senior-citizen-friendly entry and exit, along with comfortable rear seats, are also important as my father occasionally travels with me. I’m open to any body style or fuel type since the Brezza will continue to handle highway duties. Could you suggest your top 2–3 options that I should shortlist for back-to-back test drives with my father before making a decision? Real-world ownership experiences and feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

•6h

Given your requirements, you should consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT. It falls within your budget of Rs 12 lakh, it has an efficient three-cylinder petrol engine, an AMT automatic gearbox and has a spacious cabin. The doors also open wide, and it isn't very low-set, so getting in and out should not be an issue for senior citizens. It will also be comfortable for your height, and the ride quality is also comfy and composed. Being a Maruti, it will also be stress-free to own and easy to maintain, as you would have experienced with your Brezza and Ignis. Alternatively, you could also consider the Hyundai i20 IVT. It comes with a larger, four cylinder engine, a smoother CVT automatic gearbox and feels more premium inside. But if won't be nearly as fuel efficient as the Baleno, the rear seat won't be as spacious and it will be more expensive to buy.

Tiago owner · 25,000 km

Which SUV would you take for a proper off-road adventure?

For daily usage EVs are best now prices are at par with ICE cars, life time warranty on battery, low running cost and option to power the car by solar makes them winner.

•3d

Hi everyone, I am a 43-year-old working professional residing in Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand. I am looking to buy a secondary car for my daily office commute, which is around 30km at most per day or approximately 1,000km per month. I will be driving alone around 80 percent of the time, and this car will replace my ageing Honda Unicorn motorcycle. We already have a Tata Nexon at home, and I have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi and Alto K10 VXi. Could the experts here suggest which one would be a better choice for my requirements and explain why? Also, why does the S-Presso have such low sales numbers compared to other cars in its segment? Thanks in advance!

•6h

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso would be the better choice for you. It's got slightly more ground clearance, which will be a boon for your daily commutes. Further, the S-Presso seats you slightly higher than the Alto K10, giving a better view of the road. The slightly elevated seating position would also feel closer to the Nexon that you are used to. Also, the S-Presso gives a greater sense of space inside though it's not much roomier than an Alto. In other ways, the S-Presso and Alto are the same, using the same engine, gearbox, and platform. While the S-Presso is a good car for the money, its gawky design hasn't won over buyers, which should explain why it doesn't sell as much as the more traditional-looking Alto.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

•1d

My driving requirements are approximately 75–80% city driving, 15% highway driving and 5–10% hill driving. My budget is Rs 10 lakh, but I am also looking out for offers in December and January on previous-year manufactured cars, so I can stretch it to Rs 11.5 lakh if a good deal is available. I need a car that can comfortably accommodate three adults in the rear seat, even if it feels a little cramped. It should also be capable of handling Chennai's traffic, potholes and road bumps. My priorities, in order, are safety, fuel efficiency, engine and gearbox performance, and finally, features, if the budget permits. My current preferences are: 1. Tata Altroz Creative S AMT 2. Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX M (O) 3. Skoda Kylaq Signature Manual 4. Kia Sonet HTK (O) 1.0-litre iMT Please suggest which of these cars would be the best overall choice for my requirements and rank them in order of preference, considering all the factors mentioned above.

•7h

The Mahindra 3XO RevX would be the right choice for you. It's the roomiest of the vehicles on your shortlist and the most spacious for three adults to sit at the back. Boot space isn't great but is manageable. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy, and you will appreciate the power it offers on your highway and hill drives. Performance is good, though fuel economy entirely depends on your driving style. Drive with enthusiasm and fuel economy will drop quite dramatically. The 3XO also feels tough in its build and will be comfortable over the potholes and bumps that you regularly encounter. It also helps that the 3XO has a five-star NCAP rating. If ease of use is an absolute priority, the Tata Altroz AMT makes sense.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Altroz

•1d

I’m looking for a car for my wife’s daily commute. A high seating position for better road visibility, ease of driving in everyday traffic, particularly in congested conditions, and good fuel efficiency are our top priorities. Her daily commute is less than 30km, with occasional highway trips of up to 90km one way, at most twice a month. It would also be helpful if the rear seat could comfortably accommodate three adults during these highway trips. What are the available options within budgets of Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12 lakh (on-road) in Kerala? Should we also consider an automatic transmission? The new car will replace our 2009 Maruti Suzuki WagonR, which my wife loves for its excellent road visibility and easy manoeuvrability. I’m looking for something that retains these qualities while offering a suitable upgrade.

•7h

The best replacement for a 2009 Maruti Wagon R will be a 2024 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, for its tall stance, great visibility, ease of driving and affordabilty. For less than Rs 8 lakhs on-road, you should get the top-spec petrol-AMT version. The only downside being, its rear seat isn't wide enough to accommodate three adults.An automatic car with great visibility under Rs 12 lakh on-road with a backseat wide enough for three adults is the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX M (O) turbo-petrol-automatic. Performance is strong for highway use, its gearbox is smooth for daily use, and overall, it'll feel like a huge step up over your outgoing car.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Although companies are launching so many EVs, people are still hesitant to buy. What do you think is the main reason?

•17h

Autocar mentions that Venue N Line N6 has push button start, while all the review videos says it comes with flip key, not with the smart key. Can you please confirm?

The Hyundai Venue N Line N6 indeed has a flip key with remote-locking/unlocking functionality. The Smart key with an Engine start/stop button is reserved for the top-spec N10 variant.Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will rectify the error at the earliest. Apologies for the inconvenience it may have caused.

Hyundai Venue

I read that Tata is offering a free 30-point vehicle health check and 10% discounts on accessories, extended warranties and roadside assistance until November 14.

•12h

Hi, I am planning to buy my first car and am looking for an automatic car in the Rs 12-16.5 lakh budget. I am 6ft tall, so seating comfort, particularly headroom and under-thigh support, is an important consideration. My monthly running will be around 1,000km, with approximately 70% in Bangalore city traffic and 30% on highways. I am looking for a car that offers decent mileage, comfortable seating, reliable after-sales service and good long-term reliability, as I plan to keep it for at least 10 years. Features such as a reverse camera, height-adjustable driver seat and rear AC vents are also priorities. I have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 3XO AT, Maruti Brezza ZXi AT, Maruti Grand Vitara Delta TC and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor?