I am planning to buy an adventure motorcycle that offers excellent long-term reliability, durability and good fuel efficiency. Most of my riding will be on roads, with occasional off-roading, and I also want it to be comfortable for long-distance touring. My maximum budget is Rs. 2.5 lakh, although I'd prefer to stay close to Rs. 2 lakh. I have been considering the Hero Xpulse 210 and the TVS Apache RTX 300, but I'm confused. I'm also concerned about the changing fuel policies. Current bikes are only E20 compatible, and I intend to keep the motorcycle for at least eight years. Should I buy now or wait for a flex-fuel motorcycle, even though there aren't any adventure bikes in that category yet?

autocar.india

•3d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi petrol. It is the most sensible first car in this shortlist. The Brezza is a proven, reliable and low-maintenance SUV with Maruti’s unmatched service network, which is exactly what you want for long-term ownership. The ZXi variant is well equipped, the naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and dependable, and the car is easy to drive in the city while still being comfortable on highways. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris VXi is also a good option, but the Brezza feels like a more complete package with a stronger ownership track record. The Hyundai Creta EX is a good car, but at this price point you are getting a lower variant with fewer features, and the Brezza ZXi offers better value for money. Overall, the Brezza ZXi strikes the best balance between reliability, running costs, features and long-term peace of mind.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•3d

For a first-time buyer with around 1,000km a month and a Rs 10-15 lakh on-road budget, the Skoda Kylaq is a good option to consider. This Skoda car is compact, easy to drive, and has a high seating position and compact dimensions, making it ideal for learning and daily use. The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine is smooth and low maintenance, and the 6-speed automatic is one of the smoothest in the segment. The interior quality is very good, the feature set is strong, and the Prestige trim, which is second from top, will fit in your budget and offer a good amount of kit. Moreover, the Kylaq has also been rated 5-star in Bharat NCAP's crash test ratings, which adds another layer of assurance.

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•4d

This is a very valid question, but in our opinion it deserves a closer look at both motorcycles. The used Gen 1 KTM 390 Duke is a raw, unadulterated pocket rocket, but considering it is nearly 12 years old, you will surely have to spend much more on maintenance and perhaps replace worn-out parts, which will not only be expensive but also time-consuming, as some spares for older discontinued KTMs have started to get a little difficult to obtain.The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, on the other hand, will be a brand new bike with a warranty, compatible with E20 fuel and a far more relaxed ownership experience. It is also a genuinely quick and capable motorcycle in its own right, and while it may not have the same raw edge as the old 390 Duke, it is a far more sensible long-term purchase.This is sort of a head vs heart situation, and if you have more than one bike in your garage, then sure, go for the KTM, but if this is to be your sole mode of transport or only two-wheeler, the Bajaj bike is the more logical purchase.