Latest questions answered by experts

Hi Autocar Team, I'm a first-time car buyer and have narrowed my shortlist down to these three automatic variants: - Honda Amaze ZX CVT - Tata Punch Accomplished+ S AMT - Skoda Kylaq Signature AT Initially, our budget was around ₹16 lakh, but we've consciously reduced it to around ₹12 lakh because of the uncertainty surrounding the future impact of ethanol blending. We felt that if regulations or technology change significantly over the next few years, we'd be more comfortable having spent less on our first car. I've managed to test drive only the Punch AMT, Amaze manual, and Kylaq Prestige manual, as the automatic variants weren't available. My impressions: Tata Punch Accomplished+ S AMT - Overall, I liked it but felt lag in the starting gear changes. - The seating position, visibility, and 360-degree camera were impressive. - However, I noticed noticeable lag and jerks during the 2nd-to-3rd gear shift, and the pickup felt slow at times. Is this something owners get used to, or does it remain noticeable in daily driving? Honda Amaze ZX - I drove the manual since the CVT wasn't available. - The engine and driving experience felt smooth. - My main concerns were the front seats lacking under-thigh support, the infotainment screen being difficult to see in bright sunlight, and the cabin feeling a bit dated compared to the others. Skoda Kylaq - I drove the Prestige manual. - The cabin quality and overall driving experience felt very good. - Since I couldn't drive the automatic, I'm unsure how the torque converter behaves in city traffic. A bit about our usage: - This will be our family's first car. - Both my parents (50+) will also be driving it, so ease of driving and confidence behind the wheel are very important. - We plan to keep the car for 6-8 years. - Current expected usage is around 50% city and 50% highway, although our usage may increase once we own a car. Considering long-term ownership, reliability, service experience, overall build and quality, ease of driving for first-time drivers, and lower chances of issues over 6-8 years, which would you recommend among these three? Also, if your recommendation is the Skoda Kylaq Signature AT: - Can the infotainment system be upgraded later to include a rear-view camera or even a 360-degree camera while retaining good integration and warranty? - Or is it better to stretch the budget and buy the Signature Plus AT from the start?

Hi AAA, My name is Richu, and I'm from Kerala. I'm keen on buying a lifestyle pickup truck. I don't really have a practical use case for it. It's purely a passion purchase, and I want something that stands out from ordinary vehicles. It will be my secondary car, mainly used for occasional family trips and some mild off-roading. I recently test-drove both the Isuzu V-Cross and the Toyota Hilux. I loved the Hilux for its strong performance and, the availability of a locking rear differential. However, I wasn't impressed with its ride quality. It felt quite stiff, and there was noticeable pitching from the back. When I drove the V-Cross on the same stretch of road, the ride felt much more comfortable. I also preferred the V-Cross for its looks and overall ride comfort. Now I'm confused about which one to buy. The Hilux is based on Toyota's current-generation platform, whereas the V-Cross is based on a much older platform. Toyota also has a stronger service network than Isuzu. So, it's a classic heart vs mind dilemma, and I'd really appreciate your help in choosing between these two vehicles.

Hello I want a car which have low maintenance and better mileage. I have to run 300 kms 3 times a week in single run please suggest me a car in 5-6 lakh range. I am thinking about wagon r vxi Agar wagon r vxi me maruti touch screen leta hu to

Hello Autocar Team, My wife is 51 and I am 55. We are planning to buy an automatic car for my wife, with an expected monthly running of under 500 km. We are both first-time drivers and will be graduating from riding a scooter. Please suggest an automatic car with the smoothest transmission (no jerks), high reliability, low ownership costs, and that can negotiate bumper-to-bumper traffic. A small turning radius is also important because the lane opposite our stilt parking is quite narrow, with cars often parked in front of the building. The car needs to be reversed and turned into the parking space, so easy manoeuvrability is essential. Our budget was initially under Rs 10 lakh, but it is flexible if there is a significantly better option. We are looking for a car that will last at least 15 years. My wife will be the primary driver.

I am driving Hyundai Xcent since 2014,nowI want to buy a suv (AT) around 18lacs Which is better SKODA KUSHAQ SIGNATURE SELTOS HTK GL5 MPI IVT Or should I consider Creta or Honda elevate Mainly we need this for highway driving We have Tiago manual for city use since 2p

I am confused between buying the Tata Harrier Pure X Dark Edition Diesel AT and the Tata Harrier EV Fearless+ 75 kWh. I have charging facilities available both at my apartment and at my office, and I live in Hyderabad. Since I plan to keep the car for the next 10 to 12 years, would it be better to buy the Tata Harrier Pure X Dark Edition Diesel AT, which is based on an older platform, or should I go with the Tata Harrier EV Fearless+ 75 kWh, which is built on a new platform and features an all-new architecture? Alternatively, would it be wiser to wait for Tata to launch the next-generation Harrier ICE? By then, there may also be more clarity on the future of iso-butanol as an automotive fuel.

Swift dizare vs honda amage

Hi, I own a 2017 Baleno RS and am currently looking to replace it with another car that offers one of the best turbo/Boosterjet engines available in the market. The reason I am considering replacing my Baleno RS: Since E20 fuel has become the norm, the 2017 Baleno RS is not officially compatible with it. I have already noticed a significant mileage drop. More importantly, I am concerned that continued use of E20 fuel over the coming years, it might hamper the parts of my car. It has been almost 10 years since I bought this car. I feel it is the right time to upgrade to a newer vehicle that offers better technology, improved refinement, and modern safety features. Now that I have explained the reasons behind the upgrade, I have my eyes on the newly launched Brezza 2026 facelift, especially the ZXi+ variant with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine. It seems to offer the turbocharged performance I enjoy, while still delivering the fuel efficiency Maruti Suzuki is known for. Since I am upgrading from one Maruti Suzuki to another, I also expect to receive a better exchange value and a more attractive overall deal. What are your thoughts?

Hi I am planning to buy 4m suv confused with xuv4xo and hyundai venue but the power of xuv3xo is much better is it a right choice

Hi Autocar team, I am looking to buy a petrol manual SUV in Chennai for low-mileage usage—about 10 km a week in the city, with occasional 70–100 km highway trips every couple of months. I am deciding between the Honda Elevate and the Kia Seltos. Here is how the comparison stacks up for us: Price & Exchange: We get a much better trade-in value with Honda (around ₹4–4.5 lakh vs. ₹2.7 lakh at Kia). Net-net, accounting for the trade-in and Chennai on-road pricing, the Elevate works out to be roughly ₹3 lakh cheaper overall. Tech & Features: With the Elevate, we can add useful features like a 360-degree camera, a ₹6,000 ventilated seat add-on, and LaneWatch in the top model. Drive & Cabin Space: I actually preferred the steering feel of the Seltos during my test drive. The Seltos also somewhat comfortably fits 5 passengers for city rides, whereas the Elevate feels strictly like a 4-seater due to the rear center armrest/bench layout. We are a family of 7 who'll drive with the help of driver sometimes or my husband and I will drive. Model Cycle Concerns: Given the heavy discounts and trade-in offers on the Elevate, I’m concerned it’s riding on the older 2025 model cycle compared to the newer-gen 2026 Seltos. I worry a facelift or update might be around the corner for the Elevate. Given our usage, is it worth paying the ₹3 lakh premium for the newer Seltos and better steering, or does the Elevate make more practical sense despite being the older model?

I used to own a Karizma R, and I currently ride a Honda Shine. I'm confused between the TVS Ronin and the Honda Rebel 300. My priorities are a lightweight motorcycle that's easy to commute on daily, while also being capable of occasional highway rides. If there's another motorcycle that suits my requirements better, kindly suggest. My budget is within Rs 2.5 lakh. Also, if I buy a petrol motorcycle instead of an EV, could that become a problem in the future?

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 space required for comfortable family use. Since I primarily drive in city traffic, an automatic transmission is a must-have. 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 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.

I am looking to buy an electric scooter. My daily commute is around 100-120 km. I am confused between the Ather Rizta and the TVS iQube ST. I need a comfortable and reliable scooter with good resale value.

Hi, I have a 2019 BS4 diesel MG Hector. Is it allowed to be driven in Delhi, or has it been banned?

I am using a Volkswagen Virtus GT 1.5 TSI Turbo, purchased in August 2024. It has completed around 16,000 km and my current monthly usage is approximately 1,000 km. Should I continue with the same car, or would it make sense to switch to an EV within the amount I could get by selling the Virtus? The estimated resale value is around Rs 14 lakh, based on online valuation. Kindly suggest.

I am planning to buy a subcompact suv for city driving. After test driving Hyundai Venue1.0 HX8, Kia Sonet HTX DCT and Škoda Kylaq Signature + , I am getting a good deal on the Sonet. Is it because a new model is in the offing. Its poor NCAP rating worries me a bit. Should I consider the other two or wait for a new Sonet.

I am using a BMW 330Li and like the car very much. However, the only problem I have is that the driver's seat is not comfortable on long drives, and my lower back starts to feel uncomfortable. I have driven just 11,000 km since purchasing it in November 2025. Please suggest a good alternative within my budget of Rs. 60 lakh.

I am ready to buy a new Himalayan 450 right now. Given that it is E20 compatible, is it safe to buy today? If the government mandates a higher ethanol blend (greater than 20%) in a couple of years, is this still the right time to buy, or should I wait?

I mostly drive in the city to commute to my workplace. My daily commute is around 20 km, and my annual running is about 10,000 km. I currently own a Hyundai Creta Manual. Can you suggest an upgrade, preferably an automatic, with decent city mileage?