I have been considering purchasing the Honda Elevate ZX MT and recently visited a Honda showroom, although I did not take a test drive during the visit. I understand that the naturally aspirated engine is reliable and the overall ergonomics seem well designed. However, a few aspects have made me reconsider my decision, such as the under-thigh support for both the driver and rear passengers, the relatively boxy seat design (including how comfortable the middle seat is due to the hump), NVH levels, and Honda’s service experience. I am also wondering whether it would be advisable to wait for a potential hybrid version of the Elevate, although there is no clarity on when Honda might introduce it. Could you please advise whether I should proceed with the Elevate ZX MT or consider waiting or exploring other options?

Autocar India

•2d

Avoid full seat covers, especially leatherette, on your Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. It will compromise both the ventilated seats and potentially the airbag function.Your front seats have side airbags integrated into the seat, so any aftermarket cover not specifically designed to tear open in a crash can interfere with deployment. That is a safety risk and best avoided. On the ventilation side, even perforated leatherite will significantly reduce airflow, making the feature far less effective. Ventilated seats work best with the original upholstery, and covering them defeats the purpose.If the fabric feel and heat are your concerns, a simpler option is to use partial solutions, such as seat base cushions or breathable fabric overlays, for daily comfort without fully covering the seat.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Autocar India

•1d

Since you're looking for comfort and fuel efficiency, you could consider the 1.5 NA petrol versions of the Maruti Victoris or Maruti Grand Vitara. Both these are competent, no-nonsense cars that will meet your requirements. Also, being high-riding vehicles, ingress-egress will be easier than in your Honda City, and because you're seated higher up, visibility is also quite good. Since these cars are very similar beneath their skin, pick the one that you think looks better outside and in. You won't go wrong picking either.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Honda City

Autocar India

•1d

We are assuming you're comparing the Maruti Victoris ZXI O to the Grand Vitara Zeta O, both of which are similarly priced and equipped, and are powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine. Also, they have similar space, quality, and their driving manners are also similar. So the only difference between these cars is the way they look - the Victoris has a lighter coloured interior, which feels airier, compared to the Grand Vitara's dark brown and black colour scheme. You won't go wrong by opting for either; however, the Victoris gets our vote because it feels a bit more modern and has brighter interiors.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Autocar India

•6d

You’re after a no-drama, long-term family car that is easy to drive, comfortable and roomy. For that brief, the Honda Elevate VX CVT is a good fit. The VX CVT is the sweet spot because the automatic keeps the engine smooth in traffic, and the VX trim gets the useful features without pushing the price too high.Why it fits your list: Honda’s simple 1.5 petrol has a long, clean track record, so it suits your “no issues for 10+ years” aim. The driving position is high, the steering is light, and the CVT makes stop-go city work very easy. Space is good for four adults, the seats are supportive, and the suspension deals with broken roads well, so daily comfort is strong.Trade-offs to note: it is not the quickest for fast highway passes, and rivals offer more flashy features. If you expect a lot of high-speed use with a full load, you may want more punch.Regarding waiting for a facelift, while it may launch this year, there is no confirmed date or list of changes. An update usually brings small styling tweaks and a few extra features, and prices can go up too. The basics you care about are space, ease of driving, Honda’s engine and service and these are unlikely to change much.If you do want to look around, pick the Kia Seltos IVT for more features and a more modern cabin. Overall, for your needs, the Elevate VX CVT lines up best right now.

Honda Elevate

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•4d

With the kind of mileage you are already seeing from your 4th generation Honda City, I would not rush to fit a CNG kit. Around 16 kpl over 85,000 km is actually a healthy real world figure for a petrol sedan, and since the City is known for its smoothness and refinement, adding an aftermarket CNG kit will inevitably change the character of the car. Honda does not offer a factory CNG option for the City, so any retrofit will be third party, which means compromises in boot space, some loss in outright performance and the added variable of installation quality and long term reliability. Honda also recommends using fuel that meets the vehicle specifications, and aftermarket modifications can complicate warranty or support considerations on newer cars.A CNG conversion only starts making strong financial sense if your running is very high and you plan to keep the car for several more years to recover the kit cost. If your annual usage is moderate, the payback period can be longer than expected. The only real case for going CNG here is if fuel cost reduction is your absolute top priority. Otherwise, given how well your City is already performing, I would leave it as is and enjoy the refinement rather than fixing something that is not really broken.

Honda City

Autocar India

•6d

Both perform very well for your requirements, but overall, the Skoda Kylaq is the better choice. The Citroen C3 X has a slightly comfier ride quality, its AC performance is very strong, and its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is quite punchy. However, the Kylaq's 1.0 TSI engine is more powerful, and the 6-speed automatic gearbox has been tuned for even greater responses. As such, it will feel more eager on ghats and highways. It too has excellent suspension and absorbs bumps and broken roads well. Moreover, the Kylaq sits in a segment above and hence offers more space in the back seat and the boot, which will be useful for your passengers and luggage. Moreover, the build quality is stronger, the interior feels more upmarket, and though it may be more expensive, there are more features on offer than in the Citroen. Hence, we recommend that you go with the Skoda.

Skoda Kylaq

Citroen C3