Latest questions answered by experts

Autocar India

•3h

The updated Tata Curvv EV Series X does improve the Curvv EV’s value proposition, but with the Sierra EV’s launch now right around the corner, it makes sense to hold on a little longer before making a decision.The Sierra EV is expected to be priced in a similar ballpark, but it should offer significantly more cabin space and overall practicality, which will make it the more versatile long-term EV. It is also expected to sit higher in Tata’s EV line-up as a more premium offering.

Tata Curvv EV

Tata Sierra EV

Autocar India

•4h

If your Rs 15 to 20 lakh budget is ex-showroom, then the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic is a very good choice. If you mean on road, then even the more affordable automatic petrol variants will stretch beyond that budget in most cities, so that is the first thing to clarify. As a product, though, the XUV 7XO makes a strong case with its powerful and refined turbo petrol engine, smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, comfortable ride and a genuinely spacious middle row, which will be great for family use. Just remember that the third row is best treated as occasional use space rather than something adults will enjoy regularly on long trips.The bigger practical question is your family situation. If your sister and dad are only now planning to learn to drive once the car arrives, the XUV 7XO may not be the easiest first car to learn in because it is a large SUV with a wider footprint, which can feel intimidating in Indian city conditions for new drivers. In that case, unless they are specifically committed to learning quickly and confidently, a smaller and easier five-seater may actually make more sense.If you are open to that, the Kia Seltos petrol automatic is a very strong alternative. It still feels premium and well-equipped, but is far easier to manage, easier for first-time drivers to get comfortable with and will comfortably fit within budget in the right variants. Overall, if the car is mainly for you and the budget works, the XUV 7XO is a great choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•5h

If you are specifically thinking that the extra Rs 3.5 lakh gets you much better mileage plus more features, then the Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus starts making a stronger case than it initially appears. Since both the Invicto and Toyota Innova Hycross are fundamentally the same car underneath, the real decision is between the simpler Toyota badge and the richer hybrid package in the Maruti.The Invicto Zeta Plus does not just add the strong hybrid powertrain, which will be noticeably more efficient and smoother in city driving. Moreover, it also brings a much better feature set, including a larger touchscreen, connected car tech, powered driver’s seat, ambient lighting, wireless charging, dual zone climate control and a generally more premium ownership experience. That said, with your annual running of only 8,000 to 10,000 km, fuel savings alone will take a long time to recover the premium. So if your thinking is purely financial, the Innova Hycross GX(O) makes more sense, especially with Toyota’s stronger resale and ownership reassurance.But if you are already comfortable with the extra spend and want the smoother hybrid drivetrain plus the richer feature set for a family car you may keep long term, the Invicto Zeta Plus is the better overall package.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Toyota Innova HyCross

Autocar India

•5h

Yes, in good condition and well maintained, an old Creta petrol with a 6-speed torque converter and 30,000km on the clock is not a bad idea, at a good price. However, just bear in mind that the old 1.4 and 1.6 naturally aspirated petrol engines will have nowhere near as much pep as your Octavia TSI. As for BS4, while there have been some restrictions in the Delhi-NCR area regarding older vehicles, thus far, there haven't been too many in other states, and assuming the car you are looking at is 6-7 years old, it should definitely have some good years left in it for use in Bengaluru. That said, however, on a budget of Rs 12 lakh, there could possibly be newer, BS6 options you can look at, like a Maruti Suzuki Brezza, XL6 or, for a small stretch, a Grand Vitara. The 1.5 petrol in these isn't very powerful, but it does come with a torque-converter automatic. Alternatively, you could go down the diesel route, in which case a newer Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos with a torque-converter auto also come into the picture, though then the associated shortcomings of a diesel come with it. The Creta is a good idea, but consider moving up to a BS6 model just to avoid potential future restrictions.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki XL6

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•6h

With 300-500 km a month in a 2020 Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol manual, you can keep using the car without worry. On fuel, the 2020 Seltos was made for up to E10 petrol. Kia moved to E20-ready parts on later cars, so yours is not officially rated for E20. That said, the engine will run on E20 if you have to. Over long use, E20 can age rubber seals and some fuel parts faster, and you would see a drop in mileage. For your low running and a 2-3 year horizon, the risk of a major issue is low if you take a few simple steps.Try to fill at reputed pumps only so as to limit harm from adulterated or sub-standard fuel. Avoid letting the fuel sit in the tank for many weeks; try to drive the car at least twice a week. Also, buy smaller amounts more often so the fuel stays fresh, and do an annual service by time even if your km are low. Ask the workshop to check fuel hoses, the pump and injectors. One practical check: call Kia customer care with your VIN and ask if your exact car is cleared for E20 or if any part updates are advised. Overall, with these habits, running it for the next 2-3 years should be fine.