Latest questions answered by experts

Hi team, I booked a Tata Punch Empowered+ EV in late June in Goa and was initially told that I might get it by September. However, the dealer now says that due to high demand, the delivery could be delayed until November - December. Since I made the booking, the Punch EV’s price is now quite close to that of the base Kia Syros EV. Concerns around after-sales service and the delivery delay are also making me a bit hesitant. I was therefore considering the Kia Syros EV HTK, the base variant. Is there any way to get a 360-degree camera fitted without voiding the warranty? Alternatively, can I install a dashcam that provides at least front and rear feeds on the car’s main screen, again without affecting the warranty? If this is feasible, I feel the Syros EV base variant could be a compelling option. Could you please suggest whether I should make the switch or stick with my existing Punch EV booking?

•1h

Given the delay and price increase on the Tata Punch Empowered+ EV, the Kia Syros EV HTK is now a very compelling alternative. It is a larger, more premium car with a more spacious cabin and a better overall ownership experience. This Tata car is still a good product, but the Syros EV is simply a more complete car for a similar price.On the 360-degree camera, the answer is unfortunately no. The Syros EV HTK does not come with the necessary hardware (multiple cameras, control module, integration with the car's electronics) to support a factory-style 360-degree system. Aftermarket kits are available, but they require significant wiring and integration work, and Kia will not support them under warranty.A dashcam is a better solution. You can fit a high-quality front and rear dashcam system without voiding the car's warranty, as long as the installation is done cleanly and does not involve cutting or splicing into the car's wiring harness. However, the feed will not display on the main infotainment screen. It will record to its own memory card and can be viewed on a phone app or a small screen on the dashcam itself.

Tata Punch EV

Kia Syros EV

•1d

I am new to driving and am looking for a sub-4-metre petrol SUV with a torque converter automatic gearbox. My budget is around Rs 12-13 lakh on-road. I have shortlisted two options: the Skoda Kylaq Signature automatic and the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro automatic. We are a family of five. My current usage is mostly within the city, but based on my future work requirements, it could shift to an 80:20 mix of city and highway driving.

•2h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature AT. For a new driver with predominantly city use, its 1.0 TSI with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic is smooth and easy to drive, while the compact dimensions make it relatively easy to manage in traffic. It also has a more mature, planted feel on the highway.The Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro AT is the better choice if rear-seat space is the priority. Its cabin is wider and more accommodating for a family of five, and its 1.2 turbo-petrol makes 200Nm, giving it stronger low-end and mid-range performance than the Kylaq.However, the 3XO's boot is also one of its compromises, while the Kylaq offers a better balance of driving dynamics, boot space and highway manners. With your usage potentially becoming 80:20 city/highway, the Kylaq's combination works particularly well.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•1d

This will be my first car purchase in Hyderabad, and I’m new to driving. I’m planning to buy an AMT car with a budget of around Rs 10 lakh. About 75 percent of my usage will be within the city, with occasional trips to the outskirts within a 100- 150 km range. Please suggest the best cars I should consider. Also, if I buy a petrol car now, will I face any issues with E20 fuel and rising petrol prices?

•2h

For a first-time buyer in Hyderabad with a Rs 10 lakh budget, predominantly city driving and short outstation trips, the Maruti Suzuki Swift AMT is the most sensible recommendation. It is compact, easy to drive in traffic, has light steering, and a smooth AMT calibration, making this Maruti Suzuki car ideal for new drivers. Maruti's service network is also a big advantage for hassle-free ownership.If you want a higher seating position and a more rugged feel, the Tata Punch AMT is a strong alternative. It offers better ground clearance for bad roads and a more commanding driving position, though the AMT is not as smooth as the Swift's.On E20, there is no need to worry. Modern petrol cars are engineered to run on E20 fuel, and the impact is limited to a slight drop in fuel efficiency. There is no evidence to suggest major long-term reliability issues. Petrol prices will fluctuate, but for your usage pattern, petrol remains the most practical and hassle-free choice.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Tata Punch

•1d

I want to buy an automatic car under Rs 11 lakh. Most of my driving will be for short distances, with occasional long drives on highways.

•3h

In this price bracket, the Hyundai i20 IVT and Honda Amaze CVT are among the smoothest automatics, and both have reasonably well-equipped variants within your budget. The i20’s IVT is the smoother gearbox, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, making it a very easy car to live with for short-distance city driving.The Amaze CVT is the better choice if you want more space and a large boot, especially for those occasional highway trips. It also has a relaxed, comfortable character and remains a good long-term family car.

Honda Amaze

Hyundai i20

•1d

I drive around 6,000-7,000 km a year, but I’m not happy with the mileage of my Tata Altroz DCT. It averages only around 10 km/l, and with E20 petrol becoming more common, fuel costs are becoming increasingly challenging. What options or alternatives would you suggest?

•3h

With 6,000-7,000 km a year, the fuel cost is a concern, but the running is not high enough to justify a diesel car or a hybrid purely on savings. The Tata Altroz DCT’s 10 km/l is on the lower side, and E20 will reduce efficiency slightly, but the bigger issue is likely the DCT itself. Dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient in stop-start city driving, and the Altroz’s DCT is not the most refined or efficient example either.The simplest solution is to move to a naturally aspirated petrol engine with a torque converter, IVT, or CVT automatic. These gearboxes are smoother in traffic and generally more efficient in real-world conditions. Cars like the Honda Elevate CVT will deliver better efficiency and a more relaxed driving experience. If you are open to a manual, a naturally aspirated petrol with a manual gearbox will be even more efficient.Hybrid cars like the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid or Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid are the most efficient option, but at your running, the payback period is long. They make sense if you want the lowest possible fuel cost per kilometre, but not as a purely financial decision.

Honda Elevate

Tata Altroz

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

•1w

I am looking to buy a petrol automatic SUV around Rs 15 lakh for daily use. My priorities are good mileage, spacious interiors, low maintenance costs, easy access to service centres and a 5-star safety rating. After researching my options, I have shortlisted the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi automatic and the new Hyundai Venue HX5/HX6. Is this the right preference? If so, which of the two would be the better choice?

•4h

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT is the better fit for this brief. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is efficient and reliable; the torque converter automatic is smooth and proven, and Maruti's service network is unmatched. The Brezza also offers a spacious cabin with good rear seat comfort and a practical boot, making it a strong family car. Safety is well addressed too, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.The Hyundai Venue HX5/6 is a good alternative with a more premium cabin feel and a slightly more refined overall package. However, the Brezza's wider service network and lower long-term maintenance costs give it the edge for your requirements.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Venue

•8h

I have been using an i20 for almost 14 years now, and I’m quite satisfied with its ownership experience and service quality. I’m now planning to upgrade to an EV, with a strict on-road budget of Rs 25 lakh. My monthly running would be around 850- 1,000 km, mostly within the city. Since my parents would accompany me on almost 40% of my trips, easy ingress and egress, along with a comfortable ride quality, are important to me. I’m looking for a reliable EV with good efficiency and a real-world range of 400+km. I have been considering the Creta Electric Executive LR and Smart LR, while some of my friends have suggested that I also look at the Mahindra BE 6. What would you recommend based on my requirements? I’d appreciate an expert opinion on which EV would be the better choice for me.

•4h

Given your requirements, the Hyundai Creta Electric Long Range is the most sensible recommendation. Your mostly city running is ideal for an electric car, and the Creta Electric offers a real-world range of over 400km, which gives you the flexibility to use it as your primary car without range anxiety. Coming from a Hyundai i20, the Creta Electric will feel familiar but also like a significant upgrade in terms of space, comfort, and overall refinement. The ride quality is excellent, and the rear seat is comfortable enough for your parents on regular trips. Hyundai's service network and ownership experience are also strong, which is important given your positive experience with the brand so far.Another strong contender is the Kia Syros EV, which uses the same powertrain as the Creta, but comes in at a lower price. This Kia car is a bit more compact but just as good on space, and the better news is that, thanks to its tall design, ingress and egress for your parents should be easier. The Mahindra BE6, meanwhile, is powerful and fun to drive, but very poor on space, practicality, and especially ingress and egress in the rear seats. Overall, the Creta and Syros are better bets.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Hyundai i20

Kia Syros EV

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq

•1w

MoRTH recently announced that the BS7 draft is expected to be released in the next couple of months. With that in mind, is it still wise to buy a BS6 car now, particularly in Delhi, where environmental regulations mean vehicles meeting older emission norms can face restrictions sooner than in other states?

•5h

Yes, it is still wise to buy a BS6 car now. The key point is that BS7 is still only a draft proposal, and there is no confirmed implementation date. Even if it is finalised soon, it will take time for the industry to adapt, and there is usually a lead time before new norms become mandatory. More importantly, BS7 is expected to be an incremental tightening of emission limits, not a fundamental change like the jump from BS4 to BS6. BS6 cars will remain fully compliant and legal to use for their entire permitted life.In Delhi, the 10-year diesel and 15-year petrol rule is based on the age of the vehicle, not the emission norm. BS6 cars will face the same timeline as BS7 cars once the rule is in place. Waiting for BS7 could mean delaying your purchase for an uncertain period without any meaningful benefit.

•9h

Hi, I am looking for my first EV. My daily driving is around 50 km from home to office, so I am looking for an EV priced around Rs. 25 lakh. I liked the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack 2, although it is slightly over my budget. I also like the MG Hector Tomahawk EV, which falls within my budget. I am confused between the two. Please guide me on which one would be a better choice for my requirements.

•5h

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV is definitely worth waiting for before making the final decision. On paper, it is a very strong proposition, especially at the price you are considering, and it could prove to be better value than the XEV 9e.However, the Tomahawk EV is a completely new product, so it is difficult to give a definitive verdict based purely on specifications. Real-world range, ride comfort, performance, refinement, charging experience and overall usability will only become clear after we have driven and tested it properly.The XEV 9s, meanwhile, is the more established choice and has already demonstrated that it is a capable, premium EV. If you are comfortable stretching your budget, it remains the safer choice today.But with your 50km daily commute and home charging, there is no particular need to rush into the XEV 9s.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XEV 9S

•6h

I just saw spy shots of the Thar 3-door facelift and Mahindra's clearly changing the front fascia this time, not just a bumper tweak. Wasn't expecting them to touch the Thar's face this soon!!

•6h

Sonet owner

The new Baleno gets Level 2 ADAS — but does this technology actually make sense on Indian roads, or has Maruti added it mainly because ADAS looks good on the features list?

•1d

Hi, I currently own a 10-year-old WagonR K-Series CNG, which has covered close to 1 lakh km. I’m now planning to upgrade, but my budget is relatively tight - around Rs. 8-9 lakh. My priorities are: Low maintenance and running costs A car that I can keep for the long term Good reliability Easy ingress and egress, especially because I have senior citizens at home I’m considering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza LXi turbo petrol, mainly because I can get an aftermarket infotainment/player fitted according to my preference. I also like the Brezza because of its higher seating position and SUV-like stance, which should be more comfortable for my parents. However, I’ll probably need another six months to save enough money for the purchase. Am I thinking in the right direction with the Brezza? More importantly, is buying a petrol car a sensible decision in late 2026 or early 2027? Given my requirements, budget, current WagonR, and the fact that I want to keep the next car for many years, I’d really appreciate advice on whether the Brezza is the right choice or whether there are better alternatives I should consider.

•6h

You are thinking in the right direction with the Brezza. It is one of the most sensible upgrades from a Wagon R CNG, especially given your priorities of low maintenance, reliability and long-term ownership. The higher seating position and easy ingress/egress will make a noticeable difference for senior citizens, and Maruti's service network and ownership experience remain among the best in the country.On the fuel question, buying a petrol car in late 2026 or early 2027 is absolutely fine. Modern petrol engines are engineered to handle E20 fuel, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20 at this stage. The main impact of higher ethanol blends is a slight reduction in fuel efficiency, not a fundamental reliability concern. The only thing to consider is your budget. The Brezza LXi turbo petrol is a good choice, but it is worth considering the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG as well. It will give you the same low running costs you are used to, along with Maruti's reliability and service reach. The Brezza remains the better choice if the higher seating position and SUV stance are a priority, but the Fronx CNG is the more cost-effective option if running costs are the primary concern.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

•16h

I am planning to upgrade from my 2021 Toyota Urban Cruiser petrol manual, which has covered 41,000 km. I want a comfortable five-seater that can occasionally accommodate seven people. I have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 7XO, but I am confused between the petrol and diesel versions. I definitely want an automatic. I live in Bangalore, which is one of the reasons I chose the XUV 7XO because it gets a torque-converter automatic. I don't want the Kia Carens Clavis because of its DCT gearbox, and I am also not considering the Tata Safari because of my concerns about Tata's service experience. My monthly running will be around 1,000-1,500 km, mostly with my family. Fuel efficiency is also important, as I feel the XUV 7XO petrol could be quite fuel-hungry. I am therefore considering the diesel automatic AX7T. There will be some city driving, but my office commute also includes highway stretches, which should help with DPF regeneration. Please suggest which one I should buy. If the XUV 7XO is not the right choice, should I consider another family car or wait for any upcoming launches?

•7h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic AX7T. Your usage pattern of 1,000-1,500 km a month with a mix of city and highway driving makes the diesel the better choice, especially since your office commute includes highway stretches that will help keep the DPF system healthy. The XUV 7XO diesel is also significantly more fuel-efficient than the petrol, which is important given your running.The torque converter automatic is smooth and well suited to Bangalore traffic, and this Mahindra car is a genuinely comfortable 5-seater with the flexibility of occasional 7-seat use. There are no major upcoming launches in this segment that would justify waiting. The XUV 7XO diesel automatic is the right upgrade from your Urban Cruiser and will serve your family well for years to come.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•16h

I’m confused between the Skoda Kushaq and Kia Seltos. My usage will be mostly on the highway, with trips planned mainly on weekends. I’m 5'8" and am looking for a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol SUV with good power, comfort, performance, suspension, handling and stability, along with an overall engaging driving experience. This will be my first car, so please suggest which one I should go for.

•7h

Go for the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI. Since your usage is mostly highway runs on weekends and you are specifically looking for power, comfort, performance, suspension, handling, stability and an overall good driving experience, the Skoda Kushaq is the better fit. The 1.5 TSI engine is strong and punchy, and the car feels genuinely engaging to drive, with good high-speed stability and a well-sorted suspension setup. It is also a slightly more compact SUV, which makes it easier to live with as a first car.The Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo is also a very good car and feels more premium inside, but it is a larger SUV, and the driving experience is not as sharp or as involving as the Skoda Kushaq. Since this is your first car and your priorities are clearly performance and driving enjoyment, the Kushaq 1.5 TSI is the more satisfying choice.

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

•1d

I am getting an aggressive offer of 17 lakg including extended warranty from dealers for Honda Elevate ZX CVT before the facelift. What’s your suggestion as the prices look attractive for the top variant of Honda Elevate?

•8h

At Rs. 17 lakh including extended warranty, the Honda Elevate ZX CVT is a very attractive deal. The Elevate is a fundamentally sound product with Honda’s proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a smooth CVT gearbox and a reputation for reliability and low running costs. The ZX is the top-spec variant, so you are getting the full feature set, and at this price it is excellent value.The facelift is expected soon, but the changes are likely to be incremental rather than transformative. The core mechanical package will remain the same, so you are not missing out on a new engine or gearbox. The facelift will likely bring some cosmetic updates, a refreshed interior and possibly a few new features, but it will also come at a higher price.If you are happy with the current Elevate and the deal on offer, there is no strong reason to wait. The car will continue to deliver the same ownership experience Honda is known for, and the money saved can be put towards fuel, insurance or other ownership costs. The only reason to wait would be if you specifically want the latest design and features and are willing to pay a premium for them. Otherwise, this is a deal worth taking.

Honda Elevate

•10h

I am in love with MG Hector's old version that offers better space, legroom, driving experience, boot space, etc. but my problem is mileage, as I am using Ford Ecosport now but it offers similar mileage. So, would it be better option to take Hector diesel in the range of 12 lakh (2022 model) in the second hand market. Should I opt for Tomahawk, because I genuinely don't like it.

•8h

If you genuinely love the Hector and are getting a well-maintained 2022 diesel for around Rs. 12 lakh, it is a very good option. The Hector is a spacious, comfortable SUV with a genuinely premium feel, and the diesel engine is well suited to highway driving and long-distance touring.The Tomahawk is a more modern product, but if you do not like the car, there is no point forcing yourself into it. The Hector diesel is a proven package and at that price point represents strong value in the used market. Just make sure the service history is clean and the car has been well maintained.If you are happy with the mileage you are getting from the EcoSport and your priority is space, comfort and a premium feel, the Hector diesel is the right choice.

MG Hector

•9h

My swift's been solid through this monsoon so far, no water logging issues even on the flooded stretch near my office. just wish the wipers were a bit quicker on the highest setting

•14h

I'm looking for a car under Rs.15 lakh for daily commute in city of around 60km. Safety is my first priority and I'm preferring an automatic as my dad will also drive it. Currently, I own a 2011 1st generation Swift petrol and XUV 700 diesel AT for highways and long trips. I'm staying away from Tata as I don't want my dad to face any headaches due to Tata's horrible service. Mahindra has excellent service in my city at all service centers so I'm also thinking of 3XO. Please suggest me which options would be good for my case.

•9h

Given your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic is a very strong recommendation. It is one of the safest cars in the segment, offers a comfortable ride, and Mahindra's service network is clearly a positive factor for you. The automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to use, which will make daily city driving far less tiring for both you and your father. The 3XO also offers a wide cabin and a solid feature set, making it a well-rounded package for city use.The only real drawback is the boot, which is one of the smallest in the segment. However, since you already have the XUV 7XO for highway trips and family travel, this is unlikely to be a major issue.If you are open to alternatives, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is worth considering. It is also a safe car, has a comfortable ride, and Maruti's service network is excellent. The Brezza is a simple, reliable and easy-to-drive car that will suit your father's usage very well.Overall, the 3XO automatic is the best fit for your requirements, with the Brezza as a strong backup option if you want a more straightforward ownership experience.

Just read that skoda-vw india and jsw motors signed an mou for deeper localisation and new products together. no specifics on actual cars yet, but if this plays out like the maruti-toyota tie-up, expect some rebadges down the line.

•13h

Should I go with new Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift with 3-cylinder or Glanza G variant with 4 cylinders?

•9h

If you want to buy now, go for the current Glanza G. We are yet to drive the new Baleno with its three-cylinder engine, but going by our experience with the Swift, it is unlikely to be as smooth as the existing four-cylinder unit, and performance is likely to take a small hit as well.The new Baleno does get more features, which is something to keep in mind, but if engine refinement and performance are important, the current Glanza's four-cylinder engine has the advantage.There is also an important timing factor with the Glanza. The current Glanza has not received the update yet, but the facelift is due to launch on October 14 and will also move to the new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine. So, if you specifically want the smoother four-cylinder engine, this is effectively your last opportunity to buy the current Glanza.

Toyota Glanza

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Swift

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