Autocar India
•3d

Hi, my monthly running is under 1,000 km, and I prefer a mid-size SUV as I'm over 6 feet tall. My driving is around 80% in the city and 20% on highways, and my budget is approximately Rs. 14 lakh. I'm confused about buying a petrol car due to the transition to E20 fuel. Could you please suggest a good car that suits my needs?

Verified
•37m

Your concern about E20 is understandable, but it should not be a deal-breaker. All petrol cars sold new today are engineered to handle E20 and even tend to have material tolerances for higher blends like E25 or E27 engineered in, and the impact is largely limited to a drop in fuel efficiency. Worth noting, however, is that at Rs. 14 lakh, you only have access to the absolute start of the midsize SUV segment. This usually means just the base or second variant of each car, which typically miss out on a lot of features, are limited on colour options and look a bit barebones. If you're okay with this, we would recommend the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol MT HTE(O). It's among the newest of the bunch, and this Kia car will provide you with a spacious, comfortable, efficient, and smooth engine and gearbox that's well suited to the city. We would recommend the smooth CVT automatic, but you would have to stretch your budget by around Rs 2 lakh for that.If you would prefer having more features, consider the Kia Syros. Though it is technically a compact SUV, its tall and boxy shape means it is far more spacious than others in the segment. And owing to its sub-four-metre size, its price is much lower than the Seltos, and you can have it in a high specification on your budget of Rs 14 lakh. Do note, however, its 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is not quite as smooth and effortless as the Seltos's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleKia Syros
•57m

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 and boot space required for comfortable family use. Since I primarily drive in city , highways and native trips(350km), an automatic transmission is a must-have as I feel easy to use. 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 and boot 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.

•5d

I'm looking to purchase the X47 Crossover (base variant) for my daily office commute and occasional medium/long weekend rides. My daily running is around 28 km, and I frequently encounter bumper-to-bumper traffic. My primary reasons for choosing this bike are to reduce fuel costs and have a capable motorcycle that is easy to handle in city traffic. However, I’m concerned about the software glitches and mapping issues reported by some owners. Is the Ultraviolette X47 Crossover a good choice for my requirements? Also, please suggest some petrol alternatives that would suit my usage. Thanks in advance!

Verified
•1h

The Ultraviolette X-47 base variant is a well-rounded option for your needs, and it will definitely not only reduce your running and maintenance costs, but also the effort needed to ride a motorcycle in stop-and-go traffic since there's no clutch to modulate or gears to shift.Coming to the software glitches and navigation issues, while Ultraviolette has made progress with updates and bug fixes that are usually quick, you could still face occasional niggles on such a tech-heavy machine. If absolute reliability and zero fuss are your top priorities, a petrol alternative like the TVS Apache RTX 300 or Hero Xpulse 210 is worth considering.It will all hinge on what sort of riding experience you prefer and whether you really are ready to make the switch to an Electric bike. A test ride of all three should help you make your decision.

Ultraviolette Automotive X-47
TVS Apache RTX
Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210
Ultraviolette Automotive X-47
Ultraviolette Automotive X-47
•1h

Hi Autocar, Log in You said: Hi Autocar, I am planning to buy a car and here are the details- Weekly commute within the city-650km Every quarter we go for a trip -2500-3000km(mostly south india) Every year we go for a north trip-6000-7000km(source location -Hyderabad). We are 2 of a family, I am thinking to buy an Ev (3 cars in my mind Harrier AWD/Sierra AWD/XEV 9S) please suggest me, if EV works for the above. Can i ask in this way? ChatGPT said: Yes. Your question is understandable, but you can make it clearer and include the information that matters most for getting useful advice. Here's a polished version: I'm planning to buy a new car and would like your recommendation on whether an EV suits my usage. Here are my driving patterns: City commute: ~650 km per week (Hyderabad) Quarterly road trips: 2,500–3,000 km across South India Annual road trip: 6,000–7,000 km to North India (starting from Hyderabad) Family size: 2 adults (occasionally carrying luggage for long trips) I'm considering these EVs: Tata Harrier EV AWD Tata Sierra EV AWD Mahindra XEV 9e AWD My questions are: Is an EV the right choice for this kind of usage, especially considering the frequent long-distance road trips? Which of these three vehicles would you recommend, and why? What are the pros and cons of each in terms of real-world range, charging network, highway comfort, reliability, service support, and long-term ownership? Are there any challenges I should expect during my South India and North India road trips? Would you recommend an EV over a diesel or petrol SUV for my driving pattern? Please explain with estimated running costs and travel-time differences. I'm looking for a practical recommendation based on real-world ownership experience rather than just brochure specifications.

•4d

Dear Autocar Team, I drive around 45,000 km annually across highways and city roads. I previously owned a pre-owned Toyota Glanza Petrol (October 2020 to April 2024), which covered 90,000 km, and I currently drive a Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG (April 2024-present), which has now clocked 96,000 km. While the running costs are low, driving a manual car daily has become physically tiring. Additionally, frequent CNG queues and the limited boot space are major inconveniences. Around 85% of my driving is on highways. My questions are: Is 1.5 lakh km the right financial milestone to sell my Brezza CNG before major maintenance or overhaul costs start increasing? I am looking for an automatic strong hybrid car that can comfortably run up to 1.5 lakh km with low maintenance, fatigue-free driving, and a dedicated spare wheel (stepney). Between the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid, Hyryder CNG, and Honda City e:HEV, which would be the better choice for my requirements? Looking forward to your guidance.

Verified
•2h

With 45,000 km a year and 85% highway driving, your priorities are clear: low running costs, fatigue-free driving and long-term reliability. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG has served you well, but the manual gearbox and CNG queues are taking their toll. 1.5 lakh km is a sensible point to consider selling it before major overhaul costs start to creep in.Between the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid and the Honda City e:HEV, the decision comes down to your usage. The Hyryder Hybrid is the better fit. It offers a more relaxed driving experience with a higher seating position, better ground clearance and a smoother ride over long distances. The hybrid system in this Toyota car is well suited to your highway-heavy usage, delivering strong efficiency without the compromises of CNG. The Honda City e:HEV is a very efficient sedan, but this Honda car is lower to the ground, which may be a deal-breaker if you frequently travel on bad roads.Overall, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid is the best balance of efficiency, comfort, and long-term reliability for your driving pattern.

VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
VehicleHonda City
•6d

I want to buy my first car within a budget of around Rs. 15 lakh. My annual driving would be below 10,000 km. I am looking for a reliable, low-maintenance car with good long-term ownership prospects. I am confused between choosing a top-end sub-compact SUV like the Maruti Brezza or Tata Nexon, or a mid-size SUV like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or Toyota Hyryder in their mid variants. Please suggest which would be the better choice.

Verified
•3h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi+ petrol automatic. With under 10,000 km a year, petrol is the right choice, and the Brezza is one of the most reliable and low-maintenance cars in the segment. This Maruti Suzuki car is also a genuinely comfortable 5-seater with a wide rear bench, good ride quality and a simple, proven naturally aspirated engine paired with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic. The ZXi+ variant is well equipped, so you are not compromising on features, and Maruti’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the country.The Tata Nexon is also a strong option, but the Brezza’s naturally aspirated engine is better suited to long-term ownership and low-maintenance requirements. If you need the space and don't mind compromising on features, the Kia Seltos HTE (O) IVT is a good choice. It is actually well equipped for a lower-end trim and offers a roomier, more border cabin than the Brezza. Overall, the Brezza ZXi+ gives you a complete package without compromise, and that is the right approach for a first-time buyer looking for long-term ownership.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleTata Nexon
VehicleKia Seltos
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
•6d

Hi Team, I am currently driving a 2020 Maruti Suzuki Baleno and am planning to upgrade to an SUV. My shortlisted options are the Honda Elevate, Tata Harrier, and Mahindra XUV 7XO. My daily drive involves around 35 to 40 kms in heavy Bangalore city traffic, along with occasional highway trips. My primary priority is a car with a solid 5-star safety rating, along with good ride comfort and easy city drivability. Coming from a lightweight hatchback, I am looking for an option that offers a clear step up in safety and space without feeling overly cumbersome during my daily urban commute. Could you please evaluate these three models based on my usage and suggest the best option and engine-transmission combination for me?

Verified
•4h

Based on your usage, the Honda Elevate CVT is actually the best fit for your needs among your shortlist. With a 35-40 km commute in heavy Bangalore traffic, the CVT makes life easy; the engine is responsive enough to go for gaps in traffic, and the steering is light in the city. Importantly, this Honda car is not so large as to become cumbersome to drive in tight city traffic, which is important to you. The Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV 7XO are both physically larger, making them slightly more cumbersome to drive in traffic. Their petrol powertrains are also quite thirsty in the city, while their diesel engines do not suit your city-heavy usage, likely requiring additional highway trips just to keep the DPF happy.If you want an alternative similar to the Elevate, the Kia Seltos is a strong choice. It has a 5-star safety rating, is very well equipped in terms of features, and its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with the IVT offers a smooth, relaxing drive in the city.

VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleTata Harrier
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleKia Seltos
•23h

I am confused between the Kia Seltos HTX IVT and the Tata Safari Adventure X Plus. The price difference between the two is around Rs. 2.5 lakh. My priorities are overall comfort, especially rear-seat comfort, decent fuel efficiency, and a strong road presence. Which one would you recommend?

Verified
•14h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. It is the better fit for your priorities of comfort, rear seat experience, decent mileage and road presence. The Seltos is a well-rounded midsize SUV with a comfortable ride, a spacious and supportive rear seat and a smooth IVT automatic that makes city driving effortless while still delivering respectable fuel efficiency. It also has a premium cabin and enough road presence to feel special without being cumbersome in everyday use.The Tata Safari Adventure X Plus is a larger, more imposing SUV with a stronger road presence and a more commanding driving position, but it is a fundamentally different proposition. It is a three-row SUV with a bigger footprint, higher running costs and is best suited to buyers who regularly need the extra space or do a lot of highway touring. For your priorities, the Seltos is the more sensible and satisfying choice, and the Rs 2.5 lakh you save can be put towards a higher variant or other ownership costs.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleTata Safari
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
•15h

Hi, I’m planning to buy within the next 2 - 3 months and am prioritizing Stellantis vehicles. I currently drive a Citroën C5 Aircross, and I’m deciding between: - Citroën C3 Aircross Basalt X (Petrol Turbo Automatic, Dual-Tone) - Jeep Compass Longitude Opt (FWD Automatic) My usage is mixed city and long-distance highway. 1. NVH: - How do these two compare in cabin noise, engine refinement, and ride comfort? - Coming from a C5 Aircross (where I comfortably drive 12–14 hours without fatigue), how different will NVH feel in the Basalt X and Compass? - Can I realistically expect similar long-drive comfort from either? 2. Average year-on-year ownership costs I’m looking for ballpark YoY estimates per year for: - Routine maintenance/service - Insurance renewal - Miscellaneous (tyres, consumables, minor repairs) I’ve heard Jeep Compass ownership can be costlier than the C5 Aircross—is that true in practice? 3. Isobutanol-blended diesel & Stellantis engines - Does anyone have info on isobutanol-blended diesel and its impact on Jeep or other Stellantis diesel engines? - Are there known risks, precautions, or warranty concerns? I’m prioritizing Stellantis (Citroën/Jeep). Any insights from your testing or expert evaluation would be extremely valuable. Thanks in advance!

•23h

Hi, We currently own a 7-year-old Hyundai i20 Active, which we use for 60 - 70% city driving and the remaining 30-40% on highways. We are planning to buy an electric car, but we are a bit concerned about the current uncertainty surrounding government policies related to EVs. We have shortlisted the Hyundai Creta Electric and the Mahindra XEV 9S. Which one would you recommend for our usage? Also, what is your opinion on the resale value of EVs over the next 5-7 years?

Verified
•15h

Given your usage pattern of 60-70% city driving with regular highway runs, the Hyundai Creta Electric is the more sensible choice. This Hyundai car is a more mature and well-rounded product, with Hyundai’s strong service network and a proven track record in EVs. The Creta Electric also benefits from a more mainstream brand image, which should help with long-term ownership confidence and potentially better resale value.The Mahindra XEV 9S is a very capable EV with a larger battery and longer claimed range, but it is a much bigger and heavier car, which makes it less suited to city driving.On resale value, electric cars are still a developing story in India. Battery health, warranty coverage and the pace of technological change will all play a role. Mainstream brands with strong service networks are likely to hold value better, and Hyundai’s wider reach gives it an advantage here. That said, EV resale values are still not as predictable as ICE cars, so it is best to view the purchase as a long-term ownership proposition rather than banking on strong resale.Overall, the Creta Electric strikes a better balance between city usability, highway capability and ownership confidence.

VehicleHyundai Creta Electric
VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
•21h

I am planning to buy the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 Automatic, but I am confused between the petrol and diesel variants. My annual running is around 10,000 - 12,000 km, with an even 50:50 split between city and highway driving. Most of my city drives are short trips of around 3 km one way in light traffic, such as commuting to the office or grocery shopping. Evening city drives are usually 6-8 km one way. These trips happen about three times a week. I live in a Tier 2 city, so traffic is generally not very heavy. My highway trips are usually 100-200 km one way, although they are not very frequent. Around twice a year, I undertake longer trips of about 600 km one way. I also tend to keep the engine idling occasionally while parked to use the air conditioning. I prefer the diesel because of mileage, but I am concerned about DPF-related issues. On the other hand, I am worried that E20 petrol has already reduced fuel efficiency, and E25 could lower it even further. My questions are: 1. Is diesel the right choice for my usage? Am I likely to face DPF issues frequently, and if so, how can I avoid or manage them? 2. What is the real-world fuel efficiency of the petrol automatic in city and highway conditions? Based on YouTube videos, I have seen figures of around 6-7 km/l in the city and 11-12 km/l on the highway. Are these realistic?

Verified
•16h

Go for the diesel. Your usage pattern is actually quite well suited to a modern diesel, and the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is a strong engine with good efficiency and refinement. The DPF concern is understandable, but your usage does not fall into the high-risk category. You are doing 10-12,000 km a year with a 50-50 city-highway split, and your city driving is in a tier 2 city with light traffic and regular 6-8 km runs. That is enough to keep the DPF healthy, especially if you occasionally take the car on a longer run. The Mahindra car diesel also has a DPF regeneration indicator, so you will know when the car needs a longer drive.The petrol automatic is a good engine, but it is not particularly efficient in a car of this size and weight. Real-world city mileage of 6-7 km/l and highway figures of 11-12 km/l are realistic. The diesel will be significantly more efficient, especially on the highway, and that will make a meaningful difference over time.E20 is not a major concern. Modern engines are designed for it, and the impact is mostly a small drop in fuel economy. There is no official roadmap for E25, and premium petrol is not required.The only reason to choose petrol would be if your usage was almost entirely short city runs in heavy traffic. In your case, the diesel makes more sense.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
Mahindra XUV 7XO
Mahindra XUV 7XO
•1d

Hi, I am planning to upgrade from my Volkswagen Polo 1.2 MPI to an automatic car. My monthly running is around 800 km, mostly in the city. My priorities are excellent NVH levels, comfortable ingress and egress for my elderly parents, and a plush ride quality. I am confused between the Hyundai Venue Turbo Automatic and the Skoda Kylaq Automatic. Should I buy one of these now, or would it be better to wait for upcoming models like the Maruti Suzuki Vision S, Hyundai Bayon, Renault Bridger, Kia Clavis, or the new Kia Sonet? Also, is there any other car that would suit my requirements better? I have also heard that DCT gearboxes are not ideal for heavy city traffic. Is that true?

Verified
•17h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq automatic. Your priorities are clear: low NVH, easy ingress/egress for elderly parents and good ride quality. The Kylaq delivers on all three. The cabin is well insulated, the ride is comfortable, and the ideal seat height makes getting in and out easy. The 6-speed torque converter automatic is also the right choice for your usage. It is smooth and well suited to city driving, unlike the DCT in the Venue, which can feel hesitant in stop-go traffic. The Venue turbo DCT is a good car, but the Kylaq is the more comfortable and easier-to-live-with option. As for waiting, the Vision S and Bridger are expected later next year; the Bayon will be bigger and more expensive, so none are likely to fundamentally change the equation for your requirements.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleMahindra Vision S
VehicleRenault Bridger
VehicleHyundai Bayon
•21h

I stay in Gurgaon and currently drive a Tata Punch AMT. I am now looking for a vehicle within a Rs. 5-6 lakh budget that offers good mileage and makes driving in Gurgaon traffic more comfortable. What would you recommend?

Verified
•17h

If you are looking for a car under Rs 5-6 lakh with good mileage and relief from Gurgaon traffic, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is the best fit. It is compact, easy to manoeuvre in traffic and parking, and the AMT gearbox is smooth enough for daily city use. The 1.0-litre petrol engine is fuel-efficient and reliable, and Maruti’s service network ensures low running costs and hassle-free ownership. The Celerio also offers decent cabin space for its size and a comfortable ride over broken city roads. If you want something more practical, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is also a good option, but the Celerio is the more modern and premium package.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Celerio
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Wagon R
•22h

I want to buy a safe and reliable car for a family of three and a dog. We previously used a Maruti Swift Dzire and typically take around 7-8 highway trips every year. The car will also be our primary vehicle for daily driving in Bangalore traffic. Now, I’m looking for a car that offers excellent safety, reliability, and low maintenance, with minimal service issues over the long term. Which cars would be the best options for our usage? Also, is it still a good idea to buy a petrol car, especially with the increasing adoption of E20 petrol and changing emission norms? Should I consider a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo-petrol, a hybrid, or another option? Our budget is under 30 lakhs

Verified
•18h

For your usage, the Toyota Innova HyCross petrol is the best fit. You are coming from a Swift Dzire and want a safe, reliable family car for Bangalore traffic and 7-8 highway trips a year. The HyCross petrol is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine with a CVT, so it is smooth, reliable and easy to drive in the city. This Toyota car is also a very comfortable highway car with a spacious cabin, good ride quality and Toyota’s strong reliability and service network. The hybrid version is more expensive and only makes sense if your running is high enough to justify the premium. The petrol is the better value for your usage.On fuel choice, E20 is not a concern. Modern petrol engines are engineered for E20, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. Premium petrol is not required. The main impact of higher ethanol blends is slightly lower fuel economy, not reliability. Turbo-petrol engines are fine if you want performance, but for long-term ownership and low maintenance, a naturally aspirated petrol is the safer choice. Hybrids are worth considering only if your running is high enough to recover the premium.If you want a smaller car, the Kia Seltos is a good alternative. It feels premium, is spacious, has a smooth naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT, and Kia’s aftersales service is reliable too.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
VehicleKia Seltos
Toyota Innova HyCross
Toyota Innova HyCross