Latest questions answered by experts

Autocar India

•12h

With 60% city, 40% highway, mostly night runs and only two commutes a week, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG is a good choice for you. The DSG automatic, a dual-clutch gearbox, changes gears very quickly, which is good for confident overtaking on the highway and for scooting around in the city.On your night drives, the roads will be clearer, and this gearbox feels smooth and quick when you get a gap. The Kushaq’s size also helps in the city; it is not too big, so parking and narrow lanes are easier. Safety is a strong point too; the current Skoda Kushaq is rated 5-star, and the 2026 update should be just as safe.The one thing to know: in very slow, bumper-to-bumper traffic, a DSG can feel a bit jerky at crawl. But, given your driving pattern, which is light traffic at night, and only two office runs a week, this is unlikely to be a problem.

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•13h

Toyota currently has no concrete plans to launch the RAV4 hybrid in India. It’s primarily developed for international markets and, given its size and positioning, would end up being far too expensive here, especially since it’s not much larger than the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.If you’re looking for a strong-hybrid alternative, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is the closest match in our market right now. For a pre-owned Hyryder in Chennai, the easiest and safest route is through our partner platform Spinny, which is India’s leading used-car marketplace. Spinny typically has certified used Hyryders listed in major cities, including Chennai, and each car goes through a detailed multi-point inspection, so you know exactly what you’re buying.You can simply visit Spinny’s website, set your location to Chennai, filter for Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrid, and shortlist a few cars based on budget, variant and mileage. From there, book a test drive, check the car’s history report, and if everything checks out, Spinny will also help with paperwork, finance and transfer, which makes the whole process far more transparent and hassle‑free.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Autocar India

•14h

If your goal is a stronger, more exciting drive than the 2023 Creta 1.5, you should opt for the Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus. It is a lower, lighter car with a strong turbo-petrol engine and a quick-shifting DSG gearbox. The Creta's turbo-petrol engine option may have a 10hp advantage on paper, but this one feels far stronger in practice. The steering also feels more direct, so on a fast road, the car goes where you point it with less delay. Coming from your current Hyundai Creta, you will immediately feel the extra shove in the mid-range and the sharper response. There are a couple of trade-offs. You will feel bumps a bit more than in your Creta, and though ground clearance is good, it's not as good as that of an SUV.So, for pure driving fun and a real step-up in how it pulls, go Virtus GT Plus DSG. Apart from everything else, it will also feel like a different car, while another Creta will feel too similar to your 2023 model. Do note, there is a facelift for the Vento coming later in the year, so if you can wait a few months, consider doing that.

Volkswagen Virtus

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•14h

On a Rs 18 lakh budget, for your requirements, the Hyundai Verna HX6+ IVT automatic is a good pick because it meets your 5-star safety needs and feels the most relaxed in traffic. The IVT, a CVT by another name, is a type of automatic that does not shift in steps, so it feels very smooth at low speeds, which makes stop-and-go driving easy. The back seat is roomy, the ride is comfortable over rough patches, and Hyundai’s wide service network adds peace of mind on those occasional trips out of town. The latest Verna has a 5-star Global NCAP crash test rating in India, so you are not compromising on your main ask. You could stretch to the HX8 variant if you want more features and your budget is flexible.Two things to keep in mind with the Verna: it sits lower than a taller car like the Skoda Kushaq, so you need a bit more care on big speed breakers, and the rear seat is set a little low, so elderly family members who prefer a higher seat may not love it. If you want a higher seating position and more ground clearance without giving up 5-star safety, go for the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol CVT, which recently got a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Though you might sacrifice some features in this variant on your budget.

Hyundai Verna

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•15h

City use on rough roads with a hard cap of around Rs. 8 lakh points straight to the Tata Punch Pure MT as the best fit for you. It is a small, taller car with higher ground clearance than most small cars, so you will clear speed breakers and broken lanes without scraping. The ride is one of the best at this price; it softens potholes and uneven patches well. It is also easy to judge and park, so tight city spots are not a headache.A couple of things to keep in mind for your use. The engine feels fine in stop-and-go traffic, but if you often drive on highways with four or five people on board, quick overtakes need some planning. Also, the lower trims are basic on features; if your on-road budget in your city allows, the next trim up adds useful everyday bits and is worth a look.If you want an alternative in the same budget, check the Hyundai Exter. Like the Punch, it is a small car with good ground clearance, and Hyundai's service experience is known to be consistently good. Do note the base trims are simple, and in some cities, the on-road price may sit near your cap, so confirm local prices.

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter