Latest questions answered by experts

Autocar India

•6h

This sounds like fuel vapour entering the cabin when you slow down and downshift. When the tank is very low, fuel tends to slosh around more, which increases vapour movement inside the tank. As you lift off the throttle and brake, the vapour control system becomes more active, and if there is a weak hose, loose connection or faulty seal, those vapours can escape near the engine bay or fuel filler area. The cabin ventilation system can then pull that smell inside. Filling the tank reduces the empty space in the tank, which can explain why the smell disappeared after refuelling.Start with the simple checks. Make sure the fuel cap is tightened properly and clicks into place, and inspect the rubber seal on the cap for any cracks or damage. If the smell returns, get the car inspected soon. Ask the Tata workshop to specifically check the fuel lines for seepage, the tank vent and EVAP vapour lines, the purge valve, fuel pump seals and also for any rodent damage to smaller hoses near the firewall, which is not uncommon.If the smell is strong, keep the windows open and avoid long drives until it is checked. In many cases it turns out to be a small leak or a loose hose, but because petrol fumes are a safety concern, it is worth fixing promptly.

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•6h

Considering your needs, go for the Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT. This Skoda car comes with a punchy 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and when paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic, it will make for an easy-going and convenient SUV to drive in the city, which is where you'll do majority of your running. The Kylaq is also compact, so parking in tight spots and darting in and out of gaps in traffic will be easy. On the highway at high speeds, it stays composed and comfy and the suspension handles bad patches well. It also stands out for its ride and handling balance and is very enjoyable to drive around some twisty roads. Do note though, the rear seat is best reserved for just two adults and Skoda's service network isn't as widespread as some rivals.

Skoda Kylaq

Autocar India

•6h

It's really hard to suggest a car without knowing a bit more about your requirements, like rear space requirements and the distance driven per month. Thus, as a good all-rounder for a small family, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT fits your brief best. Pick this variant because it gives you the most rear-seat space and a bigger, more useful boot than the other two, so adults sit more comfortably, and you pack more for trips. It also feels light and easy to drive in traffic, and the ride is calm over rough roads, which helps passengers, especially elders or kids.Two things to note: this automatic can feel a bit slow to pick up when you press the accelerator hard, and you will miss a few fancy features that sit on higher trims. If you drive with a full load on steep hills often, you may want to try it once to see if the response suits you.If you value tough build and the best ride on broken roads above all else, the Tata Punch Accomplished AMT is the second choice. It also has a smaller footprint for tight parking and a feature-rich cabin at a price like the Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT, too. Overall, for family comfort and everyday ease, go with the Fronx Delta Plus AMT.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Autocar India

•8h

The Tata Nexon iCNG Smart will fall within your Rs 10 lakh on-road budget. The turbo-petrol engine gets you the added zing for highway drives, while a sixth gear certainly boosts efficiency on the open road. Furthermore, with a twin-cylinder tank setup, boot space is respectable, and the car feels confident and stable on the highway. Being the base variant, it misses a few features; however, fundamentally, it is an excellent option. Alternatively, you could also consider a Tata Punch iCNG, although its engine lacks punch, and performance could feel a bit inadequate on the highway.

Tata Nexon

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•9h

With mostly city use at 1,000-1,200 km a month and a focus on mileage and low upkeep, a three-year-old Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder hybrid automatic suits you best. In slow city traffic, it often runs on electric power, so fuel use is far lower than that of a regular petrol car, and the automatic transmission is very smooth and quiet. Coming from your Duster diesel AMT, you will notice easier stop-go driving, lower vibration, and Toyota’s simple, predictable service experience.Do note a couple of trade-offs. The hybrid’s boot is smaller than some rivals, and it doesn’t feel very strong if you push hard on the highway. Clean used examples can also cost more than a regular petrol.If the hybrid price stretches the budget, look for a Hyundai Creta petrol automatic from the same period. It is easy to drive, comfortable over bad roads, and has wide, affordable service support.Another sensible pick is the Honda Elevate automatic for its simple ownership and light steering. For your brief, the Hyryder hybrid lines up best, with the Creta or Elevate as safer-value backups.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate