Latest questions answered by experts
Latest questions answered by experts
Kc Mohanty
•4dI recently bought a Mahindra XUV700, but after the trade deal, all branded international cars are going to come to India at lower prices. Did I make a mistake by buying the Mahindra XUV700 in a hurry? I could have driven branded international cars.

Autocar India
Don't worry, you are fine to have bought your Mahindra XUV700 when you did, and that's for a few reasons. For one, it's a well-sorted, great all-round SUV that you no doubt researched before purchasing, and chose above other SUVs also available in the market.For one, the FTA does not necessarily mean new car brands will come to India. Even without setting up a factory, the cost of entering a new market like India is very high and brands will still have to invest in dealerships, leadership, service network, staff, marketing and much more.Then there are the restrictions of the various FTA deals. The India-US FTA applies only to cars with engines above 3,000cc, while the India-EU FTA applies only to cars above around Rs 16 lakh, and then too the duty reduction will be in phases and slabs, so it's not likely that all cars will get the same reduction.It's also up to the brand whether or not to launch new models here (based on their viability, not just the price) and whether or not to reduce prices of existing imported models - some brands have already said they will not do this.Moreover, all these deals are still in discussion and will be introduced in phased manners, so it will be a few years before they are introduced, and even more years before we get the full benefit. So your decision to buy an XUV 700 now will not be affected.

Rishi
•3dHi Team. I am planning to buy a new SUV, and I took a test drive of the Tata Sierra and MG Hector. I loved the MG Hector, and the feel is great. I know there is a concern around mileage, but it is okay for me as my driving is not much. Please suggest if I can go ahead with the Hector or if I should consider some other option.

Autocar India
The MG Hector is a good choice if you’re happy with the way it drives and feels. It’s a size up from the Sierra and offers a wider, more accommodating rear seat. In fact, Hector’s back seat is among the most comfortable in its class. It’s easy to get in and out of, and the soft ride only adds to the sense of comfort. The boot is larger than the Sierra’s too, with a generous 587 litres of space.The Tata Sierra is a good option as well and is nicer to drive, but it is a bit more expensive and not as spacious as the Hector. Yes, the Hector does have a reputation for being a bit of a gas guzzler, but, as you mentioned, since you don’t drive much, it shouldn’t hit your pocket too hard.
Rajesh kumar
•2dMy daily running is around 70 km. I am planning to buy a new car under a Rs 10 lakh budget. I am confused between the Glanza, Taisor, Baleno, Dzire and Amaze.

Autocar India
Given your requirements, you should consider the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG. Since your daily running is around 70km, which is quite high, opting for a CNG car over petrol makes sense as the running costs are lower. The Dzire CNG comes with a 1.2-litre engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and has an excellent claimed mileage of 33.73 km/kg.This Maruti car is also spacious, comfortable and has a good ride quality. The compact sedan also comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen, auto climate control, alloy wheels, 6 airbags, and it has even received a 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP. Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG prices range from Rs 8.03 lakh for the VXI variant to Rs 9.04 lakh for the ZXI variant (ex-showroom).
Umang Kapoor
•2dHi, I need recommendations for a 6 or 7-seater SUV under Rs 20 lakh for our family (no kids). I don’t mind buying lower-end models too. The car probably won’t be used on a daily basis but will be used mostly in the city, so mileage is a concern. Comfort is also a top priority since we love weekend getaways or trips to the mountains. Thanks in advance.

Autocar India
The Kia Carens Clavis is a good option to consider for your requirements. It is spacious, has room even in the last row for adults and comes with a diesel engine that will be better in terms of fuel efficiency than a petrol.It is an able highway cruiser and is quite easy to drive in the city too, thanks to its light steering. If you are fine with a manual gearbox, the HTK+ (O) will offer a lot of features like sunroof, wireless charging and cruise control. If it is an automatic that you want, then the HTK+ will fit within your budget. This varinant get a 6-speed torque converter automatic that is smooth to shift.The Clavis also has a comfy ride, and it fares well on broken roads. Ground clearance is plenty, too, and you will not have to worry about speed bumps along the way.

abdul latief sulaiman
•22hHello Autocar Team, Good day to you. I am planning to purchase the Skoda Kylaq Automatic (Signature Plus variant) within a maximum budget of ₹15 lakh (through a bank loan). However, a friend has suggested that I wait for the upcoming 2026 Kushaq model, which is expected to be available in March 2026. I am concerned about service costs, real-world mileage, and the new 8-speed automatic system that may be introduced in the 2026 model. Given my budget and concerns, should I proceed with the current Kylaq, or is it worth waiting for the Kushaq 2026 model?

Autocar India
The Skoda Kylaq is enjoyable to drive, and performance is strong too. Moreover, it's compact, solidly built, and its suspension strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The Skoda Kushaq is relatively more spacious, particularly at the rear, so if you travel with four passengers regularly, the Kushaq is the better pick. We are yet to get behind the wheel of the Skoda Kushaq with the new 8-speed automatic transmission, so we recommend you wait for our review if you are keen on the Kushaq. Alternatively, you could avail some mouth-watering discounts on the pre-facelift Kushaq, because of which you could get a higher variant in your budget. If resale value isn't something you're concerned with, this is an option you could explore for the considerable savings upfront.
Vivek
•6wI want a bike with an on-road price under ₹2 lakhs. I am mostly a city rider and currently have a Pulsar 135LS in good condition, but I want to change. My requirements are good mileage, a comfortable seat like the 135LS (not too high) for carrying two pillions at times, parts availability, low maintenance, and durability for long runs. I also ride highways occasionally (around 100 km). I am looking for a bike with power and style but with a gentlemanly character. I have my eyes on the Pulsar 220F. Is this a good choice?

Autocar India
The Bajaj Pulsar 220F you are considering is due for a generation change soon. We would recommend you don't buy this bike as it feels quite old and has been changed very little over the time it has been on sale.Instead, we would recommend bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N250, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Honda CB300F, TVS Ronin and Royal Enfield Hunter 350. All these have low seat heights, decent pillion comfort and are proven, reliable machines which will last you a long time. Take a test ride of these to see which one suits you best.
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