Latest questions answered by experts

Hi, I’m planning to buy an SUV under Rs 25 lakh. I’m considering the Nissan Tekton and the Hyundai Creta. However, since I can wait another 3-6 months, is it a good idea to wait for the next-generation Hyundai Creta before taking a decision? I’m looking at the Creta IVT option and am not interested in a strong hybrid.

•1h

If you can wait 3-6 months, it is worth waiting for the next-generation Hyundai Creta. Hyundai is expected to launch the all-new Creta in 2027, and it will be a completely new car on a new platform, not just a facelift. The current Creta is still a strong product, but it is nearing the end of its lifecycle, and the new model will likely bring significant improvements in design, technology and overall ownership experience.The Nissan Tekton is a good alternative and is a very good drivers car, so its a good buy if driving pleasure is high on your list. The new Creta is likely to be more of a relaxed commuter. Thus, if you can wait, it makes sense to see what the next-generation Creta has to offer before making a decision.

Nissan Tekton

We are planning to buy either the Kia Syros or the Kia Sonet in diesel automatic form. We are confused about whether they have been discontinued or not, and which variant would be the best one.

•2h

Both the Kia Syros and Sonet diesel automatics are very much on sale, so there is no need to worry about discontinuation. The Syros is the newer product and sits above the Sonet in Kia’s line-up, offering a more premium cabin, more space and a more comfortable ride. Both cars use a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is a smooth-shifting and reliable gearbox.The choice really comes down to your budget and priorities. If you are looking for a more premium and spacious car, the Syros is the better choice. If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Sonet offers the diesel auto combo on lower trims than the Syros does. In terms of variants, it is best to go for the mid-to-high variants that offer a good balance of features and value.

Kia Syros

Kia Sonet

I want to buy a car with an automatic gearbox for city commuting. My budget is under Rs 3 lakh. Would a 2014 Maruti Suzuki Celerio AGS be a good choice? I am hoping I won’t face major issues, as the vehicle is more than 10 years old. If not, please suggest another automatic option under Rs 3 lakh.

•2h

For a budget under Rs 3 lakh and a requirement for an automatic gearbox for city commuting, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio AGS is actually a sensible choice. The AGS (Automated Manual Transmission) is simple and reliable, but if the actuators go wrong, they can be expensive to replace; however, this is for any automated manual transmission car. Given Maruti Suzuki’s service network, parts availability will not be a problem. The Celerio is also compact and easy to drive in traffic, which is exactly what you want for city use.That said, at 10+ years old, the condition of the individual car becomes far more important than the model itself. The AGS system is generally reliable, but like any mechanical component, it can develop issues if the car has not been well maintained. Make sure you get a thorough inspection done, check the service history and look for any signs of gearbox hesitation or rough shifting.If you are open to alternatives, the Hyundai Grand i10 Automatic (torque converter) is worth considering. It is smoother than the AGS and also reliable, though again you must check the condition of the actual car. It would be wise to buy from a reputed seller, as there could be some limited warranty available too.

•18h

Being a Maruti Suzuki customer for 15 years now and I am very much used to hassle free ownership considering Brezza ZXI+ Petrol AT NA engine compared to TCMPFI AT in 3XO or Nexon DCA (dropped due to DCA). However, considering upfront extra cost for Brezza coupled with smart hybrid replacement possibility and no spare wheel, I am simply unable to convince myself to go for Brezza top variant as I like 360 camera feature. With my congested traffic city driving around 500-800 km per month, will it be still worth to pay additional 2.30 lakh rupees compared to any car in segment, only for Maruti Suzuki brand especially when competition is offering so much more for such a lesser price than Brezza top variant. Lesser mileage costs also gets compensated for any turbo engine with lesser purchase cost than Brezza.

•12h

You should definitely go for the Brezza ZXi+ AT if you are used to Maruti's hassle-free ownership experience and running costs as no other car in the segment comes close on that front. It is not more expensive than top variants of the Nexon or XUV 3XO, which in fact cost around Rs. 1 lakh more, on road, and instead it is one of the more reasonably priced cars in the segment, despite not qualifying for small-car tax benefits with the 1.5-litre engine. With the latest version, you get a few more features too, like ventilated seats and some driver assist features, but overall, it is not as well equipped as others in the segment. Despite having a larger engine and a torque-converter automatic gearbox, the Brezza AT is more fuel efficient than most other cars in the segment, especially the turbo-petrols, which drink a lot when you drive them eagerly. We would recommend checking the prices again on our website or with your local dealers, as all things considered, the Brezza does seem like the best deal for you.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Hey, I’ve booked the 2026 Kia Seltos HTK IVT variant. As you know, it comes with a lot of features, and this variant covers almost everything I need for my daily usage. However, I’m a bit confused now because the next-generation Hyundai Creta is expected to launch either towards the end of this year or in early 2027. Is it really worth waiting for the new Creta, or should I go ahead with the Seltos without having second thoughts? If I do decide to wait, I’d also like to know whether Hyundai actually offers a better overall ownership experience in terms of maintenance costs, service quality, spare parts availability, reliability, resale value, pricing, mileage, and long-term ownership compared to Kia. It’s already almost August, so if we wait just a few more months, we could probably get a 2027-manufactured and registered vehicle, which is another reason we’re considering waiting. At the same time, we’re planning to keep this car for the long term (8-10 years or more), so we want to make the right decision now rather than regret it later. That’s why I have so many questions. I’d really appreciate an unbiased opinion from the experts on whether it’s better to stick with the Seltos or wait for the all-new Creta. Thanks in advance.

•13h

Go ahead with the Kia Seltos HTK IVT. The Seltos is a very well-rounded product, and the HTK IVT is a sweet spot in the range with a good balance of features and value. The bigger point is that the Seltos and Creta are fundamentally very similar cars underneath, sharing the same platform, engines and gearboxes. The ownership experience between Hyundai and Kia is also broadly similar in terms of maintenance costs, service reach, reliability and resale value. There is no clear advantage to waiting for the new Creta from that perspective.The only reason to wait would be if you are specifically interested in the new Creta’s design, interior or feature set. But that is an unknown at this stage, and there is no guarantee it will be meaningfully better than the Seltos. In fact, the Seltos is already one of the most complete cars in the segment, and the IVT gearbox is smooth and well-suited to city driving.Given you are planning to keep the car for 8-10 years, it makes more sense to buy a proven product now rather than wait for an unknown. The Seltos will serve you well over the long term, and you are unlikely to regret the decision.

Kia Seltos

Hey Folks, I have a 2017 Feb Hyundai Creta SX Petrol, just driven 35k kms. The car is well maintained with consistent yearly servicing at Hyundai. Now, I am thinking that it's now 9.5 years old; how confidently can I stiil go on road trips, needing me to drive the vehicle for 1800 kms in 2 days? Regardless, should I also consider the current E20 uncertainty & go for new car?

•14h

If your 2017 Hyundai Creta SX petrol has been consistently serviced at Hyundai and is running well, there is no reason you cannot confidently take it on an 1,800km road trip. Modern cars are designed to last well beyond 10 years with proper maintenance, and 35,000km is a very low mileage for a 9.5-year-old car. The key is to ensure the car is in good health: get a thorough pre-trip check-up, replace any ageing rubber components, check fluids, tyres and brakes, and you should be good to go. Be mindful of where you refuel, and stick to well-maintained fuel stations that see high customer turnover.On the E20 question, there is no need to replace a well-maintained car purely because of ethanol. Your Creta is likely E10-compliant, and should safely run on E20, albeit with a drop in fuel efficiency.The only reason to change would be if you are already feeling the itch for a new car or want a significant upgrade in safety, features or performance. Otherwise, keep the Creta, enjoy the road trip and revisit the replacement decision when the car genuinely starts to show its age.

Is a torque converter automatic better than a DCT? I am planning to buy a Hyundai Creta, but I am a bit skeptical about the DCT. Could you please advise which transmission would be the better choice for long-term ownership?

•15h

The choice between a torque converter automatic and a dual-clutch automatic (DCT) depends entirely on your usage. If your driving is predominantly city-based with frequent stop-start traffic, a torque converter automatic is the better choice. It is smoother at low speeds and generally more reliable over long-term ownership. The DCT, on the other hand, is designed for performance. It delivers quicker gear changes and a more engaging driving experience, but it can feel jerky at low speeds and is not as well suited to heavy traffic conditions.The Hyundai Creta offers both options. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol comes with a DCT, while the diesel engine is paired with a torque converter automatic. There's also a CVT automatic option paired with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is exceptionally smooth and well suited to city driving. If your usage is city-heavy, go for the 1.5 petrol CVT. If you do a lot of highway driving, the 1.5 diesel automatic is the best choice. Only opt for the turbo petrol DCT if performance is your top priority.

I want to buy an EV with a budget of around Rs. 20 lakh. I have shortlisted the MG Windsor Essence Pro, Tata Sierra EV Pure 63, and Hyundai Creta Electric Executive Tech. My main concerns with the Windsor Essence Pro are its laggy infotainment system and suspension. On the other hand, the Sierra EV Pure 63 and Creta Electric Executive Tech are lower variants and do not offer as many features. Which one would you recommend for my requirements?

•16h

The Tata Sierra Pure 63 would be the best choice for your budget. While it may not be as feature-rich as the MG Windsor Essence Pro, it is the better all-round EV with a more modern platform, better ride and handling, a spacious cabin and strong real-world range. The Pure variant is also well equipped with the essentials, and features can always be added later, but the fundamentals of the car cannot.The MG Windsor Essence Pro remains excellent value for money and offers the most comprehensive feature list. However, your concerns about the laggy infotainment system and the softer suspension are valid, and if these are likely to bother you every day, they shouldn't be ignored.The Hyundai Creta Electric Executive Tech is another strong contender. It offers a refined driving experience and Hyundai's proven ownership experience, but at this price point, the lower variant feels a little too basic compared to the Sierra and Windsor.

Tata Sierra EV

MG Windsor

Hyundai Creta Electric

I'm looking for your expert opinion to help me finalise my next used family car. I'm currently considering the MG Hector Plus Sharp Pro 1.5 Turbo Petrol MT (2024), Hyundai Alcazar 2.0 MPI Petrol, Kia Carens 1.5 Naturally Aspirated Petrol, and Maruti XL6 Alpha Plus Petrol. My usage is around 500 km per month (approximately 6,000 km per year), with most of my driving being in the city. My family consists of four members, and while I rarely need the third row, having a 6- or 7-seater is a bonus for occasional family trips. I plan to keep the car for at least 7 to 10 years. Fuel economy is not a priority; instead, I value comfort, features, reliability, and good performance. Long-term dependability, ease of maintenance, and a hassle-free ownership experience are far more important to me than mileage. One of my biggest concerns is the increasing use of ethanol-blended petrol, with E20 already in use and the possibility of higher blends such as E30 in the future. I'm unsure whether I should avoid turbo-petrol engines for long-term ownership or whether modern turbocharged engines are reliable enough. Based on my usage, which of these four cars would you recommend? Would you choose a naturally aspirated engine, such as those in the Alcazar, Carens, or XL6, over the MG Hector's 1.5-litre turbo-petrol for someone planning to keep the vehicle for 7 to 10 years? How concerned should I be about E20 or future E30 fuel and its long-term impact on these engines? Is the MG Hector's 1.5 Turbo Petrol engine dependable enough for long-term ownership, or would you prefer the Hyundai 2.0 MPI or the other naturally aspirated options? Is the Kia Carens 1.5 NA petrol sufficiently powerful for occasional trips with six or seven passengers, or is it likely to feel underpowered? Similarly, is the Maruti XL6 Alpha Plus adequately powered for highway driving with a full load, or does its 1.5-litre mild-hybrid engine struggle in such conditions? Finally, how would you rank these four cars in terms of long-term reliability, performance (especially when fully loaded), build quality and safety, maintenance costs, service network, feature list, and overall ownership experience? If this were your own long-term family car purchase, which one would you choose and why? I'd really appreciate an unbiased recommendation based on my specific requirements rather than general market popularity. Thank you!

•17h

Based on your usage and priorities, the Hyundai Alcazar 2.0 naturally aspirated petrol would be our recommendation. Your monthly running is low, the third row will only be used occasionally, and you're looking for a comfortable, feature-rich family car that can be kept for 7 to 10 years. The Alcazar strikes the right balance. Its 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is a simple, proven unit that should be easy to own over the long term, while also offering better performance than the Kia Caren's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Hyundai cars also have a strong reputation for reliability and aftersales support, which becomes even more important for long-term ownership.As for the E20/E30 question, there's little reason to worry. The Alcazar's 2.0 engine is likely E10 compliant but will run on E20 just fine, and while higher ethanol blends can lead to a slight reduction in fuel efficiency, they are unlikely to have a significant impact on long-term reliability.The MG Hector 1.5 turbo petrol is a good engine, but it is a heavier car and the turbo petrol will not offer any real advantage in your running. The Carens is the more practical and better packaged family car, but since you aren't frequently using the third row, the Alcazar is the better pick.

I need an electric car with a daily commute of around 100 km. My budget is up to Rs. 18 lakh (on-road). A ventilated driver's seat is a must-have feature. Which EV would you recommend within this budget?

•17h

For a 100km daily commute, you need an EV with a reliable real-world range, good comfort and low running costs. Also, ride comfort is crucial for the long daily drives. The MG Windsor is spacious and gets ventilated seats with a comfortable real-world range, but the ride isn't comfy, and the seats aren't the best either. The Tata Nexon EV is the best fit here. It offers a real-world range of around 300km from its 45kWh battery, which gives you plenty of buffer for your daily usage, and it comes with front ventilated seats in the Empowered+ trim. The Nexon EV is also one of the most proven EVs on the market, with a strong service network and good ownership experience. The only thing to keep in mind is that the boot is on the smaller side, so if you regularly carry a lot of luggage, it is worth checking if it meets your needs. Overall, it is the most practical and well-rounded EV in your budget.

MG Windsor

Tata Nexon EV

I want a car for my daily commute in Pune traffic. My daily running will be approximately 20 km for my office, along with occasional long trips on weekends. Considering the increasing ethanol blending and rising petrol prices, please suggest which car would be more practical for my usage. I am confused between Skoda kylaq and Hyundai Venue.

•18h

For your usage, the Hyundai Venue petrol automatic is the more practical choice. With a daily commute of around 20 km in Pune traffic and only occasional long trips, a petrol automatic is the right powertrain for you. The Venue’s 1.0 turbo petrol paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is a smooth and efficient combination, and the car itself is compact, easy to drive and well suited to city traffic. The Skoda Kylaq is the better driver’s car, but the Venue is the more sensible choice for your usage pattern.Both the Venue and Kylaq are E20-compliant, and modern engines are engineered to handle E20 without issue. The main impact of higher ethanol blends is a slight reduction in fuel economy and there is no official roadmap beyond E20 at this stage.The Venue also has the advantage of Hyundai’s wider service network and generally lower maintenance costs, which matters for long-term ownership.

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq

•22h

Hi everyone! I have a strict budget of Rs. 9 lakh and I'm looking for an automatic car with good safety. So far, I've shortlisted the Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. Which one would you recommend and why? I'd really appreciate your suggestions, especially if you own or have driven any of these cars. Thanks!

•18h

The Hyundai Exter AMT would be the best choice for your requirements. It is the most refined car here, has a smooth four cylinder petrol engine, is easy to drive in city traffic and comes with a comfortable ride. Hyundai's extensive service network and hassle free ownership experience are added advantages, especially if this is going to be your long term family car.The Tata Punch AMT is the next best option if safety is your absolute top priority. It feels more robust, has higher ground clearance and is better suited to rough roads, although the AMT isn't as smooth as the Exter's and Tata's service experience can vary from city to city.

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

I own a Maruti Vitara Breeza ZDI 2017 model vehicle and the vehicle has completed nearly 69000 km till date. I have moved to Delhi and the issue with not allowing BS4 vehicles to run during winters is looming large. My diesel car will turn 10 year old by June 2027 and so I want to upgrade my to suit my needs. We are a family of 3 and occasionally my mother joins us, sometimes relatives visit us and a pet dog also accompanies us on most of our long drives. I am looking for a car with features like sunroof, large infotainment and ventilated seats. Should it be a petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle and should it be a 5 or 7 seater? My budget is less than 30 lakhs and I will be owning the vehicle for at least next 10 years.

•19h

The Mahindra XUV 7XO Petrol Automatic would be the best fit for your requirements. Your annual running is relatively low, so a petrol makes more sense than a diesel or strong hybrid, especially considering Delhi's regulations and your plan to keep the car for the next 10 years. The XUV 7XO offers a spacious cabin, a usable third row for occasional family trips, plenty of luggage space with the third row folded for your pet, and comes loaded with the features you're looking for.The Kia Carens Clavis Turbo Petrol DCT is the more practical alternative. It offers even better interior space and practicality, especially if you expect to use the third row more often, the 1.5 turbo DCT has enough power and will be more efficient but it doesn't feel as rugged or as SUV-like as the Mahindra.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Carens Clavis

I'm confused between Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure AMT and Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXI Turbo. Both are priced almost the same. My usage will mostly be weekend city driving, with the occasional 100+ km highway trip. The Punch offers more features for the price, while the Brezza has the advantage of Maruti Suzuki's proven reliability, lower maintenance costs, and excellent after-sales service. Considering my usage and priorities, which one would you recommend?

•19h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXI Turbo. Your usage is mostly weekend city driving with occasional highway trips, and in that scenario, the Brezza is the more sensible long-term choice. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is punchy enough for city use and overtakes on the highway, while Maruti’s service network, lower maintenance costs and proven reliability make ownership far easier over the years. The Brezza also feels like a more substantial car, with better space and a more mature ride, which you will appreciate on longer drives.The Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure AMT does offer more features for the price, but the engine-AMT gearbox combination is slow, which won't feel as effortless to drive as the Brezza Turbo in hilly regions around Guwahati. Yes, with the Brezza Turbo, you only get a manual transmission, but unless having a clutch-free experience is an absolute must-have, get the Brezza.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Punch

Hi Autocar India Team, I am planning to buy first car for my family and would really appreciate your guidance. Our budget for a used car is up to Rs. 8 lakh, although we are open to stretching it if there is a significantly better long-term option. We are a family of five members, including my elderly grandmother. Both my brother and I are over 6 ft 2 in and lean, so front and rear seat space is a very important consideration. My grandmother should be able to get in and out of the car comfortably, so a higher seating position would be preferable. The car will be used primarily for city driving, with one or two trips every month to our village, which is around 200 km one way. We are looking for a car that is safe, reliable, easy to maintain, comfortable on highways, and inexpensive to own over the long term. Since this will be our family's first car, hassle-free ownership is very important to us. We would prefer an automatic transmission, but we are open to a manual if it is a much better overall choice. So far, we have shortlisted the first-generation Hyundai Creta petrol, as it seems to meet most of our requirements. However, we are completely open to other suggestions if there are better options in the used car market. Could you please recommend the best used cars for our requirements and explain why you would choose them over the Creta? Also, considering the current E20 mandate, would you advise stretching our budget and buying a new car instead? If yes, which new cars would you recommend that offer the best value, comfort, safety, and long-term ownership experience for a family like ours?

•20h

Given your requirements, the first-generation Hyundai Creta petrol is actually a very sensible choice. It offers a comfortable ride, a higher seating position for your grandmother, good reliability and a proven ownership experience. In that context, a 2020-2021 Maruti Suzuki Brezza or Toyota Urban Cruiser petrol automatic is also worth serious consideration. Both these offer meet all your requirements, and will also be reliable and inexpensive cars to own over the long term, with excellent service reach and low maintenance costs. Additionally, they're likely to be newer than a Creta petrol-automatic available at this price point.As far as E20 goes, most pre-2023 cars are not compatible with this fuel type, however the impact of using E20 in these older cars is not likely to be immediate. But if you can stretch your budget sligthly, for peace of mind, get a new car instead. You could consider a base Mahindra XUV 3XO Turbo-Petrol AT, which will cost you around Rs. 11.50 lakh (on-road). It is safe, spacious, and it meets all your requirments.

Mahindra XUV 3XO