Hi Autocar Team, first of all, I would like to thank you for your excellent service. I own a Tata Tigor CNG AMT, purchased in 2024. At the time of purchase, my expected usage was quite high, which is why I chose this model. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, my usage has now reduced significantly to around 50 km per month or even less. The car has been driven approximately 12,000 km so far, mainly due to a few trips and family events. There are also periods when the car is not used at all for 4–6 weeks continuously. I am concerned about whether such low and irregular usage could negatively impact the car’s long-term health, especially since I plan to keep it for many years. Could you please advise: Whether keeping the car with such low usage is advisable What precautions or maintenance steps I should follow Or whether it would be better to consider selling the car under these circumstances

Autocar India

•4h

Your choice of a Linea suggests that you enjoy a fun-to-drive sedan. If that is the case, then consider the Skoda Slavia or Volkswagen Virtus with the 1.0 TSI automatic combination. The smooth torque-converter automatic makes city life easy, and the engine has enough performance for highway driving too. Under the skin, both sedans are largely identical, so choosing between them comes down to which design you prefer and which brand has a more convenient service centre near you. Alternatively, the updated Honda City is a solid choice that is easy to live with and a good long-term proposition. If you want to move into an SUV, consider the Kia Seltos 1.5 IVT or the Honda Elevate CVT. Both are solid choices for long-term ownership and feel spacious on the inside. An SUV will also be easier to get in and out of, and the elevated driving position makes it easier to manoeuvre in the city.

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

Honda City

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate

Autocar India

•5h

Of your shortlisted cars, go for the Skoda Kylaq automatic. For mostly city use and just 150km a week, its punchy turbo petrol engine with a smooth torque converter is a great mix of fun and ease of use. Its light yet sharp steering, upright seating and compact size feel like a natural step up from a Nano, and the interior feels fresh and upmarket too.The Kia Sonet diesel automatic is quick and efficient, but a diesel engine is overkill for your daughter's limited usage. Not only is it pound-for-pound more expensive than an equivalent petrol to buy, but it also requires extra care, such as regenerating the DPF (diesel particulate filter) every so often via a high-speed run, as well as top-ups of the ad-blue tank. The Brezza is a good option thanks to its simple, naturally aspirated engine, which should deliver better fuel economy than the Kylaq. But in its current form, it's just a bit uninteresting and unenthusiastic an offering, and it's best to wait for the facelift, which is right around the corner, before making that decision.For 150 km a week, an electric car is actually ideal if you have a private parking spot with a 15A socket or a home charger. The powertrains these days are much smoother, batteries carry long warranties, and city running is silent and cheap. Upfront cost, charging access and resale value are the only real hurdles, so if you are interested, a compact EV like the Tata Punch EV is a great option.

Skoda Kylaq

Kia Sonet

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Punch EV

Autocar India

•6h

Get the Tata Punch EV 40kWh Adventure. It fits closest to Rs. 12 lakh and comfortably does a 100 km daily city run with AC, leaving a buffer so you are not range-watching. It is easy to park in tight spots, and you still get fast charging for quick top-ups if plans change. Running costs are low, and Tata’s EV network is the widest today.The honest catch is that the rear seat is comfortable for two but a squeeze for three because of the narrow width.If you want a smaller footprint for city use, then the updated Tiago EV 24kWh is also a solid choice. It can now also charge at up to 30kW, so quick top-ups are possible, but total range will be significantly less than the Punch EV.

Tata Punch EV

Tata Tiago EV