Latest questions answered by experts

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a seven-seater car. I have test-driven the Renault Triber Turbo and Citroen Aircross X and was impressed by what both offer at their price points. However, the Aircross put a wide smile on my face. As a current Maruti Suzuki user, I did not consider the Ertiga because it feels similar to our Swift. I liked the Aircross X but am sceptical about Citroen's service network and spare parts availability. However, there are three Citroen showrooms within 45 km of my place. Please suggest which car I should choose. My budget: Rs. 15 lakh Current vehicle: Second-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift petrol (2017) Annual usage: Around 10,000 km, with a 50:30:20 split between town, highway and city driving Requirement: A seven-seater car

•8h

The Citroen's interiors feel more special, its engine is more powerful, and its ride-handling balance is outstanding; however, for seven adults, it won't be as comfortable as the Triber.In fact, the Triber's superb packaging makes it genuinely comfortable for passengers in all three rows, despite its compact sub-4-meter dimensions. The new turbo-petrol engine makes it an effortless performer, and its ride quality feels very mature too. Moreover, the Triber Turbo is also much more affordable in comparison, making it outstanding value for money. Yes, the Aircross X will appeal to your heart, but given Citroen's limited service network and cramped third row, the Triber Turbo is the more sensible choice.

Citroen Aircross

Renault Triber

•1d

I’ve almost finalised the Hyundai Venue based on its interiors, space, features, and overall looks. However, I’m confused between the 1.0 Turbo MT and 1.2 NA MT. I live in a town where bumper-to-bumper traffic is very rare. We might encounter traffic occasionally when travelling to bigger cities, but we only go on long trips a few times a year. Considering my usage, which engine would be the better choice? 1. What is the real-world mileage difference between the 1.0 Turbo and 1.2 NA? 2. Is the turbo engine significantly more expensive to maintain in the long run? 3. Is the 1.2 NA engine sufficient for a family on highways, especially during overtaking and when driving with a full load? 4. Considering long-term reliability, running costs, and occasional highway trips, is it worth choosing the turbo, or would the 1.2 NA be a more sensible option? I’m really confused between these two variants. Please share your real-world mileage and long-term ownership experience. Your suggestions would really help me make a final decision. Thanks in advance!

•8h

Go for the Hyundai Venue 1.0 Turbo MT. Your usage pattern - mostly open roads with only occasional traffic and a few long trips a year - actually plays to the turbo’s strengths. The 1.0 turbo is a genuinely punchy engine with strong mid-range performance, which makes overtaking on highways far easier and more confidence-inspiring, especially with a full load. The 1.2 naturally aspirated engine is smooth and reliable, but it can feel underpowered on highways, particularly when overtaking or climbing with passengers and luggage.In terms of real-world mileage, the difference is not huge. In mixed conditions, you can expect a mileage of 12.80kpl with the 1.2 NA, whereas the 1.0 turbo could deliver around 12.50kpl in similar conditions, so overall fuel costs are broadly similar. Similarly, the difference in their maintenance costs will be marginal, with the turbo being only slightly higher.Long-term reliability is not a concern with either engine. The 1.2 NA is the simpler option, but the 1.0 turbo is a proven unit and well suited to your usage. Given your driving pattern and the occasional highway trips, the 1.0 turbo is the more sensible and enjoyable choice.

Hyundai Venue

•21h

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a seven-seater and am confused between the Toyota Innova Hycross and Hyundai Alcazar. I like almost everything about the Alcazar, but my only concern is the long-term durability of its DCT. As for the Hycross, my budget only allows me to consider the GX variant, which lacks many features. Kindly advise me on which one I should choose. My driving style is simple and non-aggressive. I drive around 8-10 km daily in the NCR region, with occasional family highway trips of up to 500 km. My average monthly running is around 1,200 km.

•9h

Go for the Toyota Innova Hycross GX since your usage pattern is simple, with a family focus and the occasional 500km highway trip. The Hycross is the better long-term ownership proposition. It is more spacious, more comfortable and more reliable. The Alcazar is a good car, but the third row is tight, and the DCT is not the ideal gearbox for your usage. The Hycross GX may not have many features, but it gets the fundamentals right. It is a proper seven-seater with a comfortable third row, a smooth petrol engine and Toyota's reputation for reliability. For your usage, that matters more than features. The Alcazar is more feature-rich, but it is ultimately a smaller car with a less comfortable third row.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Hyundai Alcazar

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•1d

Hi Autocar Team, I am currently driving a 2014 Honda City diesel and am looking to replace it with an EV. A few options I have in mind are the Mahindra BE 6 Pack One, Tata Sierra Pure 63 kWh, and MG Windsor EV. My budget is under Rs. 20 lakh. I would appreciate your suggestions and recommendations.

•9h

The Tata Sierra Pure 63 makes you feel like you've spent your money well thanks to a rich cabin experience. Coming from a Honda City, it'll feel like a proper upgrade as far as space, comfort, performance and ride handling go.The Mahindra BE 6 Pack One is an interesting option from a design and technology perspective. It feels like the sportiest one to drive of the three; however, cabin space feels cramped given its exterior dimensions. The Windsor EV is the most affordable of the lot, and even though it is more compact than the others, due to its excellent packaging, cabin and boot space are better than the others. Do keep in mind, though, that the Windsor's battery is the smallest and its real-world range will be much lower than the others. Also, its DC fast-charging speeds don't match the others. Lastly, its ride comfort isn't as plush as the Tata's either. In summary, the BE 6 is the sportiest to drive, the Windsor is good value, but given its excellent comfort, range and driving manners, the Sierra EV is our pick of the lot.

Tata Sierra EV

Honda City

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq

MG Windsor

•4d

Hi Autocar Team, I am looking to buy a new automatic car within a budget of Rs. 16 lakh. I have been driving a second-hand manual Hyundai i10 for almost a year now. My usage is mainly within city limits, often in traffic, with occasional highway drives. Could you suggest the best options that offer good value for money and a comfortable driving experience?

•10h

Go for the Honda Elevate CVT. Your driving is predominantly city-based with occasional highway runs, and the Elevate will feel like a good upgrade from your i10. The Elevate’s naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the CVT is smooth, easy to drive in traffic and very reliable. Honda’s ownership experience is strong, and the car is comfortable, practical and well-suited to long-term ownership. The CVT is also one of the smoother automatics in this price range, making daily commutes far less tiring.If you want something more feature-rich and value-focused, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic is a strong alternative. It offers more features for the money and is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, but the Honda is larger and the more hassle-free long-term choice.

Honda Elevate

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•1d

I drive Kodiaq L&K (2020 model, diesel). I want to sell it and buy another SUV that may not be a 7-seater. My budget is approximately the same. What are my best options? My annual running is approximately 18,000km.

•10h

The Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel AT is the most sensible recommendation. It delivers strong performance, excellent highway manners and overall, it's a refined, sophisticated drive experience. The diesel engine is well suited to your running, and the car loaded with technology and features.If you're open to EVs, you could consider the BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic variant is a solid option at around Rs 45 lakh (on-road). The XEV 9S or XEV 9E are excellent options around Rs 30-35 lakh.JSW will be launching the Chery Jetour T2 based SUV which will be launched in India as JSW Motors Combat based SUV in December. It will be a 5-seater, front-wheel drive plug-in hybrid SUV that's rugged, refined, spacious and is likely to be well-equipped too. If you aren't in a hurry, we'd recommend waiting for this one.Other petrol-powered SUVs in that price range include the Tayron and Kodiaq. But given your 18,000km annual usage, fuel bills will be high by opting for these.

I am considering buying a new car to replace my Ford EcoSport diesel. Since 70% of my driving is in the city, I am looking for an automatic transmission. However, I also want a powerful engine. Could you please recommend suitable mid-size SUVs within a budget of Rs. 15 lakh?

•11h

Since you're looking for a mid-size SUV with a powerful engine and automatic transmission, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT Classic Plus seems to be the right fit. The 1.0 TSI turbo petrol engine is adequately punchy and responsive, making it well-suited to city and highway driving. The new 8-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and seamless, and the Kushaq offers a good balance of ride comfort and handling, making it an enjoyable car to drive. Additionally, the 2026 version gets an upgraded air-con, making it a good buy.If you're open to a sub-4-meter body style, you could consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Skoda Kylaq too. Both of these are very competent cars you can replace your outgoing EcoSport with, and compared to the Kushaq, you are likely to get more features too. However, boot space and rear legroom will not be as generous as the Kushaq.

Which one of these hatchbacks would you pick for everyday use?

Hi, I am Shailesh. I am a first time owner and comfortable with a budget of Rs. 10.50 lakh (on-road). I have compared it across segments like Dzire VXi AGS, Honda Amaze V CVT, Skoda Kylaq Classic Plus Automatic and Fronx Delta Plus AGS. I want to buy it for my 65 year old mother as well as for my daily commute to office in Pune traffic. I prefer an automatic and safe car with highly comfortable back seat, but the variants should have most of the essential features such as seat height adjustment, rear AC vents. The car should be low maintenance and offer hassle free service experience. I want a car that delivers decent mileage and no sunroof would be great. I would like to keep the car for the next 5 to 7 years without any issues (possibly for 10 years). I want it to be compliant with future ethanol blends such as E25 or E27 and that is why Brezza NA VXi TC came into my mind and it is available for Rs. 12.50 lakh. My monthly running would be around 600 to 800km. Which car makes sense for me considering my driving would include 72% running in the city and 28% on highway. I am planning to get Brezza VXi NA Manual at Rs. 10.50 lakh but I would like your opinion.

•11h

Given your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire VXI AGS comes across as your best option. It is a proven product that is spacious, easy-to-drive and very comfortable car, and it's backed by Maruti's strong support network. Thanks to its three-cylinder petrol engine, fuel efficiency will also be better than all other options listed. Sure, its 5-speed AMT is not feel as seamless and smooth as that of the Amaze or Kylaq, which offer more sophisticated automatic transmissions, however going by AMT standards, it is still reasonably jerk-free. Furthermore, the VXI AGS variant has a driver's seat height adjustment and rear AC vents, which you're looking for; ride comfort is terrific and its back seat is spacious and more comfortable than most options listed.The Brezza 1.5 AT has a more sophisticated powertrain compared to the Dzire, but it is also more expensive. Hence as far as value goes, the Dzire VXI AGS is better and seems like the more sensible choice.

Night driving on highways has become uncomfortable with some of the bright headlights coming from the opposite side. Have you faced this too?

•16h

I currently own a Hyundai Verna Turbo DCT, Kia Carens Clavis DCT and Tata Altroz. Now, I am looking to buy an EV for my family, and I am confused between the Mahindra XEV 9e Pack Two 79kWh and the top-spec Tata Harrier EV (if that is what you mean by Tomahawk EV). Which one should I buy? My driving will be a mix of city and highway use, with a total monthly running of around 1,500 km. Peace of mind and hassle-free ownership are my top priorities.

•12h

The Mahindra XEV 9E Pack 2 79kWh would be our pick. With a running of around 1,500 km a month and a mix of city and highway driving, the larger 79kWh battery gives you a clear advantage - its real-world range is better, and its DC fast-charging speeds are quicker, making it more suited for long highway drives. Having been around for a while now, Mahindra has ironed out most software glitches with multiple updates; hence, the XEV 9E seems like the better bet from a peace-of-mind ownership experience perspective.

Mahindra XEV 9e

•1d

I currently drive a 2010 Maruti Suzuki Swift VDi diesel, but I am planning to buy a Brezza Turbo. Will Brezza give me the same level of performance as my Swift? Also, would it be better to buy the LXi variant alongwith genuine accessories from Maruti Suzuki or should I go for the ZXi variant? Please note that a sunroof and cruise control are not necessary.

•12h

The Brezza Turbo will feel noticeably quicker than your 2010 Swift VDi. The 1.0 turbo petrol is a punchy engine with strong low-end and mid-range performance, so it feels genuinely brisk in everyday driving. You will miss the diesel’s effortless torque at low revs, but overall performance is stronger and the car feels more modern and refined.On the variant choice, the LXi is a very basic car and even with genuine accessories you will not be able to add some of the more integrated features that come with higher variants. The ZXi is a better choice because it gives you a much more complete car from the factory, including a better infotainment system, more safety features and a generally more premium feel. Overall, the Brezza Turbo is a significant step up from your Swift in both performance and refinement, and the ZXi is the variant we would recommend.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Swift

•13h

Which SUV would you choose for a long road trip with family?

Currently, I am using Celerio AMT that has completed 1,63,000 km in 12 year. I want to purchase a 6-7 seater car. I have shortlisted Suzuki XL6, Kia Carens Clavis or Tata Safari. Which car should I buy and should it be petrol or CNG?

•13h

The Tata Safari is the more expensive and more premium SUV option, but it is larger and heavier than the other two cars you've listed. Also, it is available only with a turbo-petrol, which given its weight, isn't going to be very efficient in the real world. Lastly, the controls like the gearbox and clutch are heavier compared to the other two which feel relatively effort-free. So we'd rule out the Safari.Given you're usage, opting for a CNG version will keep a check on your running costs. Both Maruti and Kia offer factor CNG options with their respective manual gearbox versions of the 1.5 petrol engine.The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is a sensible choice here, given its reputation for reliability, ease of maintenance and Maruti's unmatched service network, which is important for a long-term owner. However, we'd recommend you to go for the Kia Carens Clavis which feels more premium than the XL6. The Clavis' cabin feels more upmarket, space is excellent, it is better equipped, refinement is better, and now it also offers a factory-fitted CNG variants. Overall, the Clavis CNG feels like the more polished offering, hence it gets our vote.

Hi, please advice me on the BMW M340i as I am planning to buy it.

•13h

The BMW M340i is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a genuinely quick, engaging and well-balanced performance sedan. The 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol engine is the star of the show, delivering strong performance with a lovely linear power delivery and a characterful exhaust note. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system gives it excellent traction, making it very usable in all conditions, while the chassis strikes a great balance between everyday ride comfort and sharp handling. It is also a practical car with a usable rear seat and a decent boot, so it can genuinely double up as a daily driver.The only real drawback is the price, which has crept up over the years, and the fact that the M340i is now nearing the end of its lifecycle. That said, the current M340i is still a superb package and one of the best all-round performance sedans on sale today. If you are happy with the price and you want the car now, there is no reason not to go for it.

BMW 3 Series

•22h

I am planning to buy Kushaq Sportline. Will it be a good buy for driving in city and on highway?

•14h

The Skoda Kushaq is a well-balanced SUV that works well as a daily driver and is also enjoyable on longer highway runs. So to answer your question, yes, the Kushaq Sportline is a good choice for both city and highway driving.

Skoda Kushaq

•14h

Bayon could be an interesting option for people who find Venue a bit small and Creta too expensive. But with so many SUVs already available, what would make you choose Bayon?

•19h

Is Maruti Suzuki Brezza better than the Venue?

•15h

The Venue's brighter and more welcoming cabin, and its light steering and smooth 5-speed manual gearbox (with the 1.2-litre petrol) make it a good city car. However, the Brezza's 1.0-litre turbo-petrol for similar money as the 1.2 NA petrol delivers stronger performance, well-suited for city and highway applications. Additionally, the Brezza's cabin is more spacious and its suspension more suited for bad roads. So while the Venue 1.2L is perfectly fine for the city, the Brezza 1.0 Turbo is a well-rounded option for similar money.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Venue

•15h

If your preferred car goes over budget, which feature would you drop?

Is buying Punch under 10 lakh a good choice?

•15h

Yes, the Tata Punch is a good sub-compact SUV for under Rs. 10 lakh. The high ground clearance, tall stance, and upright seating give it a proper SUV feel, and its suspension feels well-suited for our road conditions. Do keep in mind though that while its petrol engine's performance feels adequate in the city, it can feel a bit lacking on the highway. Also, the Punch lacks the outright refinement, smoothness as well as finesse of some other Japanese or Korean offerings available at this price point. However, if you're looking at a solidly-built, practical SUV for the money, the Punch is a good option.

Tata Punch

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