My Jeep Compass recently experienced a critical steering failure while I was parking. There was a loud noise, immediately followed by a complete loss of steering control. Upon inspection, a broken bolt from the front assembly was found detached. This appears to indicate a serious manufacturing or component defect and raises significant safety concerns.

autocar.india

•2h

We’ll take this up with Skoda Auto Volkswagen India right away and ask for a clear tyre support policy, stocking timelines for 255/45 R19 and 235/45 R20 in India, and written guidance on approved alternates. We will publish their response. You’re right to call this out. A Rs. 60 lakh CBU that leaves owners hunting for a basic, safety‑critical size is not acceptable. No doubt, import curbs and BIS rules have choked niche sizes, but that is the OEM’s job to solve with their tyre partners, not the owner’s problem.While we push for a fix, two practical options keep you mobile without straying far from spec. For Tiguan R‑Line 255/45 R19, the closest matches are 245/45 R19 or 235/50 R19. For Kodiaq RS 235/45 R20, 255/40 R20 is closest. Only choose tyres with equal or higher load and speed rating, check full‑lock clearance, and do an alignment. With AWD, replace in pairs at a minimum, ideally all four, to avoid drivetrain stress. Expect a small speedometer error.

autocar.india

•10h

Yes, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTE will handle 800 km on highways and 200 km city in Tamil Nadu just fine. It will sit at 90-100 kph all day without feeling strained, the engine is smooth, and it’s easy to live with in traffic.It won’t feel weak because of the K3 platform. Platform decides stiffness and safety; how strong it feels is down to the 1.5 engine and gearing. This motor is good for steady cruising, but quick overtakes from 80-120 need a downshift and some space, especially with five adults and luggage. On flat TN highways like Chennai-Trichy or Salem-Kanyakumari, you’re sorted; on steeper ghats, you’ll work the gears a bit more.The honest catch is that it isn’t exciting when fully loaded. If you often drive with a full family and want easier, shorter overtakes, the Seltos turbo petrol feels much stronger, though it costs more and will use a bit more fuel. If your trips are mostly relaxed with two to four on board, the HTE NA is absolutely okay and won’t feel underpowered for your use.

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•1h

Pick the Innova HyCross Hybrid ZX(O). If you have family on board often and spend lots of time in city traffic, the hybrid will cut your fuel bills noticeably, and the automatic transmission feels calm and smooth. It is also simply easier for parents and kids - more space, a comfier second row with captain seats, and a softer ride on bad roads. Keep it 6-8 years, and Toyota’s resale and hassle-free upkeep matter.The Tayron R-Line only makes more sense if you’re mostly four or five, you drive yourself, and you value a sharper, more fun feel on highways. It will feel livelier and more premium from the driver’s seat, but you’ll stop for fuel more, and you give up the HyCross’s people-carrying ease.One catch with the HyCross: it does not feel as exciting to drive as the Tayron, and the engine can sound a bit busy when you floor it.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Volkswagen Tayron