Latest questions answered by experts

Varun

I want to buy a family SUV, preferably diesel/ hybrid. I have a daily run of 150-200 km. Currently, I have a diesel Altroz. Best option for me at a 20 lakh budget. And is the Kia Seltos GTX(O) version coming any time soon?

Autocar India

•10h

With a daily running of 150-200km, a strong hybrid makes the most sense. Within your budget, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid or the Toyota Hyryder Strong Hybrid would be the top recommendations.Both deliver excellent real-world fuel efficiency, often exceeding 20kpl even in city conditions, while offering the convenience of a petrol powertrain and lower maintenance concerns compared to modern diesels. For high-mileage users, the fuel savings can be substantial over time.While the diesel Kia Seltos remains a capable SUV, modern diesels are not quite as efficient as they once were due to stricter emissions equipment. This is especially true in automatic variants, where the torque converter gearbox further reduces the efficiency advantage over hybrids.As for the Seltos GTX(O), there is currently no confirmation of a new GTX(O) variant arriving in the immediate future.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Kia Seltos

Shubhankar

•1d

I have booked Tata Pure Plus ICNG. This is my first car, and I have given an amount and purchased insurance as well. Now, yesterday the government did e85 roll out. My concern is what will happen to my vehicle. I have not given Parivahan otp to book the number plate of the car. Should I take a refund? Is it possible I have given around 8 .9 lakh.

Autocar India

•11h

There is no need to panic or cancel your booking because of the E85 announcement. The recently launched E85 fuel is meant only for flex-fuel vehicles specifically designed to run on up to 85 percent ethanol. The Tata Punch iCNG is not a flex-fuel vehicle, so it will continue to run on regular petrol, CNG and the currently mandated ethanol blends as specified by Tata. E85 is not something that will suddenly replace regular fuel at all pumps.In fact, even today, most new petrol cars sold in India, including the Punch, are engineered to handle the current E20 petrol that is available in the market. The move to E85 is a separate initiative and requires specially developed flex-fuel vehicles.The bigger picture is that you have chosen a Punch iCNG, which is already relatively future-proof from a fuel-cost perspective. CNG will remain widely available, and your running costs will be significantly lower than those of a comparable petrol vehicle.

Tata Punch

•1d

I am planning to buy a car. My maximum budget is 12 lakhs. I will use the car occasionally for family purposes, with monthly usage between 200 and 1,000 km. It’s my first time buying a car. By researching online, I have selected the Mahindra 3XO AX5 MT and Venue HX 5 +(1.0L Turbo Petrol MT). Are there any more options? Which one should I buy?

Autocar India

•12h

The Hyundai Venue HX 5+ 1.0 Turbo Petrol MT would be the first recommendation. It is easy to drive, has a well-sorted turbo-petrol engine, a strong service network and a proven ownership experience. For a first-time buyer, Hyundai's wider and more consistent aftersales support is a significant advantage. It is also easier to live with on a daily basis than some rivals.The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 MT would be the second choice. It offers stronger performance, a wider cabin and feels more substantial on the road. However, its boot space is relatively small for family travel, which could become a limitation on occasional holiday trips with luggage. While Mahindra's service network has improved considerably, Hyundai still enjoys an edge in reach and consistency.One other option worth considering is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza Manual. Its naturally aspirated petrol engine may not feel as punchy or exciting as the turbocharged Venue or 3XO, and it is not as feature-rich either. However, for a first-time buyer, it remains one of the easiest SUVs to drive. The clutch is light, the gearbox is slick and progressive, and the ownership experience is among the most stress-free in the segment.

Prateek Verma

I am planning to buy my personal car, and I am looking for an automatic transmission. I have been driving the Creta 2022 MT, and most of my driving would be in the NCR region, along with a few getaway trips to the hills or my hometown in UP. I have a budget of around 17-18 Lakhs on-road. I am looking for a car that’s comfortable to drive and has a good suspension. With Creta, I get around 19-20 KMPL on highways and a combined mileage of 13-15 KMPL within city limits. I don’t drive aggressively and am not a fan of overspeeding. Till now, I have figured out a few options like Skoda Kushaq signature 1.0 AT, Seltos HTK(O) 1.5 NA, or maybe I can consider Honda Elevate. Can you suggest a better car for me? I have heard the Seltos NA engine doesn’t have much power, though my current Creta has the same torque.

Autocar India

•14h

The Kia Seltos HTK(O) 1.5 Petrol CVT would be the pick here. It feels more premium than the Elevate, offers a comfortable ride and the smooth CVT suits everyday driving extremely well.As for performance, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol is essentially the same engine that powers your Creta. If you are happy with your current car's performance, there is no reason to worry about the Seltos feeling underpowered. It may not be the quickest SUV in the segment, but it is smooth, refined and well-suited to relaxed driving.The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 AT feels punchier in the mid-range and is more enjoyable to drive, but the Seltos is the more rounded package overall. The Honda Elevate CVT is comfortable and practical, though it does not feel as premium inside.

Rajadurai

Hi Autocar, I am looking to buy a 6-seater car under 35 lakhs. I have checked out the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel Automatic and the Tata Safari Accomplished Ultra Diesel Automatic. Now I am in confusion about what to buy since I want a balance of both performance and comfort in the 2nd row seats. Tata Safari excels in 2nd row comfort, but the engine is moderate, whereas the Mahindra XUV 7XO engine is excellent to drive, and 2nd row comfort is good. But the waiting period of 7XO is making it difficult to choose what to buy. Please provide your suggestions on this.

Autocar India

•15h

The Safari's biggest advantage over the XUV 7XO is its third row packaging and the slightly more premium second row experience. However, once performance, drivability, technology and overall ownership proposition are considered, the XUV 7XO pulls ahead in most areas.The waiting period is understandably frustrating, but considering this is likely to be a long-term purchase, a few extra months of waiting is generally easier to justify than living with a second choice for several years.The only reason to choose the Safari would be if second row comfort is overwhelmingly more important than every other factor, and the vehicle needs to be purchased immediately. Otherwise, the XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel Automatic is the better all-around product and worth waiting for.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Jayvir Deol

•1d

I want to buy an SUV, and my budget is around 20 lakh. I have seen the MG Hector, the Mahindra XUV and the Tharr Rox. Which car should I buy, and given the current scenarios on the govt policies, should I go for petrol or diesel?

Autocar India

•16h

Pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO. At around Rs. 20 lakh, it gives you the best mix of space, strong performance and safety, and it is far easier to live with every day than the Thar Roxx while being a better value than a low or mid Hector variant. You also get both petrol and diesel choices, so you can match it to your running.Fuel choice is simple. Go petrol if most of your use is in the city or your running is under about 1,200 km a month. It is quieter, has fewer policy worries, and resale stays safe even if some cities tighten diesel rules. Pick diesel only if you drive long highway distances often, want a longer tank range, or haul a full family with luggage regularly.The only real downside with the XUV 7XO is that the fanciest features push you beyond Rs. 20 lakh, and there may be a wait period. If you mainly want a rugged toy, the Thar Roxx is great, but for family life, the XUV 7XO fits better.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Thar Roxx

MG Hector