I am writing from Coimbatore. I currently own a Yamaha SZ-R and am looking to upgrade my bike with touring in mind. I have shortlisted the Kawasaki Versys X-300 and the Suzuki V-Strom 250. I am 5 feet 5 inches tall. I test rode the Versys and found it comfortable in terms of ride quality. I am yet to test ride the V-Strom. Budget is not a concern. I am looking for a no-nonsense machine that is comfortable and good to ride. Are there any upcoming bikes I should wait for?

The Kawasaki Versys X-300 and Suzuki V-Strom 250 are both good options for your requirements. The Versys, with its more powerful twin-cylinder engine, will have the performance and long-distance touring advantage. However, the Suzuki V-Strom is a lot more affordable, and if you are on a tight budget, it makes for a genuinely capable tourer. Both bikes are quite tall, and you will need to get used to the height of these ADVs.Something to also consider is the Hero Xpulse 210, which has a peppy engine, great suspension, neutral ergonomics, and is the most affordable option of all three. Take a test ride of all three before you decide.

The Skoda Kylaq is the best option here. It has a comfortable ride, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is very punchy, and the 6-speed torque converter gearbox is smooth and quick too. This Skoda car has also received a 5-star crash test rating from Bharat NCAP, so it should be safe too.The new Hyundai Venue is a great option too. It's got more features and tech, but it's not as comfortable as the Skoda, and its auto gearbox isn't as smooth. And while it has a lot of safety features, it hasn't yet been tested by any crash test authority. Most of all, though, spec for spec, it's more expensive than the Kylaq, and doesn't feel like as good a value for money.

The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid is a good option to consider. It is a spacious and comfortable seven-seater that comes with a comfortable ride quality. The top-spec ZX variant features extendable leg rests on the rear seats, which adds to the comfort, and the cabin is well-appointed too.This Toyota car is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that works in tandem with an electric motor to put out 183hp while being paired to an e-CVT automatic gearbox. The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid is priced from Rs 25.90 lakh to Rs 31.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

You haven't mentioned your budget, hence it'll be difficult to recommend the right car for you. That said, the most affordable diesel car that you can get is the Tata Altroz, which, incidentally, is an excellent car for the highway thanks to its suspension setup.Further, the back seat of this Tata car is wide and comfortable for three adults; fuel efficiency is good; and its boot is much larger than the Nios too. Also, you'll be happy to know that the Altroz has been awarded 5 stars by Bharat NCAP for its crashworthiness.