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Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Slavia owner · 5,000 km

Hi, I have a 2014 Vespa S 125 and am planning to replace it with the Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6. Is it worth the switch? Also, what does your long-term report on the Flying Flea C6 say?

•1h

Royal Enfield's Flying Flea C6 is an unconventional yet thoughtfully engineered and well-developed electric bike. It's not a high-volume product in terms of sales, nor has it been on sale for very long, so its long-term reliability is a bit of an unknown at this point. From what we experienced, this is a lightweight and zippy electric bike with realistic range for long commutes and even a short Sunday ride - provided you have charging at your destination or somewhere along the way.The one big bugbear we have with the C6 is that its seat is just very uncomfortable for anything over 30 minutes, and unless you're really skinny, this will be a problem for you too. We'd suggest you take an exhaustive test ride and speak to other C6 owners if you can to understand what this machine is like to live with. If you find the C6's seating comfort isn't a problem, go ahead with your purchase. If not, its platform sibling, the Flying Flea S6 scrambler should launch in the coming months, and it promises a better seat and more rough-road-ready manners with similar weight, performance and range.

Flying Flea C6

•8h

What are Mahindra’s plans for an ICE SUV positioned above the XUV 7XO? Specifically, does Mahindra plan to launch any ICE SUVs in the Rs 30-40 lakh bracket?

•2h

Mahindra has not yet confirmed an all-new ICE SUV positioned above the XUV 7XO in the Rs 30-40 lakh bracket. However, there are some interesting developments on its future product roadmap. The company has outlined plans for 10 new ICE models by 2031, including nine new nameplates, with several expected to use its upcoming NU_IQ platform. The Vision X and Vision SXT concepts are among the products to watch, although their final positioning and specifications are yet to be revealed. A more immediate development is the possibility of a strong-hybrid version of the XUV 7XO, which Mahindra is evaluating and could introduce around 2027. This would potentially sit above the current petrol and diesel variants, offering better fuel efficiency and a more sophisticated powertrain. Mahindra is also working on a coupe-styled hybrid SUV, internally codenamed W623, which could arrive around 2028, although its positioning is not yet clear.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•6h

I’ve been driving a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz diesel manual for the last 9 years. I drive about 90 km a day, of which around 60 km is on the expressway and 30 km is in the city. I’m planning to buy an automatic compact SUV that’s comfortable to drive and fuel-efficient. I’ve been looking at something like a mid-spec Tata Sierra diesel. Which car would you recommend?

•2h

The Tata Sierra diesel automatic would be a good fit for your daily 90km commute, particularly with 60km on the expressway. It is comfortable and has strong highway cruising ability. The Aisin-sourced six-speed torque converter is smooth and well calibrated, making it easy to drive in city traffic as well. The Sierra also has a comfortable cabin and a well-sorted ride, which should make your daily commute less tiring. One drawback is that the diesel engine is not particularly refined, with noticeable engine noise and vibrations. The Kia Seltos diesel automatic is another strong option. It is more refined, has a better-quality cabin and offers a more polished overall ownership experience. Its diesel engine and automatic gearbox make it particularly well suited to your mix of expressway and city driving.Our recommendation would be the Sierra diesel automatic if comfort and highway ability are your priorities. However, if you value refinement, cabin quality and a more reassuring ownership experience, the Seltos diesel automatic is the one to choose.

Tata Sierra

Kia Seltos

•8h

I have a budget of Rs 15 lakh and am planning to buy either the Maruti Suzuki Victoris VXi AT or the Grand Vitara Delta 1.5 AT mild hybrid. Both are within my budget. I’ve recently heard that the Victoris has an AC leak issue. Is that true? Which of these would you recommend? I take five to six trips a year of more than 1,500 km each, and my city driving is around 400 km a month. Please advise.

•3h

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris VXi AT and Grand Vitara Delta AT are mechanically very similar, sharing the same platform, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, six-speed torque converter automatic and several key components. Therefore, the choice should largely come down to the deal you get, the design you prefer and the dealership experience. The Victoris is the newer product and has a more contemporary cabin with better perceived quality. However, its sloping roofline does compromise rear headroom slightly, which is worth checking if you regularly travel with adults in the back. The Grand Vitara has a more conventional SUV profile.Regarding the AC concern, there have been some owner reports of cooling-related issues with the Victoris, but it is too early to suggest that this is a widespread problem. The Victoris and Grand Vitara share much of their underlying hardware, including several components of the air-conditioning system, so there is no particular reason to assume that the Grand Vitara is immune to similar issues.Our recommendation would be to pick whichever dealership offers you the better deal. If you prefer the newer styling, cabin and Arena network, go for the Victoris. If you like the more conventional design and prefer the Nexa buying experience, the Grand Vitara is equally good.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

•8h

Hello, Would the Kia Sorento work with the Hyundai Tucson’s 1999cc naturally aspirated petrol engine (156 PS and 192 Nm)? And why didn’t Kia offer a naturally aspirated petrol engine, which would have brought the price down further?

•3h

The Hyundai Tucson's 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and refined, but its performance is fairly modest for a car in this price bracket. At 156hp and 192Nm, it isn't particularly strong, and fuel efficiency isn't its biggest strength either. While using this engine in the Kia Sorento would certainly have brought down the starting price, the Sorento is even larger and heavier than the Tucson, so performance and efficiency would have taken an additional hit. Buyers spending that kind of money would expect stronger performance. This is why the diesel and strong hybrid powertrains make more sense for the Sorento, offering a better combination of performance, efficiency and suitability for a large SUV.

Kia Sorento

•9h

I’m thinking of buying a hybrid. Which would be the better choice: the Honda City Hybrid or the new Renault Duster Hybrid? Setting aside the body style for a moment (one is a sedan and the other an SUV), which would you recommend for reliability and long-term ownership? In terms of interior comfort, both cars seem similar to me, apart from a few small differences.

•5h

Go for the Duster Hybrid for its excellent driving manners. If you are self-driven, the Duster will be the better pick; even during long drives, you will appreciate its high ground clearance and overall rugged feel over bad and broken roads. In comparison, the Honda City hybrid will feel more refined and smoother to drive, particularly in the city, and its real-world efficiency is likely to be better too. Further, the City has a comfier backseat and larger boot. The only downside being that the sole hybrid variant is priced Rs 2 lakh above the top-spec Duster hybrid, making it a bit hard to justify the premium.

Renault Duster

Honda City

•3d

Hello everyone, this is my first post here. I am currently in the market to buy a new car, with mileage and performance being my highest priorities. I am open to buying an EV, as I already own a 2021 Kia Seltos GT Line petrol. My budget is roughly Rs 23 lakh on-road, and I am confused between the Tata Sierra EV and any of its internal combustion engine (ICE) variants. I cannot purchase a Mahindra SUV because models like the XUV700 or Scorpio are too large for my community parking space. The Mahindra BE 6e is out because of its sloping roofline, which leaves very limited headroom for my 6-foot frame in the back seat. I am also ruled out from buying the Renault Duster Hybrid, as rear-seat comfort feels compromised in what is primarily a driver-focused car. Additionally, I have heard that the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara has a bumpy ride quality. However, I remain skeptical about Tata's after-sales service quality. Please suggest the right car for my requirements. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

If you like the Tata Sierra EV, go for it. It is a spacious and tough SUV that delivers strong performance. If you have home charging, it is worth going for - your running costs will be very low. The turbo-petrol is an impressive performer too, however fuel efficiency will be a bit low, so this might not meet your requirement of mileage. Yes, Tata's sales and service experience isn't consistent, and this is one aspect which the company is working hard to address. As a product though, this Tata car is excellent, and if you like it, go for it.

Tata Sierra EV

•3d

Hi Autocar team, I currently own a VW Tiguan TDI and absolutely love it, but I am considering upgrading to a Kia Sorento. Since I am not a fan of bulky SUVs, would the Sorento be a worthy replacement for the Tiguan? Also, considering my monthly running of 1,000+ km in the city alongside 4 to 5 long road trips of 1,000 km each annually, would you recommend the diesel or the hybrid?

The Kia Sorento diesel will be a good upgrade from your Volkswagen Tiguan diesel, since your running is high. Although it won't be as engaging to drive as your Volkswagen car, the Sorento diesel makes for a fantastic long distance cruiser thanks to the strong 2.2-litre engine, comfy ride and spacious cabin. The third row of seats will also give you added practicality over your Tiguan. This Kia car diesel also feels sprightly and tractable from low speeds so it won't feel sluggish or bulky by any means.

Kia Sorento

Volkswagen Tiguan

Innova Crysta owner · 35,000 km

I currently own a 2024 Toyota Innova Crysta and love taking long drives in it. I have a 6-year-old son and am now planning to replace the Crysta with a diesel automatic (preferably) or a hybrid SUV/MPV within a budget of Rs 35 lakh. My annual running is around 20,000 km, including 1 or 2 monthly long trips and 2 to 3 long family vacations every year. Please suggest a car that offers good reliability, a great driving experience, and hassle-free ownership. I have the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 L (7XO), Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid, and Kia Sorento in mind.

The most equipped and bang for your buck choice here would be the Mahindra XUV 7XO. The diesel engine is creamy smooth, has superb power delivery and is packed to the gills with features in its top-spec AX7 L guise that will fit well under your budget. However, if you want to stick to the Toyota brand, the Hycross is a good choice and considering the budget, better than the Kia Sorento that will only fit in with its HTE(O) variant that misses on features. The Toyota Innova Hycross is a strong-hybrid which is a good replacement for a diesel and has a lot of space in all three rows. There is an update for the Hycross that isn't too far so if you can wait, that would be a good choice. If not, you need to just select if the extra feature set of the Mahindra along with its modern cabin is something you need. If not, the Hycross is a great choice.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Sorento

I am looking to buy a hybrid car in the Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh range because my daily running is 80 to 100 km. I was looking at the Renault Duster Strong Hybrid 1.8L, but I am not a big fan of its looks and rear seat space. I would like to know when the Kia Seltos Hybrid and the 7-seater version of the Duster are coming out so I can plan accordingly.

Since the design and rear seat space of the Renault Duster is not something you prefer, our recommendation would be to wait a bit for the upcoming Kia Seltos hybrid. The standard version has a good rear seat with plenty of space and comfort and the hybrid is likely to follow that. The Creta will also get a hybrid powertrain but this Kia car will be coming first so you will not have to wait too long. The 7-seat version of this Renault car will also look similar to the current Duster so if you aren't a fan of that, the upcoming SUV won't exactly be up your alley either. The idea decision would be to wait for the Seltos hybrid and take a call then.

Kia Seltos Hybrid

Renault Duster

I am currently driving a 10-year-old Hyundai i20 and plan to upgrade to an automatic SUV. My annual running is relatively low at around 8,000 to 10,000 km, with approximately 70% city driving and 30% highway usage. My top priority is safety, followed by fuel efficiency. My budget is around Rs 22 lakh (on-road). Considering these requirements, could you please suggest the best non-EV SUV options?

Considering your usage pattern, it would be better to prioritise a petrol automatic SUV with a strong safety record, a reliable transmission and reasonable city fuel efficiency.With 8,000- 10,000 km of annual running, it does not make sense to pay extra for a diesel or paying a substantial premium for a strong hybrid purely to save fuel. The savings may take too long to recover. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris addresses three of your priorities rather well: crash safety, automatic gearbox reliability and fuel efficiency. Given your annual running of 8,000- 10,000 km, there is a case for buying the regular petrol automatic instead. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine gets a six-speed torque-converter automatic.The ZXI+ would be a good option. It offers a good balance of safety, equipment, gearbox suitability and purchase price. You also avoid paying extra for hybrid technology that you might not fully benefit from with your relatively low annual mileage.Maruti's extensive service network and parts availability are advantages when considering long-term ownership.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

I am planning to purchase an electric vehicle for a daily commute of approximately 80 km in Hyderabad, with a budget of up to Rs. 20 lakh. My key priorities are spacious interiors, strong safety features, good build quality, and overall reliability. Considering my daily usage, would opting for a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model be a financially beneficial choice?

Our recommendation would be to prioritise the MG Windsor EV and Tata Nexon EV. Each has a different strength, but both satisfy the need for cabin space, safety and build quality. Between the two, we would rank the MG Windsor on top. The 52.9kWh battery and claimed 449km range make it particularly appealing for your commute. This MG car also offers excellent passenger space. The Exclusive Pro's estimated Hyderabad on-road price is around Rs. 19.1 lakh, putting it within budgetOn the BaaS question, the initial recommendation is to buy the battery outright rather than opt for BaaS, particularly if you intend to keep the car for five years or longer. Considering you drive only 22 days a month, the break-even period increases to approximately 5.3–5.6 years. The best way to do it would be to buy the Windsor without BaaS.

MG Windsor

Tata Nexon EV

I am looking to buy a car that will usually accommodate three people. I have shortlisted the Tata Punch CNG, Tata Nexon CNG and Tata Nexon diesel. My monthly running is around 400km in the city and 800km on the highway, and I live in Pune. Which of these three cars would you recommend, considering that I plan to keep it for more than 10 years? My priorities are low running and maintenance costs, along with long-term reliability. I would appreciate your suggestion based on these factors. Please restrict the comparison to these three options and do not include Maruti models.

The Tata Nexon diesel would be our recommendation, given your monthly running of around 1,200km, with 800km on the highway. Its 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 115hp and 260Nm, making it considerably better suited to highway cruising and overtaking than the CNG engines in the Tata Punch and Nexon. It will also deliver better fuel efficiency on long runs. The Nexon CNG is worth considering if minimising fuel costs is the overriding priority, but the diesel offers stronger performance and a more relaxed highway experience. The Punch CNG is the least suitable of the three for your usage, as it is smaller and its performance is more limited, particularly with passengers and luggage.For 10-year ownership, remember that the diesel will have higher periodic maintenance costs, including additional fuel filter and timing belt related expenses. CNG also brings its own filter maintenance and periodic cylinder testing requirements.

Tata Nexon

Tata Punch

What would be the better option for long-term ownership: the Tata Nexon or the Mahindra XUV 3XO?

The Mahindra XUV 3XO would be our pick for long-term ownership over the Tata Nexon, particularly if you are considering the petrol automatic. Its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is stronger and the six-speed torque converter automatic is a well-established gearbox that is better suited to both city traffic and highway driving. The 3XO also offers a more spacious cabin, better rear-seat comfort and a more engaging driving experience.Both Tata and Mahindra have room for improvement when it comes to after-sales service, and workshop experience can vary considerably by location. However, Mahindra has a slight edge in consistency and technical support. The Nexon is a good product, but its DCA but it does not feel as refined or potent as the 3XO's torque converter.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

I’m planning to buy an electric car, but I’m a little confused and would appreciate your advice. I’m a civil engineer, and my daily commute is around 100–150km, covering a mix of city and village roads. I also travel frequently to my hometown, which is in a hilly region, with a round trip of approximately 270km. My highway usage is relatively low. My primary requirement is a 5-seater EV, and my budget is around Rs 23 lakh. Currently, I’m considering the Tata Harrier EV Adventure S and the MG Tomahawk EV Excite, but I’m open to other suggestions if you think there are better options. I have already test-driven the Mahindra XEV 9S, but its base variant is currently unavailable, while the mid variant is beyond my budget. Could you please suggest which EV would be the best choice for my usage and requirements? Thank you in advance for your advice.

In your case, given the requirement and conditions, the Tata Sierra EV would be a good option to consider. While the Harrier EV is slightly bigger, the Sierra EV in the same price will get you the same battery with better range and a better feature set too. The claimed range for the Sierra EV is also better than the Harrier EV and it is a newer car. Rear seat comfort and space is also better and the ride comfort in the Sierra EV trumps the Harrier EV. Uphill drives won't be a struggle either given the four terrain modes the Sierra gets and being a RWD. All things considered, the Sierra EV makes the most sense so we would urge you to check it out.

Tata Sierra EV

Tata Harrier EV

I currently own a 2019 Honda Amaze petrol manual, which has covered around 70,000 km. I genuinely enjoy the car, particularly the creamy smoothness, predictable low-end response and reliability of Honda's 1.2-litre, four-cylinder i-VTEC engine. I am now contemplating a change, and the Renault Triber Turbo has caught my attention because of its modular seating, practical cabin and features such as cruise control. However, I am torn about whether moving from the Amaze to the Triber Turbo would be a genuine upgrade or an ergonomic and mechanical compromise. I would appreciate some advice on what to expect in terms of engine refinement, drivability, comfort and overall ownership experience compared to my current car.

•2d

The Renault Triber Turbo is a worthwhile upgrade if you want more space, versatility and stronger performance, but it won't match the Honda Amaze's engine refinement. Its 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 100 hp and 180 Nm, and is significantly more capable than the Triber's naturally aspirated engine. It has a strong mid-range, pulls well even when fully loaded and feels much more comfortable at highway speeds. The suspension is also well sorted, with good high-speed composure and improved body control around bends.However, the engine has noticeable three-cylinder vibrations at idle, and its power delivery is less linear than the Amaze's naturally aspirated i-VTEC. You will also need to keep it above 2,000rpm to avoid the off-boost hesitation. The five speed manual gearbox is notchy, while road and wind noise are quite noticeable at highway speeds. The Triber's front seats could also do with better lumbar and thigh support.We would look at the Triber Turbo as an upgrade in practicality and performance, rather than refinement or overall driving experience.

Renault Triber

Honda Amaze