Autocar India
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Harsh Chopra

•20h

Hi Autocar Team, I currently own a 2012 Mahindra Scorpio (manual diesel, 4x2, top variant) and am planning to upgrade to the new or upcoming Mahindra Scorpio N, specifically the Z8 Select or a higher variant with a diesel automatic (4x2). However, I have recently been informed that the sensors and electronics in the Scorpio N are not very reliable and may lead to recurring issues and repairs. Is this concern valid? I would appreciate your expert advice on the reliability of the Scorpio N before making a decision.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•4h

You’re moving from a 2012 Scorpio to a diesel automatic 4x2 for mixed city and highway use. In that brief, the Scorpio N Z8 Diesel AT 4x2 fits you well because it makes daily traffic easier than your manual. Also, it feels far more comfortable over bad roads than your old car, and the cabin safety and overall finish are a clear step up. If the Z8 Select AT 4x2 is on offer in your city, it can also work, but the Z8 AT is the safer bet on features and availability.

On the “sensors” worry, don’t let a blanket comment scare you off. The Scorpio N, like most new diesels, has more electronics than your 2012 car, so you will hear of the odd TPMS or parking sensor warning, or a diesel emission part like a NOx/DEF sensor needing attention. We have seen some cases, but it isn’t a pattern of repeated failures unique to the Scorpio N. Most fixes happen under warranty, and many “warnings” come from poor fuel or bad Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF), not from a bad design.

Two trade-offs to keep in mind for your use: if you do only short city trips, the diesel’s DPF can need an occasional longer drive to clear itself; and on the Z8, the camera and sensors are basic, so night clarity is only average. Buy the maximum extended warranty, use good fuel, keep DEF fresh and sealed, avoid pressure-washing the bumper sensors, and ask for software updates at service.

Overall, for your plan and driving mix, the Z8 Diesel AT 4x2 lines up best, and the “sensors” talk alone is not a reason to avoid it.

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Scorpio N

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Mahindra Scorpio N

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RA

Ram

•2d

I am using the Honda Amaze diesel CVT. I plan to change my car. My average driving in a month is 1750km. I am going for a mid-size SUV. Kindly guide. Should I go for the Honda Elevate?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•6h

Budget permitting, you should go for the Honda Elevate ZX CVT. It is the easiest, most hassle-free upgrade from your Amaze for a mid-size SUV. You are used to a diesel CVT, and the Elevate’s CVT keeps that smooth, calm feel in traffic. The higher seat and good all-around view make city driving and parking simple, and the suspension handles bad roads well. Size-wise, it is not too big, so it is easy to live with, but it still gives you more space and ground clearance than your Amaze. Honda’s engines are reliable, and service quality is generally consistent in most cities.One thing to be aware of is that, coming from a diesel, the Elevate's naturally aspirated petrol engine will not feel as strong at low speeds with a full load or on steep hills, and you will need to press the accelerator more. Also, your monthly use is high, so petrol running costs will be higher than your Amaze diesel.If fuel cost is your top worry at 1,750 km a month, look at the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, again, budget permitting. It is very smooth and uses a lot less fuel in the city. If you do frequent highway runs with family and luggage and want that strong pull you had in your diesel, the Kia Seltos diesel automatic is the better fit.Do a back-to-back drive. Take four people, climb a flyover and try a quick overtake. If the Elevate’s pull and refinement feel fine to you there, you’ll be happy with it.

VehicleHonda Amaze
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
RS

Raj singh

•2d

I have a base model diesel Kia Seltos manual, which I have been using since October 2019. I have driven it for 1.10 lakh km. I am now thinking of upgrading, and am considering the Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, and Skoda Kushaq. Should I go for a manual or automatic? My usage is mostly in Pune city, around 1,000 km per month, with an occasional 600 km highway trip every 2-3 months. My budget is 20 lakh. Should I consider petrol, diesel, or hybrid? Also, should I look at a second-hand luxury SUV?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•6h

With mostly Pune city use at about 1,000 km a month and an occasional 600 km highway run, the Renault Duster Techno Plus 1.3 Turbo Petrol DCT is the best of all your shortlisted SUVs within Rs. 20 lakh. It suits your mix because an automatic will take the strain out of traffic, the 1.3 turbo petrol feels smooth at city speeds yet punchy when you need it to be, and the Duster feels sturdy and stable on the highway.Coming from a base Kia Seltos diesel manual, you will notice easier driving in stop-and-go traffic, better features, and a more comfortable ride. This version should sit close to your budget. Do check the current on-road prices in Pune. One trade-off to keep in mind is that a petrol will consume more fuel than your current diesel Seltos. However, given your usage pattern, petrol makes more sense than diesel.You could consider the strong hybrid Maruti Suzuki Victoris, or even the new-gen Kia Seltos, which is a big upgrade from your 2019 model, but they won't offer as much bang for your buck in your budget. A second-hand luxury SUV under Rs 20 lakh is tempting, but upkeep and repair costs can be high. Only consider it with a full service history and a strong warranty. Overall, for your city-heavy use and budget, the Duster 1.3 Turbo DCT lines up best.

VehicleRenault Duster
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
VehicleKia Seltos
SM

Sagar Malsane

•4d

I want to sell my existing Honda Jazz petrol and want to purchase a new SUV. My budget range is 15-20 lakh. My workplace is within 4km, and travel is limited to Pune city. Occasionally, I travel to Mumbai or Nashik. I am particularly concerned about Indian roads and hence looking for an SUV. A few names that come to my mind are: Creta, Seltos, Duster, etc.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7h

You should pick the Kia Seltos HTX Petrol CVT. For your Pune city use and the occasional Mumbai/Nashik run, it is the most comfortable and easy-to-live-with choice in your budget. Moving up from your Honda Jazz, you will appreciate the higher seating position, better view of the road, and extra ground clearance for broken patches and tall speed breakers. The IVT automatic is very smooth in stop-and-go Pune traffic and makes short office trips effortless. Ride comfort has also improved with the new generation. The steering is light in the city, and Kia’s service reach in and around Pune is strong.One thing to be aware of is that the IVT is tuned for smoothness, not speed, so quick overtakes need a firmer press on the accelerator. If you want a similar experience with a bit more performance, then consider the Honda Elevate CVT.On your test drive, take speed breakers and broken patches at low speeds, and also try a few slow stop-go starts.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda Elevate

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Posted on: 16 Apr 2026