Latest questions answered by experts

autocar.india

•2h

We would shortlist the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. Both offer a strong combination of space, comfort and features, while allowing you to avoid the uncertainty surrounding long-term diesel ownership in Delhi.The Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic AX7T would be the more sensible choice within your Rs 32 lakh on-road budget. It offers a modern, feature-rich cabin, three rows of seating, strong performance from its 203hp turbo-petrol engine and a comfortable ride. The AX7T also gets ventilated seats, a Harman Kardon audio system and Level 2 ADAS, making it a good fit for long hours in Delhi traffic as well as weekend highway trips. If you can stretch your budget, consider the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid VX. Its strong-hybrid powertrain is particularly well suited to your daily stop-start commute, offering excellent fuel efficiency and a relaxed driving experience. It also has a more spacious and comfortable cabin, especially for passengers in the second and third rows. However, in your budget you will get the VX or the VX(O) and not the top of the line ZX(O) variant.

autocar.india

•4h

Since your monthly driving isn't all that high, a petrol car would be a better bet. For the city, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a very good option to consider. It is easy to drive, has good space in the rear, good tech and features and the powertrain is frugal. The efficiency is a Maruti highlight and the maintenance costs are low too. You simply cannot go wrong with a Maruti for your needs. The Delta variant would fit in your budget, but if you stretch a bit more, you can get the Zeta that gets most of the essential creature comforts. If the Baleno is a bit of a stretch, the Swift would be the next best choice. It is more affordable and while the size is compact, it is perfect for the city.

autocar.india

•14h

Since you already own a Ford EcoSport and you're looking for a secondary car, with a daily usage of 90km, we'd suggest you pick a diesel car with strong and efficient performance for your mixed (city and highway) use. That said, with a Rs 5 lakh budget, your options are limited to diesel models older than 5 years, which shouldn't be a problem since you've mentioned that you'll keep this car only for 2-3 years.We'd suggest you narrow down your search to the newest pre-owned diesel hatchback that you can find. Keep the Tata Altroz 1.5 diesel as your top choice for its excellent driving manners, spacious cabin, lengthy equipment list, and efficient engine. You should get multiple options of the Altroz. Other strong contenders are the diesel iterations of the 2019-2020 VW Polo and 2020-2021 Hyundai i20, but finding these models in that price range will be a challenge.

autocar.india

•14h

The Vinfast VF7 is sportier to drive, with stronger performance and more engaging driving dynamics. On the other hand, the Tomahawk is more comfort-oriented, with supportive seats, a spacious cabin, and the flexibility of a third row. It is also larger, yet it is more efficient than the VF7, resulting in better real-world range.As a spacious family car, the MG Hector Tomahawk EV is the better car. However, if you enjoy driving, pick the VinFast VF7.

autocar.india

•16h

As per our sources, Nissan will not be launching the hybrid version of the Tekton. It will be available with 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engines with 6-speed manual gearboxes, and a dual-clutch automatic transmission option with the 1.3 version. The 1.8-litre hybrid will be reserved for its Renault counterpart, the Duster.

autocar.india

•16h

That is a very interesting thought. Something on similar lines is happening. Tata Motors will launch their Avinya range of electric cars, which will feature rakish, coupe-SUV styling similar to the Evoque. As for taking the same vehicle and rebranding it as a Tata, that would be very unlikely given brand and marketing considerations. If you are looking for a more affordable coupe like SUV from Tata, your best bet would be the Avinya range, or you could even pick up a used Evoque from trusted used car platforms.

autocar.india

•17h

PU seat covers do not offer good breathability, which is why you feel sweaty. Ideally, you should use the car's original fabric seat covers. Protecting the original seats only benefits the second owner, so you might as well enjoy their comfort and appearance. If they get soiled, you can always fit seat covers later.If you feel however you must have seat covers then switch to cloth covers which have much better breathability. You also get aftermarket cooled seat cushions that plug into the car's 12V socket. However, these can shift under braking or in an impact, which could make them unsafe in an accident. So, fabric seat covers would be our recommendation.

autocar.india

•19h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The 1.5 engine comes with a torque converter automatic, which is the smoothest type of gearbox to have, especially in city traffic. The low-speed ride on the Brezza is also very plush, and the comfy seats will keep your parents comfortable during their commute. The Brezza also meets your requirements of reliability and safety.The Skoda Kylaq is also a good option. It also comes with a torque convertor gearbox and would be better in terms of driving pleasure on the few highway trips you'll do. However in the city the Brezza's naturally aspirated engine is easier to manage compared to the turbocharged Kylaq engine which does have some amount of lag.

autocar.india

•20h

Given your budget and requirements, you should consider between the Tata Altroz, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. The Altroz should be the most efficient here and close to the 20kpl mark on the highway and the top-spec Accomplished S comfortably fits in your budget and comes feature loaded. However, if you want an SUV instead the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue are both good options. Both are mechanically identical, but the Venue has a slightly more spacious cabin and is the newer of the two. But both will be slightly less efficient than the Altroz.

autocar.india

•20h

Between the Tata Punch and Nexon, go for the Nexon as it is a larger car with more cabin space and a larger boot which will be ideal for your family. The Nexon also comes with a more powerful, turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine than the Punch and you also get the option of a 6-speed AMT. Within your budget of Rs. 12 lakh, you'll get the Nexon Pure+ S AMT which is decently equipped and has all the basics covered.

autocar.india

•21h

Since your daily running is high and mostly on highways, a diesel will be a good option to consider. The Hyundai Venue HX5 diesel will be a good option for you, as it's got a refined and efficient 1.5-litre diesel engine, good highway manners and a premium and comfy cabin. You can even opt for a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but you may have to stretch your budget a little for that. The Venue HX5 also comes well equipped and being a Hyundai, it will be relatively stress free to maintain as well. However, if you want an EV, consider the Tata Punch Empowered+ S with the larger 40kWh battery. The Punch EV is one of the nicest compact electrics on sale today and is feature-rich as well.

autocar.india

•21h

The i20 feels far more premium and its cabin is more spacious than the Exter's. Both cars share their 1.2-litre petrol engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. And the difference between their fuel efficiency numbers (if any) will be negligible given that the i20 is slightly heavier than the Exter. Hence, if you like the i20 Magna and are getting a good deal, go for it, it is the better option.

autocar.india

•22h

The Brezza's 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine might not have the outright punch similar to the Venue's 1.0-litre unit, however the Maruti's drivability is noticeably better. Turbo-lag is far less pronounced and it'll require fewer gearshifts while cruising, compared to the Venue. What's more, the Brezza feels a tougher while driving over bad roads, and space inside too is more than the Venue. The Hyundai Venue's cabin on the other hand feels brighter, more premium and more modern in comparison. Between the two, our pick would be the Brezza turbo for its drivability and solid feel.