Dear Team, I am planning to buy the Mahindra Thar Roxx AX5L 4x4 Automatic. However, the online reviews and customer complaints regarding quality issues are making me quite concerned. We currently own three cars at home - a Maruti Alto, Toyota Innova Crysta, and a Honda - and thankfully, we have never faced any major defects or poor after-sales service experiences with any of them. I live in a village, and the nearest authorised service centre is around 100 km away. There are also no reliable third-party workshops in my hometown. Because of this, I am worried that if I buy the Thar Roxx, I may end up making frequent trips to the service centre due to quality issues or the commonly reported electrical and electronic problems. Emotionally, I really want the Thar Roxx, but practically, my mind keeps warning me about long-term reliability and service concerns. Considering my situation, would it still be a sensible purchase, or would you advise skipping it? Also, do you have any idea when the next facelift of the Thar Roxx is expected?

Autocar India

•48m

If you're already leaning towards the Tesla Model Y L, you should go for it, as, for the money, it's one of the best EVs out there. At this time, we're yet to review the L, but the improvements it promises over the standard-wheelbase models are impressive. For one, there's the additional space, captain's chairs for the second row and a usable third row, which already elevates it above most others at this price point. The already long list of features gets an upgrade with heating and ventilation in the second row, faster wireless chargers and an upgraded sound system. They've even added adaptive dampers, which should address a big criticism of the standard models - a harsh ride quality. The biggest gains, however, appear to have been to performance and range, thanks to a dual-motor setup with around 500hp, and with a 681km WLTP range, expect upwards of 500km on a full charge in the real world, as Teslas are known to be quite efficient. Downsides you should be aware of - the wheelbase is 150mm longer, but ground clearance has only gone up by 2mm (now 169mm), so be careful over speed breakers. And shortcomings of old remain, like very few buttons on the interior, and a quality that doesn't feel good enough at this price range. However, we're sure you're familiar with the vehicle already, as you're already inclined towards it. Another alternative that's very appealing is the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric, which has an even longer range and tech that's arguably on par with Tesla. However, it is nowhere near as spacious as the Model Y L.

Tesla Model Y

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

Autocar India

•1h

It’s a good idea to start your driving journey with a compact, easy-to-manage car rather than something large or bulky. That naturally puts less pressure on your skills while you build confidence.Given your budget of around Rs 14 lakh, going for a new car makes more sense than buying used. You get a clean slate, full warranty, and the latest safety and convenience features, which are especially reassuring for a new driver.Within Tata’s range, the Tata Nexon 1.2 turbo petrol with the DCT automatic is a strong fit. It’s compact enough for city use and easy parking, yet feels stable and comfortable on the highway. As for the Tata Sierra, it’s worth noting that it will sit well above your stated budget and, more importantly, will be a significantly larger vehicle. For a beginner, that extra size can make everyday driving and parking more challenging.Overall, the Nexon strikes a very sensible balance for your needs. It’s easy to drive, well-equipped, and versatile enough for both city commutes and longer highway trips.

Tata Nexon

Tata Sierra

Autocar India

•1h

For your usage of around 70 km daily, running costs become very important, and since you are also hesitant about diesel due to future regulations, it makes more sense to go for the Maruti Suzuki Victoris CNG.With this kind of running, CNG will be significantly more efficient and cost-effective compared to a modern diesel. Due to stricter emission norms, diesel cars are not as efficient as they used to be, so the cost advantage over CNG is no longer as strong as before. The Victoris CNG will help you keep running costs low while still offering a smooth and reliable ownership experience.One of the usual drawbacks of CNG cars is the loss of boot space, but in the case of the Victoris, this is less of a compromise. The CNG cylinder is smartly packaged under the boot floor, where the spare wheel would usually sit, so you still retain a usable boot. The only trade-off is that the car does not get a spare wheel, and instead comes with a puncture repair kit.The Kia Seltos diesel, on the other hand, is the better choice in terms of performance and driving experience, especially on highways. But given your hesitation towards diesel and the higher running costs compared to CNG, it may not be the most suitable option for your needs.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•6d

Both perform very well for your requirements, but overall, the Skoda Kylaq is the better choice. The Citroen C3 X has a slightly comfier ride quality, its AC performance is very strong, and its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is quite punchy. However, the Kylaq's 1.0 TSI engine is more powerful, and the 6-speed automatic gearbox has been tuned for even greater responses. As such, it will feel more eager on ghats and highways. It too has excellent suspension and absorbs bumps and broken roads well. Moreover, the Kylaq sits in a segment above and hence offers more space in the back seat and the boot, which will be useful for your passengers and luggage. Moreover, the build quality is stronger, the interior feels more upmarket, and though it may be more expensive, there are more features on offer than in the Citroen. Hence, we recommend that you go with the Skoda.

Skoda Kylaq

Citroen C3

Autocar India

•5d

With the kind of mileage you are already seeing from your 4th generation Honda City, I would not rush to fit a CNG kit. Around 16 kpl over 85,000 km is actually a healthy real world figure for a petrol sedan, and since the City is known for its smoothness and refinement, adding an aftermarket CNG kit will inevitably change the character of the car. Honda does not offer a factory CNG option for the City, so any retrofit will be third party, which means compromises in boot space, some loss in outright performance and the added variable of installation quality and long term reliability. Honda also recommends using fuel that meets the vehicle specifications, and aftermarket modifications can complicate warranty or support considerations on newer cars.A CNG conversion only starts making strong financial sense if your running is very high and you plan to keep the car for several more years to recover the kit cost. If your annual usage is moderate, the payback period can be longer than expected. The only real case for going CNG here is if fuel cost reduction is your absolute top priority. Otherwise, given how well your City is already performing, I would leave it as is and enjoy the refinement rather than fixing something that is not really broken.

Honda City

Autocar India

•19h

It's really hard to suggest a car without knowing a bit more about your requirements, like rear space requirements and the distance driven per month. Thus, as a good all-rounder for a small family, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT fits your brief best. Pick this variant because it gives you the most rear-seat space and a bigger, more useful boot than the other two, so adults sit more comfortably, and you pack more for trips. It also feels light and easy to drive in traffic, and the ride is calm over rough roads, which helps passengers, especially elders or kids.Two things to note: this automatic can feel a bit slow to pick up when you press the accelerator hard, and you will miss a few fancy features that sit on higher trims. If you drive with a full load on steep hills often, you may want to try it once to see if the response suits you.If you value tough build and the best ride on broken roads above all else, the Tata Punch Accomplished AMT is the second choice. It also has a smaller footprint for tight parking and a feature-rich cabin at a price like the Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT, too. Overall, for family comfort and everyday ease, go with the Fronx Delta Plus AMT.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter