Latest questions answered by experts

My annual running is approx 30,000 km, mostly on highways. I am looking for a reliable 7-8 seater car which can give me good fuel efficiency and must be safe- preference would be a 5-star safety rating. Because I am stationed in Delhi, diesel cars have a 10-year life while petrol cars can be used for 15 years. Please suggest some options.

•5h

Go for the Toyota Innova HyCross hybrid. Since your running of 30,000 km a year on highways is quite high and you need a car for 15 years in Delhi, the HyCross’ petrol-hybrid fits both - expect real 16-18 kpl on steady highway cruises. It is a true 7-8 seater with a comfortable second row, a usable third row, and the sort of reliability that lets you rack up big miles without drama. It is also easy and calm to drive long distances, and higher trims add helpful highway aids like adaptive cruise.The Hycross also get multiple airbags, active safety tech and has received a full 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP. If you want the same powertrain and prefer Maruti's service, look at the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, which is essentially the same.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

•2d

I have Magnite AMT. How can I increase the fuel efficiency of my car, whose current mileage is 13-14 kmpl, and which petrol is suited for the car?

•6h

Use regular petrol from a trusted pump; the Magnite AMT does not need premium high-octane fuel, as you won't be able to justify the premium paid for fuel with the negligible increase in mileage, if any. 13-14 kpl is pretty normal for city runs. Expect 16-18 kpl on the highways if you drive gently.For a better economy, keep tyre pressures at the door-sticker values when cold and check monthly. Drive with a light right foot and let the AMT upshift early by easing off the accelerator slightly as it changes gear. Hold steady speeds instead of sprint-brake-sprint, and cruise at 80-90 km/h on highways. Set the AC to 24-25 with recirculation on. Clear extra weight or roof add-ons. Stick to timely service, clean air filter, correct oil grade, and wheel alignment; a dragging brake or clogged filter can hamper mileage.

Nissan Magnite

•2d

Hi, I have a TVS Jupiter ZX model 2022. How to make it compatible for flex fuel?

•7h

As of the writing of this answer, you can’t make your 2022 TVS Jupiter 110 flex-fuel, and you honestly shouldn’t even try because experimenting with such a complex issue on your own could hamper your product. The only way you can make your Jupiter flex fuel compatible would be via a TVS-approved retrofit kit - and currently, there isn’t one for your Jupiter.

TVS Jupiter

•2d

I'm planning to buy a car. It's my first car. My usage is mainly city usage and occasionally highway use. My priority is comfort, mileage, low maintenance and good resale value. My budget is about 15 to 18L. Need your expertise on what to choose?

•9h

Pick the Maruti Victoris, for its smooth, silent and efficient engine. Maruti’s service is simple and nationwide, and resale is likely to be strong, so your long-term costs and stress stay low. It rides comfortably over bad roads, the controls (steering, clutch and gearbox) are light, and it feels steady on the odd highway run.Alternatively, you could look at the Maruti Grand Vitara, which is essentially the same car, but is sold through the Nexa sales network.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

•2d

I want to buy 6/ 7 Seater car, budget-friendly. Also, more comfortable in all three rows. I chose Kia Clavis and Xl6. I did test drive both vehicles. I'm comfortable with XL6. More leg room in all three rows. But experts in many forum they praised Clavis. Most of my family members are above 5.9. So I feel XL 6 would be a better option. Suggest to me what's best?

•10h

The Kia Carens has a roomier third row, as well as a middle-row bench seat option, while the XL6 is only available with captain chairs. But if you and your family members found the Maruti XL6 more comfortable, and you're fine with the six-seater layout, then that is the one you should get. It is a fuss-free, no-nonsense offering, and with Maruti's widespread, as well as proven, reputation for reliability, it is an option you can't go wrong with.

Kia Carens

Maruti Suzuki XL6

•2d

Currently using Maruti Breeza 2019 diesel. Now, I want to upgrade, the budget is 30L max. My monthly running is 2000km/month with 50:50 city and highway.

•11h

Do you have a provision for home charging? If yes, an EV like the Mahindra XEV 9E is something you must seriously consider. With its long range, effortless performance, and very low running costs (provided you're charging at your home for the most part), it will be a very economical option. Additionally, it has the latest in terms of tech and features; it is spacious and is surprisingly easy to drive despite its size.If an EV isn't an option for you, go for the Mahindra XUV7XO Diesel automatic. It is feature-rich; it gives you the flexibility of three rows of seats; its engine is smooth, punchy, yet efficient; ride quality is very good; and overall, it is your best bet.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XUV 7XO