Latest questions answered by experts

I have a 2018 Fiat Punto and am planning to upgrade to an automatic SUV with good boot space. My daily city commute is around 50 km in heavy traffic. However, I'm unable to find an alternative that offers the same mileage and driving experience as the Punto. Please suggest.

•3m

Being a Fiat Punto owner, a Jeep Compass diesel-automatic would have been an ideal upgrade for you, however there are far better, more affordable options available in the market. You could consider a Mahindra XUV 7XO or even a Tata Harrier, for their solid build, and confidence-inspiring driving experience. The diesel-automatic versions of both these should return respectable fuel efficiency too.However, if you want something a bit more compact and more manageable in the city, consider the strong hybrid versions of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Maruti Suzuki Victoris. All three are essentially the same car underneath; their hybrid powertrain is very efficient; and dynamically they are very capable too. Between these three, choose the one you think looks better, and the brand you're comfortable with.

Jeep Compass

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Harrier

•3m

Kia seltos, tata sierra and Honda elevate. Petrol manual options. My usage is about 300Km per month, mix of city and highway. Speed is not the criteria.. Coz rarely drives at 100Kmph.

•58m

Hi i am planning to buy kia seltos gtxo dct petrol. With all this e20 thing going on in the country should i buy seltos or wait sometime.

•1h

Hi .this is ANANTHA RAO. I planning to buy one SUV PLEASE SUGGEST ME .MY NEED 90 % CITY DRIVING 10% HIGH WAY DRIVING.I AM SEEING CRETA. 7XO.GRAND VITARA or ELECTRIC SIERRA OR MAHENDRA 9S.PLEASE SUGGEST

•17h

I’m buying my first car and am still learning to drive. My monthly running will be around 500-600 km, with most of my driving in Mumbai city and occasional weekend highway trips. I plan to keep the car for the next 8-10 years. I was initially considering the Hyundai Venue HX 8 Automatic Petrol, but I dropped the plan because it does not offer a panoramic sunroof. Now I’m confused between the Hyundai Creta S(O) and the Kia Seltos HTK(O) 1.5 NA Petrol Automatic. The Creta S(O) is around Rs. 1 lakh cheaper than the Seltos HTK(O), but the additional features offered by the Seltos are tempting. Which one would you recommend for my requirements?

•2h

Go for the Kia Seltos IVT. It is based on a newer platform than the Creta and is bigger inside and out. For your usage and ownership plan, it is the sensible choice. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol paired with the IVT is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and as you mentioned, the Kia has the extra features you want. While it does cost more, it does give you more for the money. The Creta is also due for a full model change in 2027, so you are buying a car that is closer to the end of its lifecycle, but that is not a deal breaker given Hyundai's strong aftersales support and the fact that the mechanical package is proven and reliable.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

•22h

Hi, I am 30 years old and currently learning to drive. I am looking for a car with a good safety rating and reliable after-sales service. My maximum budget is Rs. 10 lakh. Most of my driving will be in the city, with occasional long-distance trips and highway drives. The car should be easy to drive and comfortably accommodate four family members, excluding the driver. Could you please suggest a few good options within my budget?

•3h

The best car for your needs is the Nissan Magnite, which is the best all-rounder you can get under Rs 10 lakh budget. It's got a 5-star Global NCAP crash test rating, is comfortable for five passengers, and though Nissan's service network isn't as wide as other brands, maintenance is efficient, reliable and inexpensive. This Nissan car comes with a fuel-efficient 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which should fit in your budget, and it's also powerful enough for your occasional highway trips. It's an SUV with a high seating position, light steering and light transmission controls, so you should be able to learn to drive easily with it.Other alternatives are the Tata Punch, which has a good safety rating but isn't as fuel-efficient and whose aftersales service isn't as strong, and the Hyundai Exter, which is easier to drive but hasn't got a safety rating from any NCAP authority. Neither is as spacious as the Nissan Magnite.

I am currently using a 2018 Baleno Petrol Alpha. My usage is 4,000km monthly, with 85%-90% highway travel. The car is usually driven with a driver and two rear-seat passengers. I am looking for a new car with excellent mileage, 5-star safety, and good rear-seat comfort. I also have a 2019 i20 Asta for city commute and a 2017 XUV500 for family outings. I have no issues with buying a diesel or strong hybrid within a Rs 15 lakh budget.

•4h

Unfortunately, there are no strong-hybrids available within Rs 15 lakhs. Since you're usage is significant, and you're chauffeur-driven usually, we'll recommend you consider the entry-level diesel-manual variants of the Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra. Both of which will deliver impressive fuel efficiency, have comfy back seats and have secured a 5-star BNCAP crash safety rating. The entry-level variants of both these cars are equipped with ample safety kit, as well as the basics that you'd expect in a car of this price.If you want something a bit smaller, you can consider the Kia Syros diesel-manual too, which is surprisingly spacious for its size, and being a segment lower, you'll get more equipment too. What's more, the Syros' rear seats can recline to a very comfortable angle, and even slide back to free up more legroom. Even the Syros has scored 5 stars for its crash safety.

Which is better: the new Brezza ZXI Plus 6AT or the ZXI Plus 6MT Turbo?

•4h

Thanks to its more effortless performance, the 1.0-litre turbo Maruti Suzuki Brezza should be your choice if you frequently drive on the highway. Even for city drives, the 6-speed manual gearbox is smooth, and the clutch is quite light, which makes the Brezza rather easy to drive. The Turbo MT is also over Rs 2 lakh more affordable than the corresponding 1.5 AT version.Go for the 1.5 AT only if you absolutely need the convenience of an automatic, and you aren't on a tight budget. Otherwise, the 1.0 Turbo MT is a good option.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•1d

Hi, I want to buy a car with a budget of Rs 10 lakh. Please suggest a car. I am confused between the Sierra and the Tata Curvv.

•5h

The Tata Sierra is priced well above Rs 10 lakh, so sadly it is not a realistic option within your budget. You will also have to stretch your budget by a couple of lakhs to get an entry-level Tata Curvv. If you're on a tight budget, consider the Tata Nexon instead.

I have a 2016 Hyundai Grand i10 Sportz. My daily running is about 20km and 100km on weekends. Now I want to go for either the Tata Tiago EV or the Punch EV. My budget is Rs 12 lakh. Please suggest the better option.

•5h

The Tata Tiago EV is more affordable, easier to live with in the city and offers enough range for your usage pattern. Also, being more compact, it will be easier to park and maneuver.But the Punch EV is a more premium product with better ground clearance, and thanks to its SUV-like stance, getting in and out is very easy. Between the two, the Punch EV's performance is better and so is its range. So, even though it is a bit more expensive, we'd suggest you pick the Punch EV.

Tata Tiago EV

Tata Punch EV

•22h

People say the Lexus ES is essentially a slightly more luxurious version of the Camry. Is it worth paying such a huge premium for the Lexus, and why? The Camry is a CBU, hence priced exorbitantly. Does Toyota plan to make it in India?

•5h

The Lexus ES and Toyota Camry do share the same basic platform and hybrid powertrain, but the ownership experience is very different. The ES, being positioned as a more premium product, has a more luxurious interior with higher-quality materials, and better sound insulation and refined levels. Lexus also offers a stronger brand image and a more exclusive ownership experience, which is a big part of what you are paying for.The Toyota car, on the other hand, is the more rational choice. It offers the same hybrid powertrain, it is still very luxurious, and has a very comfortable ride at a much lower price point.Just a quick clarification: Toyota has been assembling the Camry at its Bidadi plant in Karnataka since 2013, and like other gens, even this one is brought to India as a CKD, not a full import.

Lexus ES

Toyota Camry

•22h

I have a Volkswagen Polo and a Jeep Compass Petrol, and I'm looking for a luxurious sedan with a budget of Rs 40 lakh (before taxes) from a good brand. Please give me a few recommendations.

•6h

Sadly, there is no luxury sedan that is available in that price bracket. You will have to stretch your budget by at least Rs 10 lakh to get a BMW 2-Series or even a Toyota Camry Hybrid. If you're lucky, you might find a dealer selling an unsold Audi A4 at a heavy discount. However, chances are, you will certainly have to pay more than Rs 40 lakh for it.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Toyota Camry

Audi A4

•15h

Hi! I am looking for a car under 15 lakh and also ready to increase 20-30 thousand if the car gives value. I have been considering few cars like Skoda Kylaq signature plus AT, Kia Seltos 6 MT HTK, Kia Sonet HTX 7DCT, Hyundai venue HX6 Turbo but I am very much confused and not able to decide. I want good features, good feel, moderate maintenance and reliable car which doesn't give me trouble. Could u please help. Thanks

•2d

After going through all the reviews and discussions, I have shortlisted the Tata Nexon EV Empowered 45 and the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV AX7L. Please suggest which one would be the better choice.

•16h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV AX7L. The Tata Nexon Empowered 45 is a strong product, but the XUV 3XO EV is the better all-rounder. It is the more spacious car, with a wider rear seat and a more comfortable cabin for five passengers. The ride quality is also better, and the car feels more premium overall. The Nexon EV is still a good choice, but the XUV 3XO EV is the more complete package.

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

Tata Nexon EV

•16h

I have an Alto Lxi 2005 model and want to upgrade to compact SUV with 10 lakhs budget. My driving is in city and occasional highways with about 400 kms a month. Which is the right car Brezza / Venue / Sonet / Nexon / Kylaq for me keeping in mind a long term perspective. If brezza shuld i wait for new face lift since there is good discount on the old model.

•2d

Hello, I currently drive a 2015 Honda City Petrol Manual (Stage 1 Tune) and am planning to upgrade to the Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 GT DSG. My daily commute is around 40-50 km, and I also do monthly highway drives of 400-500 km. Being a sedan enthusiast and with very limited options in the Rs. 20-25 lakh price range, would the Virtus 1.5 GT DSG be a good choice for my requirements? Thank you.

•17h

Yes, the Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 GT DSG is a very good upgrade from your 2015 Honda City petrol manual, especially given your usage pattern and preferences. Your daily commute of 40- 50 km combined with regular highway runs of 400- 500 km a month makes the Virtus 1.5 GT a strong fit. The 1.5 TSI engine is genuinely punchy, and the DSG gearbox delivers quick, crisp shifts, making both city driving and highway overtakes effortless. The Virtus also has a well-sorted chassis, a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin, which will make your daily commute and long drives more enjoyable.You could also consider the updated Skoda Slavia that's likely to be launched in a few weeks, or wait for the updated Virtus that'll launch towards the end of the year. These cars will have an upgraded air-con unit (like the Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun) that you will surely appreciate.

Hi Autocar India Team, I would like to hear your suggestions for a new bike. I currently ride a 2012 Hero Splendor Plus, but it no longer suits my requirements. I ride about 100 km per day, of which 80 km is on the highway and the remaining 20 km is within the city. I am looking for a bike that offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, as it will be my daily commuter. It should also have a comfortable suspension so that I don't feel tired at the end of the day. I am 182 cm tall and well-built. Which bike would you recommend?

•17h

Since you have a long daily run, predominantly on the highway, we'd recommend you step up to something more powerful. Specifically, the Hero Xpulse 210 will be a good fit for your needs. It has great suspension, which will isolate you from the worst of our road imperfections; good performance on the highway and when ridden sensibly, it will also give you decent fuel economy. If you want to stick with a street-biased commuter, look at the Honda Unicorn and Bajaj Pulsar N160. These will feel more natural for you to ride and will return good fuel economy, although highway performance will be weaker than the Xpulse. The Pulsar N250 is also a good machine which would make sense for your use case.Take test rides of these bikes before you make your decision.

Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210

I am planning to buy a new car by replacing my Hyundai i20 Sportz Petrol, 2013 model. I need a feature rich car with ADAS level 2. No compromise with security. My daily running is around 25 Kms with occasionally long drive. I have shortlisted Kia seltos GTX (O). It has all the features I am looking for. I also considered Tata Sierra EV QWD as price is almost similar for both the cars but EV stability and ownership I am not sure of. Charge anxiety will always be there. I need suggestion to decide which car to buy. Budget is around 22-25 Lacs. Any leads would be helpful and appreciated.

•6d

I am planning to buy an electric scooter. I live in a rural area of Mangalore. Range is not a high priority for me, as I will be using it only for short trips, 3-4 days a week. I am looking for a well-built, reliable, and comfortable scooter. I have shortlisted the TVS iQube and the TVS Orbiter. Which one would you recommend? Are there any other electric scooters that I should consider?

•18h

Since you've said range is not a super important consideration for you, we'd recommend going with the TVS iQube 2.2. The base iQube offers you a very polished riding experience with zippy performance, good comfort, quick charging times and even has a front disc brake for reliable stopping power. Its 30L underseat storage area is also quite spacious, and overall, the iQube 2.2 will make for a good companion during your short stints aboard it.

TVS iQube

•2d

Hello Autocar, I am planning to buy the Volkswagen Virtus by the end of this month or within the next month. Should I wait for the upcoming Virtus facelift? I am considering the Virtus 1.0 GT Line Manual variant. Should I buy the current model, or would it be better to wait for the updated Virtus? I have heard that the facelift will feature a major update to the A/C compressor and other electronic components to improve overall reliability. How true is this, and would it be worth waiting?

•18h

If you are planning to buy the Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 GT Line Manual, it is worth waiting for the upcoming Virtus facelift. The current Virtus is already a strong product, but the facelift is expected to bring meaningful updates, particularly improvements to the air conditioning system, which is likely to enhance the overall ownership experience.If you are not in an urgent hurry, waiting a few weeks for the updated version makes sense. If you need the car immediately, the current Virtus is still a solid choice, which will possibly be available at a discounted price, but given the timing, waiting is the more sensible option.

Volkswagen Virtus

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