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I am confused between Kia Carens Clavis and XUV 7XO. We currently have an Elevate and this will be our second car at home. Our total annual running comes to 13-14,000 km and we take 6-7 road trips with 6-7 adults annually (on average). Our running is 80-90% within city. I'm looking for Clavis HTX (O) DCT or the XUV 7XO AX5.

Since you already own a Honda Elevate, the Kia Carens Clavis HTX (O) DCT would make more sense for your second car, particularly because you regularly travel with six or seven adults. The Clavis has a more usable third row, where adults can sit with reasonable comfort, while the Mahindra XUV 7XO’s third row is cramped for adults on longer journeys. The Clavis also has an airy cabin, thanks to its large windows, and a comfortable ride that should make family road trips more relaxing.The turbo petrol engine offers adequate performance, although the DCT can feel jerky in stop and go traffic. Given that 80 to 90 per cent of your driving is in the city, you should experience this gearbox in heavy traffic before deciding.The XUV 7XO is the better choice if performance and driving engagement matter more to you. It is comfortable and spacious in the first two rows, but its third row is better suited to children.

Kia Carens Clavis

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Can someone explain me, what is this E100 petrol now? Will it work in existing vehicles or not?

•5h

I currently own a 2013 Swift ZDI diesel in a budget of Rs. 15 lakh for new car. My maximum weekly running is 150 km once in a week.

With your running limited to around 150km a week, a petrol car makes more sense than a diesel. Since you are used to the punch of the Swift ZDi’s diesel engine, the Skoda Kylaq or Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic would be worth considering within your Rs. 15 lakh budget. Both offer lively turbo petrol engines and smooth six speed torque converter automatics, making them enjoyable for everyday use as well as occasional longer drives.The Kylaq is better suited to weekend trips, thanks to its larger boot, while the 3XO has a wider cabin that makes it the better option if you regularly travel with five people.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

What should be the ideal price of petrol, according to you?

•2h

Bayon CNG is expected to use underbody tank, that will save boot space. Would you consider a CNG SUV for long family trips if you didn't have to sacrifice luggage space?

Hi Autocar, I have already booked Škoda Kylaq Classic+ Automatic with its delivery during the next 1 week but the government's move towards E100 fuel has raised concerns about whether higher ethanol blends, such as E20 or above, could cause EPC or maintenance issues with the Kylaq. Should I be worried about long-term reliability and maintenance costs?

•2h

There is no need to panic or cancel your Škoda Kylaq Classic+ automatic booking purely because of concerns around E100 or higher ethanol blends. The key distinction is between a government policy allowing higher ethanol blends and a mandate requiring every petrol car to run on them. Your concern about EPC warnings and maintenance is understandable, but it is important to establish what fuel the Kylaq's manufacturer officially approves before assuming you will face problems. Skoda confirms that all its BS VI petrol cars sold in India after 1 April 2020 are compatible with E20 fuel, and using E20 will not void the warranty on these cars under its standard warranty terms. The government has also clarified that the recent E100 regulation is for specially designed and certified flex fuel vehicles. It does not require existing cars to switch to E100, and the government said in July 2026 that no decision had been taken to increase the nationwide blend beyond E20.

Skoda Kylaq

•3h

Which car has the most unique design?

POLL

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq

I read a news that Maruti is launching 7-seater EV next year. But without proper charging infrastructure, will it succeed for long family trips?

•4h

My car's mileage has dropped up to 20% due E20.

•22h

Hi team, hope you're doing well! We are planning to buy our very first car and would appreciate your advice before making a final decision. Based on our requirements, we have shortlisted three options: the Honda Elevate facelift, Kia Seltos 1.5 NA petrol (new generation) and Renault Duster 1.3 TCe 160 (new generation). We prefer a naturally aspirated petrol engine with a manual transmission, as we are looking for low maintenance, reliability and smooth everyday drivability. Safety is our top priority, including robust build quality, active and passive safety features, and stable highway manners. We also want a family-friendly car with a spacious cabin, comfortable rear seats and a good-sized boot. Our usage will be relatively low, with city driving once or twice a week and a highway road trip once every couple of months. As first-time car buyers, we also value ease of driving, predictable ownership costs and hassle-free after-sales service. The variants we are currently considering are the Honda Elevate ZX Plus MT Black Edition, Kia Seltos HTX (A) and Renault Duster Iconic. Given these priorities, which car would you recommend? Are there any specific pros and cons or long-term ownership factors we should keep in mind? We would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for your help!

•5h

Both are similarly priced, so it comes down to what you want from your car. However, the Kia Seltos is feels more sophisticated and modern than the Honda Elevate. It feels premium inside and out, and its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is more refined. The ride is comfortable, and better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) insulation makes the cabin quieter, particularly on the highway.The Honda Elevate remains a sensible choice if you prefer a simpler, more functional SUV, but the Seltos feels like the more upmarket product. Given your low usage and preference for comfort, we would lean towards the Seltos HTX (A).

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate

•23h

Hello team, I need some help deciding between an ICE car and an EV. My family has five members, and our usage will mainly involve city driving, although our daily running isn't very high. We also take occasional Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai trips. My priorities are comfort, practicality, safety and low overall ownership costs. I was initially deciding between the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Mahindra XUV 3XO, with the Brezza being the more commonly recommended option. However, when I started comparing on-road prices, I realised that the Tata Punch EV and Nexon EV also fall within consideration. Even the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara could be an option, depending on the variant. This has made me question whether buying an ICE car still makes sense for my usage. The Tata Nexon EV 45 looks particularly attractive because of its battery warranty and additional features, such as ADAS. The lower running costs of an EV are another major advantage. My main concern is its practicality on long trips. I occasionally travel between Mumbai and Goa with my family and luggage, so I don't want range limitations and charging stops to become a headache. For this kind of usage, what would you recommend: the Brezza or XUV 3XO, or the Punch EV, Nexon EV or eVitara? I am not looking for the fanciest car. I mainly want something comfortable for five people, safe, reliable, economical to own and practical enough for occasional Mumbai-Goa trips.

•6h

Given your predominantly city-based usage, an electric car makes sense if you have reliable home charging. The Tata Nexon EV 45 would be our pick if you are comfortable planning charging stops for your occasional Mumbai to Goa trips. Expect to make one or two charging stops, depending on your starting charge, driving speed and conditions. With the right charging apps, these trips are manageable, but your breaks will depend on charger locations rather than simply stopping wherever you fancy.A petrol SUV will be more convenient for spontaneous long-distance trips and will save you the need to plan around charging, but running costs will be higher. If you prefer an ICE car, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is worth prioritising over the Maruti Suzuki Brezza for your family of five. Its wider cabin and spacious rear seat make it better suited to carrying three people across the back.

I am thinking of buying the Honda NX500 E-Clutch, but the Rebel 500 E-Clutch is also expected to launch this year, with localisation. Should I wait until the NX500 E-Clutch is localised, possibly by the first quarter of 2027? Will it be manufactured locally?

•6h

So far, Honda hasn't announced any plans to localise the NX500 E-Clutch, and in fact, even the Rebel 500 E-Clutch isn't fully localised yet. Its engine is still entirely imported. Considering that the Rebel 500 has yet to receive a price tag and its deliveries are certainly some time away, you can put to bed any notions of the NX500 being localised anytime soon.

Honda Bikes NX500

Honda Bikes Rebel 500

•1w

Hi Autocar, I want to buy a bike. I'm 6ft tall and want something that won't cause leg or back pain. Which should I choose: the Honda Unicorn, Yamaha FZ V4, Yamaha XSR 155, or any other bike? Please advise.

The Honda Unicorn is a no-nonsense, reliable commuter which will serve you well and keep you comfortable. It is not the flashiest option in today's marketplace but will do the job, and do it well. If you want something just slightly flashier but similarly capable, the SP160 (the Unicorn's platform sibling) is a good alternative.If you want something a bit sportier, then the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS is a good option to look at. It is still comfortable and fuel-efficient like a commuter should be, but packs in more features and a dash of sportiness. Take test rides of these options before making your decision.

Hi, I am looking to buy an EV for around Rs 20 lakh and am planning to go with the new Kia Syros EV X Line. I love its ride quality, space, features and interiors. However, at Rs 23 lakh, it is a bit pricey. I've now been reading about the imminent launch of the Hyundai H1 EV sometime in early 2027. Is that car worth the hype and the wait, or would buying the Syros EV right away be a better choice?