Latest questions answered by experts

I’m looking for a spacious, comfortable 5-seater that I can keep for 8-10 years. My priorities include excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance, reliable ownership, good safety, comfort, strong resale value and essential features only. I’m happy to skip gimmicky features. My monthly running will be around 600-1,000 km that includes daily office commute and one long trip every 1-2 months. I’m confused between petrol, diesel, CNG and hybrids, especially considering the E20/E30 discussion going on. My budget is Rs. 8-15 lakh on-road, with Rs. 12 lakh being the sweet spot. I’m also open to spending less if a lower-priced car offers the right combination of mileage, safety and space. Based on my usage, budget and priorities, which car, variant, engine and fuel type would you recommend? Also, when would be the best time to buy it?

•6m

Based on your usage, budget and priorities, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris mild hybrid petrol is the best fit. Your running of 600-1,000 km a month is not high enough to justify the premium you pay for a strong hybrid, and diesel does not make sense at this usage level. The Victoris mild hybrid petrol offers excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs and Maruti’s strong reliability and service reach, which aligns perfectly with your ownership plan of 8-10 years. It is also a spacious and comfortable 5-seater with good safety credentials and a strong resale value. The mild hybrid system provides a useful efficiency boost without the complexity or cost of a full hybrid system, making it the most sensible choice for your usage pattern. The Victoris also offers a good balance of essential features, and the overall ownership experience is likely to be hassle-free over the long term. In terms of timing, there is no need to wait as the Victoris is a new product with no major updates expected in the near future, so you can buy with confidence now. Go for the VXi trim as it gets all the necessary features and can be had either with a manual or an automatic gearbox option. If you want something more affordable and are willing to compromise on space, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a good alternative, but the Victoris is the more complete package for your requirements.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•11m

Got the Seltos's paint corrected after two years of daily use, swirl marks were worse than I had realised until I saw it under proper light.

•45m

My building's basement parking flooded twice this monsoon and the Creta's undertray took a hit both times. Anyone else routing around low-lying basements now?

•2d

Should I go with KIA Sonet automatic under a budget of Rs. 10 to 12 lakh?

•2h

The Kia Sonet HTE O variant with a diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, and HTK O variant with a turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission are available under Rs 12 lakh (on-road). Based on your usage, you could opt for either. The Sonet is a polished, smooth and refined compact SUV. Go for it, if you're immediately planning to buy a car. But do keep in mind, the next-gen Sonet will be launched in 2027, which is likely to have more features, a newer design, and better cabin space.

Kia Sonet

•1d

I drive a Skoda Superb but I want to upgrade with only 2 options in my mind including ES 350h and BMW LWB 5 series. Help me make a decision.

•2h

The BMW 5 Series LWB is the more natural upgrade from your Superb. It offers a comfortable rear seat experience, while being more engaging to drive than the ES 350h. If you generally drive yourself, then pick the 5 Series. The ES 350h is a very refined and luxurious car, ideal for those who are chauffeur-driven for the most part. You'll also benefit from far lower fuel bills due to its efficient powertrain, as well as lower service and maintenance costs compared to the BMW.

BMW 5 Series LWB

Lexus ES

•1d

What will be the estimated price difference between current Creta top variant (MT Diesel turbo) vs new-gen 2027 creta (MT Diesel turbo )?

•3h

The bigger uncertainty is whether the 2027 Creta will retain the diesel at all. Current reports suggest Hyundai is developing the next-generation Creta with the existing 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel, while also working on a strong-hybrid version. However, the final powertrain lineup and variant structure have not been confirmed.So, if the hybrid is prioritized by Hyundai, the diesel could potentially be dropped or restricted to fewer variants. That makes trying to predict the price of a new-gen Creta diesel MT versus today's top diesel MT somewhat speculative.The current top-spec Creta diesel MT is around Rs 18.94 lakh ex-showroom. The new generation will move to the K3 platform, grow in size and get more equipment, so some price increase is likely, but there is no reliable number yet.

Hyundai Creta

•1d

Which car between 3XO RevX M or Nexon Pure Plus should I prefer?

•3h

The XUV 3XO RevX M gets our vote as it is more comfortable, spacious and refined. Its engine-gearbox combination is also better than the Tata's.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•1d

I just sold my SUV and am looking to upgrade, I am an enthusiastic driver and go for on-road trips a lot. I have a family of 4 adults and a 5 month old kid. I am looking for a 4-seater SUV with great driving experience with a car seat for my kid. Also, I need space for a full size stroller and at least for 2 suitcases. As I will drive and explore through this car, reliability is important and easy access to get things fixed if at all is important. My budget is between 2 and 3 crore. Many have suggested LC 300. Do you have any other suggestions?

•4h

The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is a very strong recommendation for your requirements. It is one of the most capable and reliable SUVs on the market, with a proven reputation for durability and dependability. It offers a spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate four adults and a child seat, along with a large boot that can easily swallow a full-size stroller and multiple suitcases. Its off-road capability is exceptional, making it an excellent choice for road trips and exploration.The BMW X7 is another excellent option, offering a more engaging driving experience and a similarly spacious and luxurious cabin. BMW also offers extended warranty and prepaid maintenance packages for a worry-free ownership experience.If you are looking for something even more special, the Range Rover Sport is worth considering. It offers a superb blend of luxury, comfort and off-road capability, but it is considerably more expensive than the X7, and it does not have the same reputation for long-term reliability as the Toyota.

Toyota Land Cruiser

BMW X7

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

•2d

I bought Tata punch petrol AMT adventure in April 2026 but I did not like it because it jerks a lot in Delhi traffic, and suddenly last month my car broke down as its battery was down. The workshop guy returned the car to me after 2 days but today, suddenly the battery went down again. Now I want to sell this car and I don't know for how much will it sell. My car has only completed 2200 km. Please suggest which car should I buy in its place?

•14h

First, on resale: with just 2,200 km, the car is essentially new, but you will still face the biggest depreciation hit because it is already registered. Expect to get around Rs 1.5-2 lakh less than your on-road price, depending on the exact variant and condition. The battery issue is likely a simple electrical fault or a parasitic drain, but it understandably shakes confidence.Since you have already experienced the Punch AMT in Delhi traffic and dislike its jerky behaviour, there is little point trying to get used to it. The repeated battery failure is also something I would get properly investigated before selling, because a healthy battery should not keep going flat. Ask Tata to check the battery itself, charging system and any parasitic drain, and keep the job cards as documentation.For the replacement, the Kylaq 1.0 TSI AT would be our first choice. Its 6-speed torque-converter automatic is significantly smoother than the Punch's AMT and the turbo-petrol gives you stronger performance.

Skoda Kylaq

Tata Punch

•1d

Hi Autocar Team, I'm looking for some guidance on whether I've made the right decision or whether I should reconsider before delivery. My current car is Toyota Etios Liva V Petrol, which has been extremely reliable but now it delivers only around 10-12 kpl for my usage. This results in high running costs. My monthly driving is approximately 1,200-1,500 km that consists of daily commute and occasional highway trips. My initial plan was to keep costs under control and I had booked the Tata Punch EV Empowered+ 40 kWh, largely to restrict my budget to around Rs. 15 lakh on-road. However, while researching alternatives up to approximately Rs. 20 lakh ex-showroom in Kerala, I ended up booking the Kia Syros EV X-Line. The Syros EV appeals to me because of significantly better rear-seat space and cabin width as compared to my Etios Liva, more premium interior and features, better long-term family comfort, larger battery and range as well as better overall sense of upgrade from my current car. However, I'm still feeling anxious about whether I'm overspending. The jump in EMI from the Punch EV to the Syros EV is substantial and will have a noticeable impact on my monthly finances. While I can manage it, I want to be sure that the additional expenditure is genuinely justified and not merely an emotional decision. Based on my monthly running of 1,200-1,500 km, could you please advise if the Syros EV worth the additional cost over the Punch EV 40 kWh? From a value-for-money perspective, would you proceed with the Syros EV or step back to the Punch EV? Are there any other EVs under Rs. 20 lakh ex-showroom that I should seriously consider instead? I am not interested in the MG Windsor EV due to its styling, so alternatives apart from the Windsor would be appreciated. If you were in my position and were planning to keep the vehicle for 8-10 years, which option would you choose and why? Looking forward to your expert opinion.

•14h

You have made a sensible shortlist and your thinking is on the right track. The key question here is whether the Syros EV's higher cost is justified by your usage and priorities. At 1,200-1,500 km a month, an EV makes strong financial sense, but the Punch EV 40 kWh already delivers a very low running cost and a usable real-world range. The Syros EV's larger battery and longer range are nice to have, but the real justification for the extra spend is the significantly larger cabin, wider rear seat and more premium interior, which will make a meaningful difference to family comfort over an 8-10 year ownership period.If your primary concern is value for money and keeping EMIs under control, the Punch EV 40 kWh is the more rational choice. It will do the job well and keep your running costs low. However, if you are looking for a genuine upgrade from the Etios Liva and want a car that will feel comfortable and premium for the long term, the Syros EV is worth the extra spend. It is not just an emotional decision - the additional space and comfort will matter over time.Given your usage and ownership horizon, we would lean towards the Syros EV X-Line. It strikes a better balance between running cost savings and long-term comfort, and it feels like a proper step up from your current car. If you are not comfortable with the EMI jump, the Punch EV remains a very good alternative, but the Syros EV is the more complete upgrade.

Kia Syros EV

Tata Punch EV

•1d

Hello, I am planning to buy an EV that I need for a daily commute 170 km out which 80 km is on expressway. Rest is on state highway and city with heavy vehicle traffic. I am looking for a comfortable 7-seater for long term for at least next 8-10 years. I am inclined towards MG Tomahawk top trim and XEV 9s pack two Above 70kWh. Please advise.

•15h

With your 170km daily commute, including 80km on the expressway, the Tomahawk EV is a very strong fit. The 69.2kWh battery gives it a claimed 517km range, while our first drive review found it delivered 4.85km/kWh in a fast highway run, translating to around 336km of real-world range. That gives you a useful buffer for your daily commute.For your requirement of a comfortable 7-seater, the Tomahawk also has a spacious second row with excellent legroom, reclining seats and good third-row access. The third row is usable for adults on shorter journeys, although boot space with all three rows up is limited.The XEV 9S Pack Two Above 70 is the more sophisticated and performance-oriented option, but the Tomahawk's strengths are better aligned with your priorities: comfort, space and easy highway cruising. Our first drive also found it surprisingly easy to drive despite its size, with excellent visibility and light steering.The only concern is that the Tomahawk is a new EV, so there is no established 8–10 year ownership track record yet. An extended warranty would therefore be worth considering.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

•1d

My monthly running is 3000km that translates to 40000 kilometers annually with most round trip of around 400-500 km thrice a month on highway. I own a petrol car and its mileage is close to 14 kpl. Should I opt for EV under 20 lakh budget or should I look for diesel or strong hybrid?In hybrid, we will not have a better boot space since we always use it to carry stuff.

•15h

With 40,000 km a year and frequent 400-500 km highway trips, a diesel SUV is the most sensible choice. At that kind of running, fuel efficiency and ease of long-distance travel become the top priorities. Diesel engines are still the most cost-effective option for high-mileage highway use, and you will recover the higher purchase price very quickly. An EV under Rs 20 lakh is not the right solution for your usage pattern. While EVs are excellent for city driving and predictable daily commutes, your frequent long highway runs would require careful charging planning and add unnecessary complexity to your ownership experience. Strong hybrids are a good middle ground, but as you rightly pointed out, many hybrid SUVs compromise boot space due to battery packaging, which is a problem if you regularly carry a lot of luggage. A diesel SUV like the Mahindra XUV 7XO or if you want something smaller then the Kia Seltos is the most practical and cost-effective solution for your usage.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Seltos

•3d

I have a Yamaha FZ25 (2021 model), with around 14,000 km on the odometer. Its ABS unit has failed. Yamaha service centre in Bangalore is quoting around Rs. 20,000 for a new ABS unit + labour charges. I'm currently considering refurbishing the existing ABS unit since I found an ABS specialist in Kerala who can repair the ABS modulator for around Rs. 6,000, with a 4-month warranty. The plan would be to remove the unit in Bangalore, courier it to them, get it repaired and then reinstall it. Other option to replace it with a used ABS unit/motor. A local workshop says they can source a used ABS unit/motor and fit it. I am not sure about the reliability history of a used unit. I can also continue using the bike without the ABS as its brakes are currently working as conventional brakes, but obviously without the ABS safety function. Another option is to replace it with a new Yamaha ABS unit that is around Rs. 20,000 which includes the unit and labour charges as per Yamaha. Which option would you recommend? Also, has anyone got FZ25/Yamaha ABS unit repaired or replaced in Bangalore?

•16h

If you plan to keep the bike for the next 2-3 years (and it does seem like the bike has plenty of life left, so you should), then we'd recommend splurging on the new ABS unit. If, however, you do not plan to keep the bike for more than 1 year or so, get the ABS motor repaired or source a used one and make do.

•3d

I want to buy my first bike. I already have an Activa but I would like to travel around 300-600 km once in a month or once in two months for 20- 30 km a day in city. I wanted to travel in North India sometimes which may include a Ladakh trip as well. So, I need a bike that is suitable for all of my requirements under a budget of around 3 to 3.5 lakh. I have Suzuki V-Strom SX, Triumph Speed 400, Meteor 350 and all such kinds of bikes in mind. I've checked each and every bike specifications but I couldn't decide .So please help me out in choosing my first bike.

•16h

If you can live with its tall 835mm seat height, the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X seems like a bike that would suit your needs very well. Even the Speed 400 will handle all of this but the Scrambler brings an effortless ability to tackle rough roads which its road-focused sibling doesn't. You should also check out the Royal Enfield Scram 440 because it will be similarly capable over longer distances and bad roads but it does have a lower performance ceiling owing to its less powerful engine and heavier kerb weight. A test ride of these 2 should help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Triumph Speed 400

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Royal Enfield Scram 440

•1d

Hello guys, I’m a 30 year old working professional and am looking to buy an EV mainly for city commute and occasional highway driving (20%). I appreciate build and ride quality, refinement and reliability. The EVs that I’m mainly looking at are the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, BYD Sealion 7 and BMW iX1. Which do you think will be the right fit for my use case? I’m actually leaning towards the Korean cars and am not willing to spend for the iX1 just for its badge value. Thank you for the answer in advance. You guys are a great source of reliable and measured Automative content in this country. Really appreciate it!

•17h

The Kia EV6 is the most driver-focused option from the list with a sportier character and sharper handling, but it comes at a premium which might not make it justify the stretch. However, Kia dealers are offering significant discounts which could bring its price at par with the others, and only then is it a compelling buy.After its recent update, the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 no longer feels value for money, but it remains a comfortable, feature-loaded and practical option, now with more range and better DC fast charging capability. Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are also strong, which matters for long-term peace of mind.The BYD Sealion 7 feels like a flagship offering, with a luxurious interior and a laundry list of features. Surprisingly, the two-wheel drive version is the most value-for-money option here, which makes it very compelling. However, it doesn't drive as well as the BMW, nor is its after-sales support as widespread as the others. The BMW iX1 is a fundamentally sorted car, and is relatively more compact for city usage. Its ride-handling balance are excellent and it also comes with the snob value of the BMW badge. As a 30-year old, the iX1 will speak of your success and achievements like no other. But it lacks several features, hence it might not seem value for money.In summary, get the Kia EV6 for the best drive experience provided you get a substantial discount that brings its price close to others. But if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, opt for the rear-wheel drive BYD Sealion 7.

I would like to buy a new car especially SUV in the budget of around 16 lakh. I am travelling around 1200 km monthly. Which is suitable for me between electric or petrol automatic car? My preferences are Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi Petrol Automatic, Tata Nexon EV Creative 45 electric and Hyundai Venue HX6 AND HX5. Which will be better for me? I am giving more importance to fuel efficiency, low cost maintenance and safety.

•17h

With a budget of around Rs 16 lakh and a monthly running of 1,200 km, the decision between petrol automatic and electric comes down to your usage pattern and priorities. Since you are giving more importance to fuel efficiency, low maintenance and safety, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi petrol automatic is the most sensible choice from your shortlist. The Brezza is a proven, reliable car with a wide service network, low maintenance costs and a comfortable ownership experience. It is also a safe car with a good reputation for long-term durability, which is important given your running.The Hyundai Venue HX6 and HX5 are also strong contenders, offering a more premium cabin and a slightly more refined driving experience, but the Brezza edges them out on reliability and ownership costs. The Tata Nexon 3.0 Creative 45 EV is a good electric option, but at 1,200 km a month, the cost savings over petrol are not significant enough to justify the higher upfront cost and the dependency on charging infrastructure, unless you have a dedicated home charger and a predictable usage pattern.Overall, the Brezza ZXi petrol automatic strikes the best balance between efficiency, low maintenance and long-term peace of mind.

Currently driving a XUV700 but thinking of moving to something like Victoris for easier city driving. Anyone else gone from a large SUV to a smaller one, how did it feel?

•1d

I’ve been driving a Maruti Ritz Diesel for approximately 7 years and am looking for a proper upgrade. My running is around 750-1,000 km/month, with 75-80% highway driving, and typical long trips of 200-250 km one way. My budget is roughly Rs. 19-22 lakh (on-road) in Bangalore. I generally keep my cars for a long time, so long-term reliability and highway performance matter more to me than just features. I have shortlisted Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo DCT that is around Rs. 20.6 lakh. This is probably the most fun of all the options. The turbo feels strong and the DCT is quick and smooth. My concern is long-term ownership because it is a dry-clutch DCT, and I’m wondering about DCT/turbo-petrol reliability over 5+ years. It is also around Rs. 1 lakh cheaper than the diesel. Another shortlisted car is Kia Seltos 1.5 Diesel AT for around Rs. 21.6 lakh. This feels like the natural upgrade from my Ritz Diesel. It generates 250 Nm torque, highway performance and potentially better mileage that are better for my usage. But my running is only 750-1,000 km/month, so I’m wondering whether the extra 1L and diesel-specific considerations, particularly DPF, are worth it when I don’t drive that much in the city. Would love to hear from long-term Seltos diesel owners. Another shortlisted car is Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo DCT Adventure that costs around Rs. 19 lakh. I’ve driven it multiple times and really like the way it feels. It feels more rugged and planted than the Seltos, with better suspension and less body movement at highway speeds. I can physically feel the difference in the heavier boot/doors and overall solidity. I know both cars are 5-star rated, so I’m not equating weight or feel with crash safety. The Duster has a wet-clutch DCT, unlike the Seltos dry clutch, which is another reason I’m considering it. The compromise is features and rear space as the Seltos has noticeably better knee/legroom. However, the Duster is still perfectly comfortable for my family’s height, so I can live with that. I have also shortlisted Kia Seltos 1.5 NA CVT/IVT that is priced around Rs. 19.65 lakh. I would select it for its simplicity. I know I’ll compromise significantly on torque as compared to the turbo and diesel, especially coming from a diesel Ritz, but a 4-cylinder NA petrol is a relatively straightforward option and potentially fewer powertrain-related headaches will be there compared to DPF and modern turbo/GDI systems. If I go this route, I may also wait for the Elevate facelift. Although the current Elevate’s poor thigh support is a major concern for me. My wife strongly prefers the Seltos, so realistically, my biggest dilemma is Seltos Turbo DCT vs Diesel AT. Duster is the wildcard because I personally like its ruggedness and driving character, while NA petrol is the fallback for its simplicity. I am looking for genuine 5-year ownership experience, highway performance, reliability, DCT/DPF experience, mileage and maintenance opinions rather than just brochure figures.

•18h

Given your usage pattern of 750–1,000 km a month with 75-80% highway driving and a long-term ownership mindset, we would pick between two. The Kia Seltos 1.5 diesel automatic would be a sensible choice as the diesel’s strong mid-range torque and better fuel efficiency on highways make it a natural upgrade from your Ritz diesel, and your running is sufficient to justify the diesel premium. The DPF concern is largely a non-issue in your case because your usage is predominantly highway, which is exactly the kind of driving that keeps the DPF healthy.The Duster would be the more fun option, and yes the wet-clutch DCT would be better in start stop conditions, but in your case this would be even lesser of a factor as your driving is mostly on the highway and since you said the space is ok for you and your family you could consider this one too. Overall for you the Seltos diesel automatic is more the head buy while the Renault Duster would appeal to the heart. It all comes down to which you want to lean towards.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

•2d

I currently own a previous-generation 2026 Pulsar 150 Twin Disc. The new model comes with updated switchgear that includes a hazard light switch. Is it possible to install the new switchgear with the hazard switch on my bike? What could potentially go wrong with such an upgrade? For context, my bike is only two months old and has covered around 1,000km.

•18h

You cannot change the switchgear on an old-gen Bajaj Pulsar 150 to the latest 2026 version because the bikes use different displays, wiring harnesses, and the switches themselves are different too. We'd recommend not tampering with an electrical component on a brand new bike because if something goes wrong, it could cause a cascading effect on other functions of the bike too. Your nearest authorised Bajaj service centre should be able to guide you on how to proceed if you must have this feature on your bike.

Bajaj Pulsar 150

•19h

I was comparing Kushaq 1.5 with a more feature-loaded compact SUV. Feels like some buyers focus too much on screens and sunroofs.

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