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I currently own a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXi and have been using it for the last 12 years. I am now planning to buy a new car and have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Petrol and the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Petrol. My usage is around 70% on the highway. I still prefer a petrol car. Could you please suggest which would be the better option? Should I buy a new car or continue using my current one?
As you probably know, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara are essentially the same car, just with slightly different interior and exterior designs, and sold from different showrooms. So choosing between these two Maruti Suzuki cars is really a matter of preference, and of which showroom is closer to you. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth, reliable and well suited to long highway runs, while the car itself offers a comfortable ride, good stability and a proven ownership experience. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris has a few feature advantages like a slightly larger touchscreen and a fully digital driver's display, as well as ADAS, so if those make a difference to you, go for the Victoris. As for whether to upgrade or keep the Ertiga, after 12 years it is a good time to move on. Even if the car is still running well, newer cars offer significantly better safety, comfort and refinement, and the Victoris will feel like a meaningful step up.
I am currently driving a 2017 Renault Kwid 800cc manual. I have noticed a nagging pain in my right knee every time I drive. I mostly drive in stop-and-go traffic. Could the clutch be the reason for it? I am also looking to upgrade to either the Kia Seltos IVT or the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza. My budget is Rs. 15-20 lakh. Will a higher seating position and a clutchless automatic transmission help reduce my knee pain? I am not very tall. Which would be the better car for my needs?
Yes, the clutch could well be a contributing factor to your knee pain, especially in stop-and-go traffic. As a car ages, the clutch can become heavier, and considering your Renault Kwid is almost a decade old, repeated use in traffic can put strain on the knee over time. Moving to an automatic will make a significant difference, as it eliminates the constant clutch operation and allows you to focus on braking and accelerating with your right foot only.Between the Kia Seltos IVT and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, the Seltos IVT would be the better choice for your needs. The IVT gearbox of the Kia car is smooth and effortless in traffic, and the higher seating position, wider cabin and more supportive seats will help with comfort on longer drives. The Brezza is a solid, reliable car, but the Seltos feels like a more substantial upgrade from the Kwid and will be more comfortable over the long term.Do keep in mind that while a higher seating position can help with visibility and comfort, the key benefit here is the automatic transmission. If you are not too tall, make sure you adjust the seat height and distance from the pedals so that your knee remains slightly bent when pressing the brake pedal fully. This will help reduce strain.Overall, the Seltos IVT is the better fit for your needs. It will make your daily commute far more comfortable and should help alleviate the knee pain you are experiencing.

I currently drive a Volkswagen Taigun, and my monthly running is around 1,500-2,000 km. I want to buy either the Kia Seltos Diesel Automatic or the Kia Sonet Diesel Automatic. Which one has the better automatic gearbox?
Both, the Seltos and Sonet share their 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and 6-speed torque converter (automatic). Of course, being the lighter car, the Sonet will feel a touch peppier and is likely to be a bit more efficient, however there isn't much difference as far as smoothness goes. Sound insulation feels a bit better in the Seltos, but the difference is only marginal.Between the two, if budget permits, go for the Seltos - it is bigger, roomier cabin and it has the latest tech and features. The Sonet will be more suited if you usually drive alone, and need something that's a bit more compact (in length).
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