Latest questions answered by experts

autocar.india

•6h

The Kia Seltos naturally aspirated IVT is actually a very sensible choice for your usage. Your commute on Bangalore ORR is stop-start, and the IVT is smooth and stress-free in traffic. For weekend highway trips with family and luggage, the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol has enough power to cruise comfortably and overtake when needed. It will not feel underpowered in normal driving, but it is not a performance engine, so overtakes require a little planning when fully loaded.CVT drone is most noticeable when you accelerate hard and hold the throttle, typically during long overtakes or on steep inclines. However, the Seltos is better insulated than the Honda City, so the engine noise is less intrusive in the cabin. In everyday driving, it is not a major issue.Alternatives worth considering are the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic and the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic. The Kushaq’s turbo petrol engine offers stronger mid-range performance for highway overtakes, and the torque converter automatic is smooth. The XUV 3XO is spacious and feature-rich, but the boot is smaller than the Seltos, which matters for family trips.Overall, the Seltos IVT is a well-balanced choice for your usage. If you want a bit more performance for highway driving, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is worth a test drive.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Honda City

autocar.india

•7h

Since this is your first bike and the RTX itself is a relatively unproven (albeit supremely capable) machine, we'd recommend you go for the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X because it is the safer bet despite costing more. Service and reliability matter more in the real world than a fatter spec sheet or brochure and since the Scrambler is a simple, no-frills machine, there's less to go wrong with it too. Triumph also has a well spread out dealer and service network in Pune so you're covered well on that front.

autocar.india

•8h

Since you've had a Unicorn in the past, the Honda SP160 will offer a smooth transition back to motorcycling after a long break. Do bear in mind that all the bikes you've shortlisted will feel a little strained at 80-90kph owing to their small displacement and relatively modest outputs. You should also look at the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 models because they marry everyday usability with that added step of performance that your humdrum commuters don't offer. Take test rides of these bikes to see which one works best for you.

autocar.india

•9h

The Harley-Davidson X440 (we'd highly recommend stretching for the better looking & finished T, if you can) is a very likable machine and will offer you a big step up from your current 125cc machine. It is a relaxed roadster with a torquey single-cylinder engine and good comfort so if you want this sort of experience, it is one of the most capable options. Should you wish to opt for a sportier option, then you should look at the 350cc KTM 390 Duke and RE Guerrilla 450. The KTM is sharper and more frantic compared to the relatively tamer Guerrilla, but you could even prefer the RE for that very reason. Triumph's 350cc single-cylinder offerings are a good middle ground between the relaxed air-cooled roadsters and the sporty liquid-cooled nakeds. Of all the Triumphs, the Scrambler is the most versatile and comfortable and we'd recommend it also because if you want to start off-road riding, its a friendly machine. These are all starkly different bikes and a test ride of each will help you understand which one suits you best.

autocar.india

•10h

With 1,500-1,600km of monthly running, you are well above the threshold where a diesel engine starts to make financial sense, especially if a significant portion of that running is on highways. Diesel engines are more efficient on long runs and the fuel cost savings will add up over time. For a 5-seater SUV, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is the recommendation. This Mahindra Car is a genuinely spacious 5-seater with a strong diesel engine and a comfortable ride. The car feels solid and is quite fun to drive, and while easy enough to drive around town, it excels on highways. If you want something a little more premium and feature-rich, the Hyundai Venue diesel is also a strong option. It is a more polished product with a more premium cabin, smoother gearboxes and better mileage, but the XUV 3XO offers more space and power. If your running includes a lot of city use, consider an automatic, which both cars offer with their diesel engines, and here the Venue's torque converter is far superior to the XUV's AMT, but bear in mind these might push your budget past your Rs 15 lakh limit.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Hyundai Venue

autocar.india

•10h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT 2WD. Your usage is 85% highway with long family road trips, and the 2WD diesel automatic is the best fit for that. The AWD system adds weight and more mechanical components, which will reduce fuel efficiency by around 1-2 km/l in real-world conditions. Over 7 years and high mileage, that difference begins to add up. More importantly, AWD is only useful in low-traction situations like snow, mud or steep loose surfaces. On highways and well-maintained roads, it offers no real benefit. The 2WD version is already a very capable long-distance cruiser with strong performance, good stability and a comfortable ride. The money saved by skipping the AWD can be better spent on future maintenance. The only reason to choose AWD is if you regularly drive on challenging terrain or plan to use the car for off-road excursions. For your usage, the 2WD is the smarter long-term choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•11h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI automatic. This Skoda car is the best fit for your usage and budget. The Kylaq uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is smooth, reliable and well suited to stop-start traffic. It is not a DCT, so you do not have to worry about overheating or jerkiness in city conditions. The 1.0 TSI engine is proven and has a good ownership track record. Skoda's maintenance costs are not significantly higher than Hyundai or Mahindra, especially with service packages available. The Kylaq is also one of the best driver's cars in the segment, with a solid, planted feel and good ride quality.The Hyundai Venue DCT is a good choice but not ideal for your usage, as DCT gearboxes are not ideal for heavy city traffic. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong alternative. It is spacious, feature-rich and has a good torque converter automatic gearbox, but it does not feel as engaging to drive as the Kylaq. Since you have already ruled out the Brezza and Sonet, the Kylaq is the clear recommendation. It will give you the best ownership experience and driving enjoyment over the next 5-10 years.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai Venue

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•11h

The Honda CB350 will be more comfortable between the two bikes you've shortlisted purely because the Meteor's feet-forward seating posture puts more weight on your tailbone and will send shocks directly to your spine. Instead, we'd recommend you take a look at the Bullet 350 from RE's stable at a similar price. If you are open to looking at other segments, then the Hero Xpulse 210 and TVS Apache RTX 300 will offer you even more comfort and practicality (owing to their well-thought-out luggage racks), especially if you mount your wares on the bike.Take test rides of these bikes and then make your decision.

autocar.india

•12h

Our advice here would be to keep your booking intact for now and reserve your slot for the ADV160, but talk to the dealership and make it clear that you will need a thorough test ride before you make the full payment. On paper, the ADV160 does offer you a lot of features, tech, practicality and performance but buying such an expensive scooter without riding it first wouldn't be smart. If you don't seem convinced after the test ride, then you can always ask for a full refund.

autocar.india

•13h

Since you have a budget that permits you to spend on a comfortable and premium motorcycle, we'd suggest you do that, since comfort is your top priority even though scooters are more convenient and practical. The Honda CB350 trio, Royal Enfield 350cc models and TVS Ronin are comfortable, easy to ride and premium, well-built machines which will give you a relaxed riding experience. If you must have a scooter, then we'd recommend you pick between the ABS variants of the Suzuki Access and the TVS Ntorq 150. Since you have a long commute and can afford to spend more, getting a scooter with the safety net of ABS is our recommendation. Take test rides of these options before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•14h

Given your usage pattern of 6,500 km a year with predominantly bumper-to-bumper traffic and a strict budget of under Rs 12 lakh, the Tata Punch CNG AMT is actually a very sensible choice. The Punch is a well-rounded car with a comfortable ride, good ground clearance for Delhi roads and a robust build. The CNG AMT variant makes particular sense for your daily commute, as it keeps running costs low while the automatic transmission takes the stress out of heavy traffic.The Punch CNG also has a neatly packaged twin-cylinder CNG tank setup, which preserves boot space better than most rivals. For your occasional highway runs, the Punch is stable and comfortable enough, though it is not the most powerful car in the segment. The only real drawback is that performance on CNG is adequate rather than brisk, especially with the AC on, but for your usage this is not a major concern.If you are open to alternatives, the Maruti Brezza CNG is worth considering. This Maruti Suzuki car is a larger car with a more spacious cabin and a more powerful engine, but it is also more expensive and may stretch your budget.Overall, the Punch CNG AMT strikes the right balance between running costs, comfort and practicality for your specific usage and budget.

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•15h

Since your budget is between Rs. 5-10 lakh, the entry-level Mahindra XUV 3XO is worth serious consideration. It offers a powerful turbo petrol engine, a wider cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater, and a rich feature list. It will feel like a significant step up from your current Brezza in terms of performance and overall driving experience.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza