Latest questions answered by experts

I am looking to upgrade my 19-year-old i10 Era and am seeking a vehicle that offers a great blend of comfort and longevity for the next 15 years. My budget is 12-16 lakh. While I am happy with my current car, I need something with more power for overtaking and lower maintenance requirements. Although my current annual usage is low (approximately 2,000-3,000km), I expect this to increase with a new car. My primary use will be city driving in Kochi with three passengers, but I need enough space and comfort for occasional long drives and airport runs. I am prioritising value for money. My current picks: Tata Punch EV (Empowered S+) - around 14 lakh Pros: The instant torque and overtaking performance are appealing. Shock absorbers are also nice. There are features (but not sure how much they will help me). Concerns: Tata’s quality control, long-term service consistency, and uncertainty around EV resale value and technology depreciation. Mahindra XUV 3XO (MX2 Pro TC Automatic) around ₹12 lakh Pros: Feels like a proper, spacious SUV. Cons: Lower fuel efficiency and higher RTO costs compared to an EV. Skoda Kylaq (Signature TC Automatic) - around 12.75 lakh Pros: Excellent reviews for handling and engine performance. Cons: Lower fuel efficiency and higher RTO costs compared to an EV. Citroen Aircross (X You Manual) - around 10 lakh Pros: Excellent reviews for ride comfort and handling. Cons: Manual transmission and concerns about the brand's service network. Overall, what should I choose between a manual, an automatic and an EV? Are automatics a no-brainer these days? Is the Punch EV a good option now?

•31m

Given your priorities of comfort, longevity, low maintenance and value for money, the Skoda Kylaq Signature AT would be the recommendation from your shortlist.The Tata Punch EV is actually one of Tata's more sorted products, and the instant torque will certainly make overtaking effortless. However, if you're planning to keep the car for the next 15 years, there are still some unknowns around long-term battery technology, resale values and how EVs will evolve over such a long ownership period. It makes sense as an EV, but perhaps not as the safest long-term bet.The Mahindra XUV 3XO offers more space and feels like a bigger vehicle, but its fuel efficiency is likely to be lower than the Kylaq's, and it doesn't feel quite as polished from behind the wheel.The Kylaq strikes a sweet spot. Its turbo-petrol engine provides the performance you're looking for, the torque-converter automatic is smooth and reliable, and the car feels well engineered. It is also likely to be easier to live with over the long term than an electric car if your goal is to keep it for 15 years.As for manual versus automatic, for a predominantly city-driven car in 2026, an automatic is increasingly becoming the default choice. Modern torque-converter automatics such as the one in the Kylaq are smooth, reliable and remove much of the fatigue associated with urban driving.

I have been driving a Ford EcoSport diesel since 2014. I am looking to upgrade in a price bracket of 20 lakh. I drive around 1200-1400 km per month (50%-50% in the city and on the highway). The new car should have excellent build and interior quality. Open to ICE as well as EV.

•1h

The Duster 1.3 Turbo Petrol DCT would be the recommendation here. Coming from a Ford EcoSport diesel, the Renault Duster is one of the few SUVs that should give you a similar sense of solidity and driving involvement. The 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy, the DCT gearbox is quick and responsive, and the overall package feels robust and confidence-inspiring on both city roads and highways. The new-generation model also brings a significant improvement in interior quality and cabin ambience over the outgoing car.The main drawback is fuel efficiency, which is on the lower side, especially in the city.Given that roughly half your driving is on highways and your monthly running is in the 1,200-1,400km range, the Tata Sierra Diesel Automatic is also worth considering. It should deliver better fuel efficiency and long-distance touring ability, although it is unlikely to feel as refined or as engaging to drive as the Duster's turbo-petrol powertrain.If you're open to an electric car, it may be worth waiting for the Tata Sierra EV. It is expected to fall within your budget and promises a spacious cabin, strong feature set and a more premium EV experience than most options currently available at this price point.

Hi, I am looking to buy the Renault Kiger mid-spec AMT. Is it a good choice, or can you please recommend any other car within a budget of Rs. 8.5 lakh?

•1h

The Renault Kiger AMT is a decent choice, but the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre engine paired with the AMT gearbox can feel a bit lethargic, especially when carrying passengers or during highway overtakes. It gets the job done, but it isn't the most refined or responsive package in the segment.At your budget, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT is worth serious consideration. Its four-cylinder petrol engine is smoother, more powerful and more refined than the Kiger's three-cylinder unit. The AMT gearbox is also better calibrated, making the overall driving experience more pleasant in daily use.If you prefer the higher seating position and crossover-like stance of the Kiger, then the Hyundai Exter AMT is another strong alternative. It also gets a smooth four-cylinder engine paired with a well-sorted AMT, and it feels more refined in city driving.

My monthly running is 3,000-3,500km, mostly on highways. Which car would be best within a budget of Rs. 7-9 lakh? Safety is my first priority.

•2h

Get the Tata Altroz, ideally the factory-fitted CNG version if there are enough CNG stations along your highway route. The reason is simple: it has a 5-star Global NCAP rating, a solid body shell, and feels stable at high speeds, all of which are important for long highway drives. Since you cover 3,000-3,500km a month, the CNG version will help keep fuel costs under control. The Altroz’s twin-cylinder CNG setup also preserves most of the boot space, so luggage capacity remains practical. Useful variants fit comfortably within your Rs. 7-9 lakh budget.To be fair, the 1.2-litre petrol-CNG powertrain is not particularly quick, so overtakes need to be planned. With CNG, you also need to factor refuelling stops into your route planning. If CNG availability is limited on your route, then go for the petrol version instead. You still get the same safety and highway stability, though fuel costs will be higher. At a relaxed 100-110kph cruise, the Altroz remains comfortable, the cabin is pleasant to spend time in, and the suspension copes well with uneven highways. From a safety-first perspective, it is one of the most well-rounded choices in this budget.

Tata Altroz

•3w

I am confused about buying an SUV. I have checked the GLC, but it does not give me a proper SUV feel. The Q5 is due for an upgrade, while the X3 petrol feels underpowered, and the rear seat is not very comfortable. I currently drive a C-Class and now want an SUV that is primarily suited for highway driving. What would you recommend?

•15h

Most SUVs in this category are based on their sedan counterparts and thus will feel very car-like from behind the wheel. They all offer a higher seating position, AWD and a more practical liftback boot when compared to the sedans, however, which is enough for most buyers. If you want a tougher feeling SUV in this price range, check out the Land Rover Discovery Sport. It's a bit older than the rest now, but in true Land Rover style, it delivers a solid and commanding feel from the driver's seat. It also offers the flexibility of a third row of seats, and should you ever venture off the tarmac, it has the best AWD system and off-road traction control system in the segment. Recent updates have also brought in JLR's latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, which helps mask the SUV's age well, and both its engines - petrol and diesel - are quite strong. Most of all, it's relatively more affordable than the rest, too.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

•20h

Own a Fortuner for Highway usage and a Windsor Pro for city daily use. Looking for a weekend car and considering either the M2 G87 or the M340i. Budget is up to 1.4cr max. Open to any other better suggestion. The use case will be in Bangalore and the surrounding areas.

•15h

Pick the BMW M2 Coupe. As a pure weekend toy around Bengaluru, it feels special every single drive - compact size for tight roads, rear-drive agility for the Nandi Hills twisties, and an engine-gearbox combo that rewards good drivers. You already have the Fortuner and the Windsor for space and chores, so the M2’s two-door body style should not be a problem. That said, the ride is firm, and the ground clearance is low, so tall speed breakers and steep ramps need care, and the rear seats are for short hops only.The 3 Series M340i is the easier car to live with and quicker in low-grip situations thanks to its all-wheel traction, and it rides a bit more comfortably over broken patches. But as a third car used mainly for fun, why not go all out? The M2 is the pick among these two. If you want a bit more flair, there's also the M440i convertible, which gives up very little in terms of dynamics and performance, but gives you the added dimension of open-top motoring.