Latest questions answered by experts

I’m confused between the Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI+ AMT and Honda Amaze VX CVT for my first family car. Both have an on-road price of around Rs. 11 lakh. But, the Dzire offers more features, including a 360° camera, sunroof, and TPMS, while the Amaze has a CVT transmission and a good reputation for reliability. Which one would you recommend for a first family car?

•2h

For a first family car, we would lean towards the Honda Amaze VX CVT. Its CVT is noticeably smoother than the Dzire’s AMT, especially in stop start traffic, and the more relaxed transmission makes it easier to live with. The Amaze also has a larger 416 litre boot, which is useful for family trips.The Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi+ AMT counters with more features, including a 360 degree camera, sunroof and TPMS, along with better fuel efficiency. However, its AMT has noticeable pauses between gear shifts, whereas the Amaze’s CVT feels more seamless.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

•1w

How long will Volkswagen Taigun parts be available, given that the company might be taken over by JSW?

•3h

You should not worry too much about spare parts availability for the Volkswagen Taigun. Even if JSW takes a majority stake in Volkswagen's India business, it is unlikely that existing owners will suddenly lose access to parts or servicing. The proposed partnership is aimed at strengthening the business, not shutting it down. The final terms and structure are still being worked out.

Volkswagen Taigun

•1w

Hi, Autocar India, Currently, I have the 2020 Venue diesel. Now I, want an electric SUV. Also, I like XEV 9S but I am skeptical about waiting for BE7 but idk if i should wait or not also its easy for me to buy XEV9S with BAAS. Please suggest, should I wait for BE7 or buy XEV9S?

•4h

The XEV 9S is already on sale, offers strong performance and plenty of space, and BaaS reduces the upfront cost by separating the battery financing from the vehicle. Just remember that the battery cost is still payable through a separate finance arrangement, so compare the total outgo over your intended ownership period.The BE 07 is expected to launch in 2027 and will be a five seater, positioned above the BE 6. It is likely to share the existing INGLO platform and battery options, but its final price, range and specifications are not confirmed. Since you are coming from a Venue diesel, the XEV 9S will be a substantial upgrade in space and performance.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra BE.07

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq

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•1w

Hi Autocar India, I am planning to buy Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid around Diwali. Does Maruti have plans for any facelift or should I buy it?

•4h

If you are planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid around Diwali, there is no need to wait for a facelift at this point. An update does not appear imminent, and even if Maruti is planning one, expect it to arrive only around mid 2027 at the earliest.The current Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid remains a good choice if fuel efficiency, particularly in city driving, is your priority. Waiting several more months for an unconfirmed facelift may not be worthwhile, especially if the current car meets your requirements.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

•4h

Which car brand should make a comeback in India?

Which is best 7 seater EV SUV that offers value for money. It should be spacious and performance. I am looking for long term ownership.

•5h

The Kia Carens Clavis EV is the best fit for your requirements, even though it is an MPV rather than a traditional SUV. It offers three usable rows, good comfort across the cabin and strong performance, making it a practical choice for a family looking for a seven seater EV within a Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh budget. The lower variants are the ones to consider to stay within budget.The other option is the Mahindra XEV 9S, which is a proper electric SUV with stronger performance and more SUV-like styling. However, its third row is not as spacious or comfortable as the Clavis EV's, and it is also more expensive.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

•5h

Creta lounge edition now offers a rear entertainment screen. Brands are adding extra features regularly these days.

•1w

I m thinking of an upgrade while still continuing with the swift LDI 2009. I have few options in mind and need your suggestions. 1. Mahindra XUV7XO: Because of great engine, space and relatively lower cost of ownership and maintenance while keeping it for at least 10 years. 2. Volkswagen Tayron: I like the car because of driving performance, luxury quotient and space for family. Only thing I dont like is absence of physical buttons. 3. Kodiaq L&K: Same positives as Tayron. I also like its interiors and colour combination however I m leaning more towards Tayron for its sporty performance. But with both these, I m concerned about how will it behave in long run on our bad road and what will be the cost of owning it in long term of at least 10 years compared to xuv 7xO. Please help.

•5h

If you intend to keep your next car for at least 10 years, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the more sensible choice financially, while the Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq L&K are more appealing if driving performance, cabin quality and a premium feel matter more to you.The Tayron and Kodiaq offer a more sophisticated driving experience, but their long term maintenance and repair costs are likely to be considerably higher than the Mahindra's, particularly once the warranty expires. On bad roads, all three can cope with normal use, but the European SUVs' larger wheels and lower profile tyres can make potholes more expensive to deal with.The XUV 7XO offers strong performance, good space and a wider service network, making it easier to justify over a decade of ownership.

Kawasaki Z300 is launched in India at more than 3 lakhs. Do you think this makes sense and will people buy it?

•1w

Hi, I am looking to purchase a second car exclusively for commute to work. I travel 40 km daily (Mon-Fri). I have a Kia Carens DCT for other trips. Now, I am looking for a small Petrol AMT/EV with good mileage and rear-seat comfort. Should I go for Tiago EV base variant or look into petrol AMT of 4-m cars?

•6h

The Tata Tiago EV is an excellent fit for your daily 40km commute, especially since you already have a Kia Carens DCT for family trips and longer journeys. The Tiago EV is built around exactly this kind of urban use, with light controls, good visibility, a plush ride and low running costs. The 2026 update has also improved seat comfort and added rear AC vents, making it a more comfortable everyday car. Autocar India.With home charging, you can charge overnight and avoid petrol station visits altogether. The 24kWh version has a claimed range of 285km, with around 200km being a more realistic expectation, so your weekday commute should be easy to manage. The main thing to check is rear seat comfort in person, as space is adequate rather than generous.

Tata Tiago EV

Kia Carens

•6h

I have felt that new cars have headlights so bright that driving at night becomes uncomfortable? Have you guys also felt that?

•1d

Hi! My annual running is around 9,000km in the city and 3,000km on highways. Should I buy the petrol Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi or the Brezza VXi with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and manual transmission? The Brezza felt a bit too wide and large for city use, and making U-turns is likely to be more difficult than in the Dzire. I also found the Brezza's softer seats potentially tiring over a 500km highway drive. I'm concerned that the turbo-petrol engine will be more complicated to maintain because of GPF cleaning requirements and the need for RON 95 fuel. Carbon build-up could also be an issue, given that only 30% of my annual running is on highways. On hills, I wonder if the turbo engine will leave me wanting more. By contrast, the Dzire felt more nimble and easy to manoeuvre. Its 15-inch tyres should also be fine for highway use. At cruising speeds below 100kph with two or three people on board, wouldn't it be nearly as good as the Brezza? The popular Z12E engine should also get an upgrade if E27 becomes the baseline fuel. However, would the heavier Brezza be safer in a crash? I plan to sell the car after four or five years, by which time the EV market should have stabilised. Wouldn't the petrol Dzire also have better resale value than the Brezza? Given my usage, what are the reasons I should seriously consider the Brezza?

•6h

From what you have described, go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. You clearly prefer its compact dimensions, lighter feel and easy manoeuvrability, and with 9,000km of city driving annually, these advantages will matter far more often than the Brezza's higher ground clearance or SUV stance. The Dzire should also be perfectly capable of comfortable highway cruising at under 100kph with two or three occupants.The Brezza's main reasons for consideration are its higher ground clearance, more commanding driving position, more potent turbo petrol engine and greater flexibility on rough roads. However, if you already find it too wide for city use and have concerns about its engine and long term maintenance, there is little reason to stretch yourself into it.Both the new Dzire and Brezza have been crash-tested, so the comparison should use their actual ratings rather than assume the heavier SUV is safer. The new Dzire scored 5 stars for adult and child occupant protection under Bharat NCAP. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has also received a five-star BNCAP rating for both adult and child protection. So, there is no reason to choose the Brezza solely because you assume it will be safer in a crash.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•7h

Ertiga can seat 7, but how comfortable is that last passenger on a long trip when everyone's luggage is loaded? Do you think most 7-seaters are genuinely practical for seven adults?

•21h

I’m from Visakhapatnam and am planning to buy a new SUV. I have been using a Honda Amaze diesel since 2013. Before that, I owned a Maruti 800 for 10 years. I am 63 years old and retired, and my annual running will be around 9,000-10,000 km. My driving will mostly involve a mix of city and highway use, and I intend to keep the car for 10-12 years. Mileage is one of my biggest priorities, followed by looks, driving enjoyment and long-term ownership costs. My budget is around Rs 16-17 lakh, and I want an automatic transmission. I also have a home charging facility. Should I consider the Kia Syros EV? My main concern is its boxy styling, which I don't particularly like. I also don't want a panoramic sunroof. Could you suggest which variant would suit my requirements from the following options: Kia Syros EV, Hyundai Bayon, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Grand Vitara, Fronx facelift, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder?

•7h

If you can get past the styling of the Kia Syros EV, it is a compelling option for your requirements. It is smooth and powerful; the regenerative braking is beautifully calibrated, and the real-world range is good. Despite being under four metres long, it is surprisingly spacious and has a large boot, making it practical for family use. With home charging available and your intention to keep the car for 10 to 12 years, it is worth serious consideration. Just make sure you are comfortable with the design before committing.If you prefer an ICE vehicle and fuel efficiency is your biggest priority, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid is worth looking at. With current offers, it could come close to your budget, and its biggest advantage is fuel economy, with over 20kpl possible even in city driving.

Kia Syros EV

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

•12h

I live in Bangalore and am planning to buy my first car. I prefer a low maintenance, reliable and smooth everyday drive. It should be a family-friendly car with a spacious cabin, comfortable rear seats and a spacious boot. My usage will be relatively low, with city driving once or twice a week and a highway road trip once every couple of months. As a first-time car buyer, I also value ease of driving, predictable ownership costs and hassle-free after-sales service. The cars that I am currently considering include Kia Seltos, Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Creta. My budget is somewhere around Rs. 17 lakh (all inclusive). I am eligible for a BH number plate. Would appreciate your advice before making a final decision.

•7h

Go for either the Hyundai Creta IVT or the Kia Seltos IVT within your budget. Both cars share the same 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is refined and paired with a silky smooth CVT gearbox, making them easy to drive.Between the two, the Hyundai Creta has strong brand value, a wide dealer network and attractive offers currently available, making it a safe buy. However, as a product, the Seltos is slightly better as it is the newer car. It is more spacious, has a larger boot and its interiors feel more premium.The Skoda Slavia is a great driver's car, but if you are looking for a safe buy, go for either the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta.

Bayon brings over-the-air updates and a generative AI voice assistant. Should I trust software updates to improve car after purchase?

•11h

I own a Baleno diesel (2017) as my first car but now I have booked Seltos HTE diesel for Rs. 14.65 lakh (on road) but the delivery is in 8-10 weeks. Should I cancel the booking and look for any other option or wait for Baleno. I dont have any fixed running but my average monthly running is 1100/1200km. I also take 4 highway trips in a year. I want good performance, good buildup, good mileage and a comfortable car for a period of 10 years. My budget is Rs. 15 lakh that I can extend up to Rs. 17 lakh (max) if a car is worth that amount.

•8h

Given your current 2017 Maruti Suzuki Baleno ZDi and monthly running of 1,100 to 1,200km, we would stick with the Kia Seltos HTE diesel rather than cancel the booking. You are used to the strong low speed pulling power and fuel efficiency of a diesel, and the Seltos offers a significant upgrade in cabin space, comfort and highway performance. Its 1.5 litre diesel produces 116hp and 250Nm, and is available with a six speed manual or torque converter automatic. Your annual running works out to around 13,000 to 14,000km, which is enough to make the diesel worth considering, particularly if your city journeys are not all short trips. The main caveat is that modern diesels need regular longer runs to keep the emissions system healthy, so if most of your driving involves short, slow city commutes, a petrol alternative deserves a closer look.

Kia Seltos

•9h

India's new CAFE norms begin in April 2027 and tighten efficiency targets over the coming five years. Do you think this will bring more hybrids and efficient petrol cars?

•11h

I am using a 2019 Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol Manual NA and am happy with this car. I am planning to change the car. I am considering buying the Duster hybrid now and am also considering waiting for Seltos/Creta hybrid by the end of 2027. We are a family of 3 so the current Seltos is perfect. I use an HTK variant as we are not into extra features. I am a driving enthusiast and have an inherent passion for fast acceleration, perfect handling and highly engaging car that is also easy to maintain and extremely reliable over a period of 7-years. What should I do? I also have a garage limitation of 1700mm height for any car.

•9h

Since the Renault Duster hybrid is already on sale, it deserves a serious test drive before you decide whether to replace your Seltos or wait for the next generation of Seltos or Creta hybrid. For a driving enthusiast, the Duster hybrid is an unusually appealing option. In our review, its 160hp powertrain delivered strong acceleration, while the steering, high speed stability and ride comfort impressed us. We also saw 16.9kpl in city driving. The main compromise is practicality. The Duster hybrid's rear seat is less spacious than the Seltos, and its boot shrinks to 372 litres because of the battery. Since you are a family of three and already find the Seltos' space ideal, check whether these compromises matter to you.

Which car would you choose as a first-time buyer?

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