Hello, I recently read your article on Toyota’s upcoming models, but I did not see any mention of the new Hilux. Is it safe to assume that Toyota does not plan to introduce the new-generation (N90) Hilux in India, and that the current Hilux may eventually be phased out?

Autocar India

•2d

The first thing to understand is that the 468km figure is the ARAI-certified range, and that number is achieved under standardised test conditions. In the real world, every electric car sold in India delivers significantly less than its claimed ARAI range, depending on speed, driving style, traffic, terrain, air-conditioning use and weather conditions.This is not unique to the VinFast VF6. Models such as the Nexon EV, Curvv EV, Windsor EV and Creta Electric also deliver real-world ranges that are noticeably lower than their official ARAI figures. That said, a real-world range of around 280km does appear lower than expected and is worth investigating.Before concluding that there is a fault, check factors such as average speed, drive mode, AC usage and whether the battery has completed a few charge-discharge cycles. Many EVs show more consistent efficiency after the initial running-in period.As for escalating the issue, insist on a written response from the dealer and ask them to arrange a battery health and diagnostic check. Keep records of all communication. If the dealer is unable or unwilling to provide contact details for the manufacturer, ask for the regional service manager's details and raise the matter through VinFast's official customer support channels.

Vinfast VF6

Tata Nexon EV

Tata Curvv EV

MG Windsor

Hyundai Creta Electric

Autocar India

•2d

There is no need to panic or cancel your booking because of the E85 announcement. The recently launched E85 fuel is meant only for flex-fuel vehicles specifically designed to run on up to 85 percent ethanol. The Tata Punch iCNG is not a flex-fuel vehicle, so it will continue to run on regular petrol, CNG and the currently mandated ethanol blends as specified by Tata. E85 is not something that will suddenly replace regular fuel at all pumps.In fact, even today, most new petrol cars sold in India, including the Punch, are engineered to handle the current E20 petrol that is available in the market. The move to E85 is a separate initiative and requires specially developed flex-fuel vehicles.The bigger picture is that you have chosen a Punch iCNG, which is already relatively future-proof from a fuel-cost perspective. CNG will remain widely available, and your running costs will be significantly lower than those of a comparable petrol vehicle.

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•12m

Pick the Hyundai Creta 1.5 diesel automatic - it is the one that best suits your 1,000km a month usage. On Chennai’s outskirts and your 400km trips to your native place, the diesel’s readily available torque at low revs makes highway cruising and overtaking effortless. Hilly sections are also taken with ease even with family and luggage, and it cruises at low revs, so fuel use on the highway will still be low. The 6‑speed automatic is smooth and well suited to the engine, and the suspension is a great mix of softness and stability.However, the diesel variants cost more and the engine is a bit noisier than the petrol engine. Plus, Hyundai's 1.5-litre diesel engine is not as punchy or exciting as its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. Do also note that a new-gen Hyundai Creta is going to be launched next year, in case you are able to wait for that. Another alternative you can buy now is the Kia Seltos, which is a new-gen model, with similar strengths as the Creta and a more spacious cabin.If budget allows, choose a mid or top variant with all safety kit and ADAS functions, including adaptive cruise control - both will help on your long highway drives. If your budget is tight, maybe consider the diesel manual, rather than the automatic, which is also smooth and easy to drive.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos