Hi, I need a suggestion for choosing the best car. My monthly running would be 2,000-3,000 km. I am looking for a diesel SUV with a budget of around Rs 10-12 lakh. I am confused because there are many options available. I need a reliable car with low maintenance and good after-sales service. Thank you.

Asked by: srinivas varma

While there are a few options in your budget, it's the Hyundai Venue diesel that we’d recommend. The Hyundai cars are known to be reliable, and service is satisfactory.

What also works in favour of the Venue is its 1.5 diesel engine that’s not only smooth but also reasonably punchy. You’ll experience the best of the Venue diesel with the torque converter automatic transmission, which delivers a truly premium experience. However, the diesel-auto HX5 within your budget doesn’t get all too many features.

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

Answered by

Autocar India Team

Dec 06, 2025

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Asked by: Jagannath Nayak I am a first-time buyer and do not have much idea about cars. Upon research, I feel a hybrid (petrol and EV) is a good option to go with. My budget is Rs 12-14 lakh, and my top priorities are safety, mileage, and comfort. I feel the Maruti Suzuki Victoris might be the right option, but I am not sure about its boot capacity. Looking at the launch of the Tata Sierra, I am also attracted to its modern features at a similar budget. Please help me decide. Or is there any other option I should be considering? Unfortunately, there isn't any hybrid vehicle in the Rs 12-14 lakh range. You will get the petrol versions of the Victoris and Tata Sierra in your budget.While the Maruti Suzuki Victoris shares a lot with the Grand Vitara, it is likely to be an efficient, reliable option. The Tata Sierra is an all-new vehicle with a new engine; hence its reliability is still unproven.If you want to buy a car immediately, go for the Victoris. Otherwise, if you can wait, we'll be putting the Sierra through our efficiency and other real-world tests in the coming weeks, and the results will be published on our website, for you to take a more informed decision.

Autocar India Team

Dec 06, 2025

Asked by: Nishant Hi, I am confused between the Kia Clavis NA and turbo petrol engine options. My monthly running is around 500 km in the city and on the highway, with a yearly long trip of around 5,000 km round trip. For long-term reliability, does the NA engine feel underpowered with a full load? The Kia Carens Clavis Turbo has the clear power and torque advantage and, money no object, is the better pick if you plan to frequently travel with 7 passengers onboard.That said, the Carens Clavis’ 1.5 NA petrol engine also delivers reasonable performance. It won’t be as responsive as the turbo, and you’ll feel the lack of pep on climbs with a full load, but in ordinary city and highway driving, it works just fine.

Autocar India Team

Dec 06, 2025

Asked by: Shreenivas Kandukuree Hi Team, I drove a Hyundai Grand i10 diesel for 10 years and, due to the unavailability of the Venue, bought a Kia Sonet Diesel HTX last month. I am 5.5 feet tall and am having difficulty with the clutch reach. I had severe calf muscle pain for a few days. I have no issues on the highway and have already covered nearly 2,000 km. I have been using a Frido seat cushion for a week, and it feels 50 per cent better with the reach. I tried various height and seat adjustments, but I am still facing clutch reach issues. I have heard from others that compact SUVs have this issue. It would be disappointing not to find a comfortable driving position in your new Kia Sonet. While you have tried different positions, a high seat set closer to the steering wheel should give you a comfortable seating position.An ideal seating position should keep you at a comfortable distance from the steering and put the pedals within easy reach. This is not a known issue on other compact SUVs.

Autocar India Team

Dec 06, 2025

Asked by: Ansari I want to purchase a new car and am conflicted between the Maruti Brezza and the Sonet petrol 1.2. My main concern is fuel efficiency. I have heard that the 1.5-litre engine is more efficient than the 1.2 on the Sonet. My monthly running is around 1,000-1,200 km, and I am also considering the Sonet diesel. What should I do? The Maruti Suzuki Brezza’s 1.5-litre engine is known to deliver good fuel economy and also offers more power and performance than the 1.2-litre unit on the Kia Sonet. The Brezza will be the better petrol option for you.The Sonet diesel will be more efficient than the Brezza, but your running of 1000-1200km a month doesn’t justify the extra spend on a diesel. Also, modern BS6 diesels need extra care with a long drive every couple of days to help the diesel particulate filter (DPF) regenerate. Failure to do so can cause engine trouble.We’d suggest you go for the Brezza, which will be a hassle-free option for your needs.

Autocar India Team

Dec 06, 2025

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