I own a 2019 Mahindra XUV500 diesel automatic and currently use regular diesel. I am considering switching to premium diesel fuel. Could you please advise whether using premium diesel would provide any benefits in terms of performance, mileage, or engine health?

Autocar India

•20h

Yes, on your 2013 Verna Fluidic, upsizing from 195/55 R16 to 205/55 R16 is acceptable. It adds only about 11 mm in overall diameter (≈1.8%), and rubbing is uncommon on stock rims.This upsize widens the tread by 10 mm for better grip and rim protection, while the sidewall grows by about 5.5 mm, which can help over rough patches. The speedometer change is small (≈1.8% under-read: indicated 100 ≈ 101.8 actual). On the OE 16-inch alloy (typically 6J; check the J size stamped inside), the 205/55 fits within the wheel arch on stock suspension, and owners rarely report contact unless offsets or spacers are changed. Ground clearance effectively increases by about 5-6 mm, which the Verna’s wheel wells can accommodate.The one thing you give up is perfect speedometer accuracy; with 205/55 R16, your speedo will under-read by around 1.8%, so indicated 100 kph is roughly 101.8 kph actual.If you frequently drive with 5 adults plus luggage or have bulky aftermarket mudflaps, consider staying with 195/55 R16 and choosing a grippier tyre model (for example, Continental UC6) instead.When fitting, ask the shop to trial-mount one 205/55 R16, turn full lock both ways, and then with 3 adults in the rear roll slowly over a 70-80 mm speed breaker. Listen and look for any liner or strut contact and verify there’s at least 5 mm clearance.

Autocar India

•2h

If you are upgrading from an Alto 800 and want a proper step up for family usage, we would suggest going for the Kia Carens Clavis HTX+ petrol DCT.The biggest advantage of the Carens is space and practicality. It is a proper 3-row car, with a much more spacious second row and a usable third row, which makes it far more versatile for family use. Even if you don’t use the third row daily, having that flexibility is a big advantage over time. The cabin also feels airy and comfortable, which will be a huge upgrade from your current car.Importantly, both the Kia Carens and Hyundai Creta share the same 1.5 turbo petrol engine and DCT gearbox, so in terms of performance, you are not losing out. It is smooth, powerful and more than adequate for both city and highway driving.The Creta N Line N10 DCT, on the other hand, is the better choice if you prioritise driving feel and a sportier experience. It has sharper handling and better high-speed stability, but this comes at a cost. The suspension is noticeably stiffer, so over bad roads, potholes and speed breakers, you will feel more bumps inside the cabin compared to a regular Creta or the Carens . That makes it less comfortable for everyday family use, especially in city conditions.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•15h

Considering your monthly running of around 1,200 km with 90% city usage, it makes more sense to move to a petrol automatic.In heavy city driving, petrol cars are smoother, quieter and easier to live with, and you also avoid potential issues related to diesel emission systems that typically require longer, steadier drives. Since most of your usage is in stop-and-go traffic, a petrol will simply feel more refined and stress-free on a daily basis.For your budget of Rs 20-22 lakh, we would suggest looking at the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA petrol with IVT/CVT. The engine is very refined, and the CVT gearbox is silky smooth, which makes it ideal for city driving. It will also feel like a proper upgrade from your Kia Sonet in terms of space, comfort and overall driving experience.If you want something similar, you can also consider the Hyundai Creta 1.5 NA petrol IVT, which shares the same engine and gearbox and offers a similar smooth and easy driving experience.

Kia Seltos

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Creta