Latest questions answered by experts

Raghvendra Singh

Buying my first car through CSD. My running will be relatively low, so I am planning to go for a petrol model. I am confused between the following options: Brezza VXi AT Brezza ZXi Manual Venue HX5 manual Which one would be the better choice?

Autocar India

•2h

Since it's your first car and your usage is low, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi automatic is the stronger fit. The automatic will make daily traffic easier to deal with, and the Brezza's 6-speed AT is a smooth-shifting gearbox. The Brezza’s higher seat and clear view out make it easy to place in tight lanes, and it feels steady over bad roads. It also has roomier back seats than the Venue, so family or friends will be more comfortable, and fuel economy is rather good too. Maruti’s wide service reach is a bonus if you move cities, and the ownership experience will be hassle-free.The VXi misses a few nice features you get on the ZXi, and the automatic will use a bit more fuel if not driven carefully. The Hyundai Venue HX5 manual, we presume, is the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, given the price range you're shopping in. While it is a punchy engine, fuel economy won't be as good as in the Brezza, and before the turbo boost comes in, you'll experience a lot of lag. It can be frustrating in the city, and if you're a new driver, it will take a lot of getting used to. It also isn't as spacious as the Brezza, though it does have a higher quality interior and will get you more features than the Brezza VXi.Overall, for low running and easy city life, go with Brezza VXi automatic. Do confirm the CSD availability of that exact variant at your depot.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Venue

Vishal Sharma

•2d

I want to buy a diesel car with a budget of Rs. 11-14 lakh. My running is quite high. I am looking for good ground clearance, ample boot space, a spacious cabin, and a comfortable ride with good drivability. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•3h

The Hyundai Venue diesel is a good option for your needs. It offers the ground clearance, boot space, and cabin space you are looking for. Its smooth diesel engine is one of its highlights, and the ride quality remains comfortable even over broken roads and rough patches.If cabin space is top priority, the Kia Syros is worth a look. It is incredibly spacious and also offers added flexibility with sliding rear seats, allowing you to make more room for luggage when needed. Cabin quality is very impressive too. However, the Syros does deliver a firm ride, and that takes away from the comfort experience. You should also look at the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The cabin is roomy, and ride comfort is impressive. There is a toughness to the Mahindra that you will appreciate over bad patches of road. However, the Mahindra offers the least room for luggage.

Tharan

I currently own a Maruti Suzuki Swift that has done around 130,000 km, and I’ve loved driving it. I’m now planning to upgrade to a petrol manual SUV with a budget of around Rs. 25 lakh. We are a family of 4, and my usage is roughly 70% city and 30% highway. I have an opportunity to buy a Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport 1.5 TSI MT for around ₹28 lakh from a dealer. Automatic is a strict no because my son is learning to drive, and a manual would be good for that Should I go ahead with it? Is it a good upgrade considering my usage and preferences?

Autocar India

•4h

With 70 percent city use, some highway trips, a family of four, and a strict manual requirement, the Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport 1.5 TSI manual is a good upgrade from your Maruti Suzuki Swift. However, the manual transmission on the 1.5 TSI was discontinued earlier this year and has not returned with the recent facelift. This means the car you are considering is a pre-facelift version that may have been sitting at the dealer for a while. Moreover, Rs 28 lakh also seems very steep, as the last recorded on-road price of the 1.5 GT Plus Sport MT in Chennai, as per our records, was around Rs 22-23 lakh. Haggle hard if you proceed, do a very thorough pre-delivery inspection, and push for an extended warranty.As for the vehicle itself, the 1.5 petrol with the manual is an excellent choice. It feels quick and smooth, pulls cleanly from low speeds so you do not have to shift constantly in traffic, and has strong performance for safe highway overtakes. It is not too big for city lanes, the higher seating position improves visibility, and it feels stable at speed. Cabin quality and the overall safety focus are clear steps up from your Swift.Two things to note for your usage: the clutch is heavier than your Swift’s, and fuel consumption and upkeep costs will be noticeably higher.Alternatively, you could consider the Hyundai Creta N Line manual or the Renault Duster 1.3 manual, both of which are great options for keen drivers.

Shrey Arora

Which 150cc to 180cc bike is the best for an upright riding posture, good pillion comfort, long-distance touring, strong performance, and minimal vibrations in India?

Autocar India

•5h

There are three bikes in this class that you cannot go wrong with - Honda Unicorn / SP160, Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. The Unicorn and SP160 are mechanically identical and are simple, straightforward commuters, with the latter having slightly better features and more modern styling. If you want a reliable, no-nonsense machine, either of these two will be up for the job.The Pulsar and Apache, on the other hand, promise better features, performance and handling with similar fuel economy. These two are accomplished city bikes, and if you want your daily machine to have a dash of sportiness, then both are very compelling options.Take a test ride of all three to see which one suits you best before you make a decision.

Honda Bikes Unicorn

Honda Bikes SP160

Bajaj Pulsar N160

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Sunny

•2d

I want to buy a premium SUV with a petrol engine. I am considering the XC60, GLC, and X3. Which one should I choose? My daily driving is around 20-25 km, with 70% city use and 30% highway driving. I would also like to know which reliable brand offers better after-sales service. Please suggest the best option.

Autocar India

•6h

With 20-25 km a day and mostly city use, the Mercedes-Benz GLC petrol (badged GLC 300) fits your brief best. It feels smooth and easy at low speeds, the steering is light in traffic, and the ride handles broken roads well, so your daily run will feel calmer. On weekend runs, it stays steady and quiet, and the cabin feels properly upmarket. Mercedes has the widest dealer and service reach of these three.If you value a very calm cabin and strong safety tech, the Volvo XC60 petrol is a lovely daily driver. Volvo’s service reach is smaller, so check how close your nearest workshop is. If you enjoy a sportier feel, the BMW X3 suits keen drivers, though the interior doesn't wow like the Merc or Volvo's.Overall, for city-heavy use and peace of mind ownership, go for the GLC petrol.

Bharat

Hi, I am planning to buy a CNG AMT car and have shortlisted the Tata Punch and Tata Altroz top models which are both accomplished+ S AMT CNG models. Which one should I choose?

Autocar India

•7h

Mostly city use with CNG and an automatic points to the Tata Punch Accomplished Plus S AMT CNG. It suits daily traffic better because the higher seat and compact size make it easier to see out of, slot into gaps, and park. Bad roads and tall speed breakers are less of a worry too, thanks to its extra ground clearance and suspension that handles bumps well. With Tata’s twin‑cylinder CNG setup, you still get usable boot space for weekly shopping or a couple of small bags.One trade-off to note: The Punch’s back seat is not as wide as the Altroz's, so three adults will be a squeeze.Pick the Altroz Accomplished Plus S AMT CNG only if you do more highway runs or often carry five. It feels steadier at higher speeds, the cabin is wider for the rear bench, and the lower stance gives a more settled long‑distance feel.For your brief though, the Punch Accomplished Plus S AMT CNG lines up best. Do confirm CNG‑automatic availability and wait times with your Tata dealer.

Tata Punch

Tata Altroz