I’m a frequent reader of this section. I’m looking for a car that can comfortably seat five people. My priorities are safety, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance. My budget is below ₹10 lakh, and I’m open to hatchbacks, sedans, or compact SUVs. Please suggest.

Asked by: Debasis Sahoo

Given your requirement for seating five passengers, an SUV would be a good choice. Under ₹10 lakh, the Mahindra Bolero Neo is a good option. This Mahindra car has a roomy cabin with good space for five and a frugal diesel engine that offers low running costs and low maintenance.

If not the Bolero Neo, you can check out the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, but beware, you will only get the base version under your budget, which will not be as well-equipped.

Mahindra Bolero Neo

Mahindra Bolero Neo

Answered by

Autocar India Team

Nov 13, 2025

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Asked by: Lithin Krishna I’m planning to buy a new bike. I previously rode a Dio (until 2017) and a Maestro Edge (until 2021), and currently own a TVS Jupiter with 1.6 lakh km on the odo. I work as a field service engineer and travel about 150 km per day. I sometimes carry small spares with me. I prefer TVS or Honda because their showroom is under 1 km from my home. I am 5 ft 6 in tall. Please suggest suitable bike options. Since you have a long commute, we'll recommend bikes in the 125cc segment as they will be quite fuel efficient, which will be an important factor for you. From Honda's stable, you can take a look at the Shine 125, SP125 and Hornet 125 - all three are based on the same platform, but the Hornet is sportier and has more features than the other two. From TVS' lineup, you can take a look at the Raider, which will be light, fuel efficient and comfortable and is available across a wide price band too. Take proper test rides of all options you shortlist before you make a decision.

Autocar India Team

Dec 17, 2025

Asked by: Karthick I am thinking of buying a bike with good mileage, good for city traffic, occassional long rides and comfortable seating position for pillion riders too. I am interested to opt for Yamaha XSR 155. Does that bike offers that? Or should I go for Pulsar N160 or TVS Ronin 225 or any other bike? The Yamaha XSR155 you have shortlisted will give you everything you want aside from pillion comfort, as its seat isn't very long. This could be a subjective issue based on your size as well as your pillion's, but by and large, its pillion comfort is likely to be average, nothing to write home about.It will be a similar story with the Bajaj Pulsar N160 too. The TVS Ronin will offer you everything you are looking for, so that is the bike we would steer you toward. If you are open to considering other machines, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will be a good option too.

Autocar India Team

Dec 17, 2025

Asked by: Rammohan I used to ride a 1997 Royal Enfield Bullet and now ride a Vespa 150. I want to upgrade to a Honda H’ness 350. I am 62 years old and enjoy regular bike riding, with no off-roading. What is your advice? With its low seat height, neutral ergonomics and smooth, thumpy engine, the Honda CB350 H'ness will be a great fit for someone who wants a mellow machine with lovely retro styling. You could also take a look at the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 because these modern 350cc REs are lovely machines that are now about as reliable as their competitors while also retaining that old-school feel. In case the Bullet / Classic prove to be too heavy, then the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 with its lower seat and less weight will also fit the bill. Take a test ride before you decide to go ahead with your purchase.

Autocar India Team

Dec 17, 2025

Asked by: Sujjal Roy I am 36 years old, and my daily commute is about 90 km (to and from) six days a week. I currently own a 2016 Hero Glamour PGM-FI. I now want to buy an EV bike or scooter for daily commuting. My 90 km run includes about 40 km in heavy traffic and 50 km on the highway. You may also suggest suitable 125/150 cc bikes. Please advise. Since you have a long daily commute, you will need a scooter with a battery capacity of 3.5kWh or more, so you have a healthy buffer in case of emergencies or to account for spontaneity. Among our top picks in the EV space today are the Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and Ather Rizta. Among the 125cc commuters, you can consider the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, Honda Shine / SP125, Honda CB125 Hornet, Hero Super Splendor and Hero Glamour X. In the 150/160cc space, we would recommend the Honda Unicorn / SP160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160.We would recommend you take a test ride of everything you shortlist before you make up your mind.

Autocar India Team

Dec 17, 2025

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