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Atharv Deo

5y

I am going to buy a Kia Sonet. Although I am inclined more towards the diesel model, I am really concerned with Suzuki and VW calling off their diesel car sales in India completely. Now with Tesla's entry in Indian Market and the difference between petrol and diesel prices narrowing, Is there a chance that the government, in the near future, will completely ban diesel car sales? Because if they do, the resale value of diesel cars will drop suddenly. [Submitter Vehicle details - Make: Honda, Model:

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
10m

Yes, some manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki and Volkswagen Group have moved away from diesel passenger cars in India. But that was largely a business decision driven by tightening emissions norms, development costs and their own product strategy, not because diesel is being banned nationally. India is clearly pushing cleaner mobility and stricter efficiency norms, but there is no announced nationwide policy to suddenly ban diesel car sales in the near future.

What is true is that diesel may gradually become a smaller part of the passenger car market over time, especially in cities with stricter pollution rules. Delhi NCR already has separate age-based restrictions for older diesel vehicles, but that is a local policy, not a national template.

As for resale, yes, diesel resale values could soften over the long term if policy becomes stricter, but it is highly unlikely to be a sudden overnight collapse across India. The bigger question is your usage. If you do high monthly running, regular highway trips and value effortless torque plus efficiency, the Kia Sonet diesel still makes a lot of sense and remains one of the strongest diesel compact SUVs available. If your usage is mostly city commuting with lower annual mileage, then the petrol makes more sense, not because diesel is “dying”, but because your ownership pattern may not justify it.

Tesla's entering India does not materially change this equation for a Sonet buyer today. EV adoption will grow, but India’s transition will be gradual, not abrupt.

Kia Sonet

Kia Sonet

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More questions on similar cars

SI

Sid

1d

My daily city running is around 80 km, and I currently drive an AMT car. I am now planning to upgrade to an SUV and am confused between the following options: Tata Nexon AMT Kia Sonet DCT Mahindra XUV 3XO Hyundai Venue CRDi Maruti Brezza Automatic

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1h

With 80 km of mostly city driving and a clear move to a petrol automatic, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic best fits your needs. Its automatic is smooth and calm in traffic, so that it will feel like a big upgrade from your current AMT. The engine is easy-going and does not feel stressed on long commutes, and Maruti’s wide service network helps when you are piling on daily kilometres.A few trade-offs to note: it is not the quickest in this group, and the cabin is not as flashy as some rivals. But for daily ease, comfort over bad roads, and low-stress ownership, it nails the brief.Why not the others for your use: the Tata Nexon with AMT still has a slight jerk and slow shifts in stop-go, which can get tiring over 80 km a day. The Kia Sonet automatic is quick but can feel a bit fussy at very low speeds. The Hyundai Venue CRDi is diesel, so it does not match your petrol ask.If you want stronger pick-up and more features, look at the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic; it’s brisk and still smooth, though city mileage may be lower. Overall, pick the Brezza automatic.

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RS

Ramprakash Singh Gurjar

3d

I'm currently own a Grand i10 NIOS, my average running is approximately 1600 km per month. Planning to buy an automatic compact SUV with a restricted budget, but require a reliable and safe car for highway tours. Confused between Kylaq Classic AT, Sonet HTK Plus diesel AT and Venue HX5 diesel AT. Please suggest for a long-term use (around 19 years).

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

With 1,600km a month running, a diesel automatic will be an economical option, so we'd suggest you rule out the Kylaq, which is only available with a turbo-petrol engine. The Kia Sonet HTK Plus and Hyundai Venue HX5 share their 1.5 diesel engine and 6-speed automatic gearbox, and both are equally smooth, refined and efficient. Also, both feel quite similar to drive too, although the Venue's steering feels noticeably lighter. The Hyundai is the newer car here, while the Kia Sonet is due for a generation change in 2027.However, if you like the Sonet for what it offers, go ahead with it, as you're going to hold on to the car for a long period of time, so resale value should not matter.Do note that a lifetime tax is collected on all cars for 15 years (except in Delhi NCR, which has different rules), after which you will have to subject your vehicle to fitness tests to ensure it is roadworthy, and pay the relevant taxes for a few years at a time, as per your RTO, to continue driving your car.

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SA

Saurabh

3d

Hi Autocar, I am 29 years old, married, and currently working from home. My regular travel mainly includes weekly trips to town of around 50–60 km, along with occasional long drives twice a month of over 100 km. My total monthly driving averages around 500 km. I currently own a 2013 Maruti Suzuki Dzire and am now looking to upgrade to a more suitable family car for both my family and parents. I specifically want a diesel vehicle, as I prefer diesel engines and am also slightly concerned about increasing ethanol blending in petrol. The cars I am currently considering are: Kia Sonet HTX Diesel Automatic Tata Nexon Creative Plus Diesel AMT Hyundai Alcazar Executive Diesel Manual My budget is around ₹15 lakh, with slight flexibility if required. The basic features I am looking for are: Height-adjustable driver’s seat Cruise control Alloy wheels Reverse parking camera Good seating comfort Optional but desirable features include: Ventilated seats Paddle shifters Rear window sunshades Basic sunroof Could you please suggest which option would best suit my requirements and usage pattern?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

The Kia Sonet HTX diesel automatic is the smoothest and most refined option from the cars listed. With a Rs 15 lakh budget, it packs all the features that you want, both basic and good-to-have ones. Its backseat isn't as spacious as the Tata Nexon, but unless you have six-footers regularly travelling at the back, the Sonet should be fine.The entry-level Hyundai Alcazar belongs to a higher segment, and not only is it the most spacious, but it also gets you the flexibility of a third row. However, it will not fall within your Rs 15 lakh budget, and even after extending your budget by a few lakhs, you'll only be able to get a manual - the diesel-automatic is much more expensive.You could also consider the Kia Syros, which is compact yet more comfortable and more spacious than the Sonet.

VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleHyundai Alcazar
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SU

Soumith Uppu

1d

I am looking for a family car and am currently confused between the Tata Punch Accomplished AMT, Maruti Fronx Delta Plus AMT, and Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT. Could you please help me choose the best option?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
21h

It's really hard to suggest a car without knowing a bit more about your requirements, like rear space requirements and the distance driven per month. Thus, as a good all-rounder for a small family, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT fits your brief best. Pick this variant because it gives you the most rear-seat space and a bigger, more useful boot than the other two, so adults sit more comfortably, and you pack more for trips. It also feels light and easy to drive in traffic, and the ride is calm over rough roads, which helps passengers, especially elders or kids.Two things to note: this automatic can feel a bit slow to pick up when you press the accelerator hard, and you will miss a few fancy features that sit on higher trims. If you drive with a full load on steep hills often, you may want to try it once to see if the response suits you.If you value tough build and the best ride on broken roads above all else, the Tata Punch Accomplished AMT is the second choice. It also has a smaller footprint for tight parking and a feature-rich cabin at a price like the Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT, too. Overall, for family comfort and everyday ease, go with the Fronx Delta Plus AMT.

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Vasu

6d

I own a Honda City 4th Generation and have been getting an average fuel efficiency of 16.1 km/l over 85,000 km. Would it be worth installing a CNG kit to improve the mileage further? Please suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
5d

With the kind of mileage you are already seeing from your 4th generation Honda City, I would not rush to fit a CNG kit. Around 16 kpl over 85,000 km is actually a healthy real world figure for a petrol sedan, and since the City is known for its smoothness and refinement, adding an aftermarket CNG kit will inevitably change the character of the car. Honda does not offer a factory CNG option for the City, so any retrofit will be third party, which means compromises in boot space, some loss in outright performance and the added variable of installation quality and long term reliability. Honda also recommends using fuel that meets the vehicle specifications, and aftermarket modifications can complicate warranty or support considerations on newer cars.A CNG conversion only starts making strong financial sense if your running is very high and you plan to keep the car for several more years to recover the kit cost. If your annual usage is moderate, the payback period can be longer than expected. The only real case for going CNG here is if fuel cost reduction is your absolute top priority. Otherwise, given how well your City is already performing, I would leave it as is and enjoy the refinement rather than fixing something that is not really broken.

VehicleHonda City
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TechiePetrolhead

6d

Hi AutocarIndia Team, I am really interested in the Tata Sierra EV. Any scoops or news on when we can potentially expect the same to be launched here in India? Thanks, TechiePetrolhead

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4d

If you are waiting for the Tata Sierra EV, the good news is that it does not seem too far away. Current indications suggest a launch could happen either later this month or in June.Expect it to slot below the Tata Harrier EV in Tata’s electric line-up, likely with multiple battery pack options and a more premium positioning than the Tata Curvv EV. Tata has also indicated that both Rear Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive versions are planned, which should make it one of the more interesting mainstream electric SUVs in India.

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Posted on: 14 May 2026