Hi, I want to buy a Thar, but I’m confused about whether I should buy a new RWD 3-door Thar or a used 4x4 Thar, probably a 2022-2023 model. I live in Pune, Maharashtra, and my main purpose will be camping a few times a month, along with some off-roading nearby. Highway travel would account for at least 80% of my usage, but I also don’t want to get stuck while off-roading. Please suggest which would be the better option.

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Tata Nexon CNG. It is a bigger car with a turbo-petrol-CNG engine that feels far more effortless as far as performance goes compared to the naturally aspirated petrol-CNG Punch. You will certainly appreciate the added performance on the highway, and the Nexon also gets 6-speed manual gearbox, which makes the engine spin at lower revs while cruising (compared to the Punch's 5-speeder). And when it comes to stability, ride comfort, and cabin space, the Nexon has an edge over the Punch. Hence, as a safe and comfortable family car for highway use, the Nexon CNG is the clear choice.

Tata Nexon

Tata Punch

autocar.india

•3d

Whether it is worth paying the premium for a Honda Elevate over the Skoda Kylaq purely depends on your use case.The Skoda Kylaq will appeal to those buyers who want a (relatively) compact car that's enjoyable to drive. It is well-built and has a strong 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a responsive 6-speed torque converter automatic that complements its taut chassis and excellent ride-handling balance. Being a sub-4-meter offering, it also falls in a lower tax bracket compared to the Elevate; hence it is more affordable too.The Honda Elevate, on the other hand, is a larger car with more rear seat space and a bigger boot, which makes a difference for buyers who regularly travel with family and/or luggage. The price difference is not just for the engine; it is for the overall package, including space, comfort, higher ground clearance and Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability.Also, do keep in mind that the Elevate's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is a proven, reliable unit, and the CVT makes the drive experience very seamless. The 1.5 NA engine's low-end pulling power is also stronger. Sure, at higher altitudes, the Kylaq's turbo-petrol engine is likely to lose less power than the Elevate's NA engine, but off-boost responses will feel noticeably duller because turbo lag in small-capacity turbo engines usually feels more pronounced. So both cars have their pros and cons while driving in hilly regions.You're also getting more features with the Elevate, like ADAS, a 360-degree camera and front and rear seat ventilation, which the Kylaq doesn't get.Lastly, as you go to higher-end segments, even though these might not offer outright value-for-money as offerings from lower segments, buyers are happy to pay the 'prestige' premium for driving a bigger car or a more luxurious car.

Skoda Kylaq

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•3d

The reasons to pick the Tata Curvv are its distinct SUV-coupe-like styling and its diesel engine.The Renault Duster, on the other hand, is the driver's choice. Beyond its rugged character, it offers excellent ride quality and feels more engaging to drive, especially on highways and rough roads. The 1.3 turbo-petrol engine is smoother, more refined and punchier than Tata's turbo-petrol engine. Hence, if you value driving enjoyment, ride comfort and a more rugged character, the Duster is the clear choice.

Tata Curvv

Renault Duster