Secunderabad

•3d

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.

•3m

Go for a used 2022-2023 Thar 4x4. Your usage is 80% highway, but you also plan camping trips and some off-road trails near Pune. The RWD Thar is a good lifestyle SUV, and while it can handle most slippery situations, the added security of the 4x4 system is always a boon, especially for a vehicle like the Thar. On loose surfaces, steep inclines or wet trails, the RWD can get stuck far more easily than a 4x4. The 4x4 Thar offers low-range capability and proper off-road capability so that you can explore confidently. On the highway, the 4x4 Thar is not significantly different from the RWD in terms of comfort or cruising ability. A well-maintained 2022-2023 Thar 4x4 will still have warranty coverage, and Mahindra's diesel and petrol engines are proven. The Thar is a rugged, simple SUV, so buying used is a sensible way to get the full capability without paying the new car premium. The RWD Thar is only worth considering if your usage is strictly urban and highway. For your mix of highway, camping and off-road, the 4x4 is the right tool.

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•5d

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Go for the XUV 7XO AX petrol. It is the better fit for your priorities. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is a proven engine with a strong ownership track record, and delivers significantly better performance than the Safari’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. The Mahindra XUV 7XO feels more effortless on the highway, especially with a full load, and overtaking is easier thanks to its stronger mid-range.It is also the more mechanically sorted package overall, with a better-calibrated gearbox and a more mature ownership experience.The Tata Safari’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is adequate for city driving, but it can feel strained on the highway with a full load and does not offer the same level of performance, refinement, or long-distance ease as the engine in the Mahindra car.For your usage pattern, low running with occasional long highway trips, petrol is the right choice, and the XUV 7XO’s engine is better suited to this kind of usage. It is a robust, reliable powertrain that can handle high mileage over the long term, and it does not suffer from the same concerns around DPF or diesel-related issues that can arise with low usage.If you are open to alternatives, the Toyota Innova HyCross is worth considering. It is not an SUV, but it is the benchmark for long-term reliability and ownership experience. The hybrid powertrain is extremely well suited to your usage pattern. It is also a genuinely comfortable long-distance car with a proven track record.

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•3d

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Go for the Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT. With your usage pattern of 800km a month, mostly city driving with a few long trips a year, the Kylaq is the most sensible and enjoyable choice. The 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is well-suited to city traffic, offering smooth and predictable shifts, while being punchy enough for highway runs. This Skoda car also delivers a good balance of ride comfort and driving dynamics, making it comfortable for long drives without sacrificing the fun-to-drive element you are looking for.The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is the enthusiast's choice with its stronger performance and excellent ride quality. You will have to spend a bit more for the added performance, and fuel efficiency will be on the lower side. The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 DSG is a fair bit pricier; hence it might not justify the stretch.Overall, the Kylaq is the sensible pick for a family of two.

Best Car Under ₹16 Lakh: Hyundai i20 N Line, Verna, Seltos, Virtus or Slavia?

•5h

You can get the HX6+ variant of the Verna with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol-manual powertrain, which is pleasant to drive, stable on highways, and paired with a comfortable, soft suspension setup. Being a Hyundai car, it also has reasonable maintenance costs.The Hyundai Verna has also scored a perfect 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests, so you can rest assured about safety. The Skoda Slavia is due for an update very soon, but in this budget you will have to settle for entry-level variants that don't offer much equipment. The Verna, on the other hand, will get you LED headlamps, front ventilated seats, a single-pane sunroof and others. All things considered, the Hyundai Verna is the best choice for your requirements.

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