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•13w

I currently own a Maruti Ignis, which I have had for approximately nine years, and I am considering upgrading to the Sierra EV. I recently test-drove a demonstration model and found it to be quite heavy. This made me question whether such a robust build is truly necessary for vehicles. While I acknowledge that safety is paramount, I believe there may be opportunities to optimize the weight of the vehicle. The increased weight inherently affects the performance and power consumption of petrol, CNG, and electric vehicles. Modern safety features, such as ADAS, offer alternative approaches to improving vehicle safety.

Verified
•12w

The Tata Sierra EV is a very different proposition from your Ignis, and the weight you felt is a natural consequence of both its size and its construction. This Tata car is a significantly larger and more premium vehicle, and the battery pack itself adds considerable weight. That said, the Sierra EV is on the heavier side but is not unusually heavy for its class.

On the question of whether such a robust build is necessary, it is important to understand that safety is not just about ADAS. While ADAS systems can help avoid accidents, it is the fundamental structure of the car that protects occupants when an accident does occur. A strong body shell, well-engineered crumple zones, and a rigid passenger cell are still critical elements of crash safety. 

That said, there is a trade-off. Heavier cars do consume more energy, whether petrol, CNG or electricity. Manufacturers are constantly working to optimise weight, but safety standards and battery technology set certain minimums. The Sierra EV is a safe, comfortable, and premium family electric car, but if you are particularly sensitive to weight and efficiency, you may want to consider slightly smaller EVs as well. Ultimately, the Sierra EV’s weight is not a flaw; it is a reflection of its priorities and its segment.

Tata Sierra EV

Tata Sierra EV

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•1w

I currently own a Jeep Compass and want to get an additional car for my father, with good reliability, unlike the Jeep. My father still drives a 2008 Honda City, and I am torn between a few choices: the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Nissan Tekton and Toyota Hyryder. Or should I wait for the Virtus facelift or the new-generation Creta? His usage is low, at almost 500 km per month. Please suggest.

Verified
•4d

With just 500km a month, petrol is the clear choice, and reliability and ease of ownership become the most important factors. The Honda City is the safest recommendation here. It is a proven product with a strong reliability record, a comfortable ride and a familiar ownership experience that your father will appreciate, especially coming from a 2008 City. The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are both excellent to drive, but the 1.0 TSI engine can feel a bit laggy at low speeds, and the 1.5 TSI is overkill for this kind of usage. The Nissan Tekton is a good value proposition, but engines are not responsive at low speeds and Nissan's service network is not as strong as Honda's, which matters more for a low-running, long-term ownership scenario. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a solid option if you specifically want an SUV, but the hybrid premium does not make financial sense at this running, and the naturally aspirated petrol is not as refined as the City's engine. The new-generation Hyundai Creta is worth waiting for only if your father specifically wants an SUV; otherwise, the City remains the more sensible choice. Overall, the Honda City is the most reliable, comfortable and hassle-free option for your father's usage.

VehicleHonda City
VehicleSkoda Slavia
VehicleVolkswagen Virtus
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
VehicleNissan Tekton
•1w

I’ve almost finalised the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, and I really like the car. However, I’m a little worried about Skoda’s long-term service and maintenance costs, especially after the warranty period. I’m planning to keep the car for around 7–8 years. Would you recommend taking the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) along with the car? Is it worth the additional cost considering regular servicing and potential maintenance expenses? Also, compared with the Brezza and Nexon, how is the Kylaq Signature Automatic in terms of long-term reliability, service costs and parts replacement? Would really appreciate your advice before I make the final purchase decision.

Verified
•4d

If you like the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, go ahead and buy it. It is a genuinely good car and one of the best driver’s cars in the segment. The 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven combination, and Skoda’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years. The bigger concern is not reliability but long-term maintenance costs, which can be higher than Maruti or Tata once the car is out of warranty.This is where the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) makes sense. It locks in your service costs for the first 4-5 years, covers all scheduled maintenance and gives you peace of mind during the most expensive ownership period. If you are planning to keep the car for 7-8 years, it is worth the additional cost because it protects you from unexpected bills and helps you budget ownership costs more accurately.Compared to the Brezza and Nexon, the Kylaq is the better driver’s car with a more engaging driving experience and a stronger engine. The Brezza is the benchmark for long-term reliability and low maintenance costs, while the Nexon sits somewhere in between. The Kylaq is not unreliable, but parts and service can be more expensive once you are out of warranty.If you are buying the Kylaq, take the SMP and enjoy the car. If long-term ownership costs are your absolute priority, the Brezza is the safer financial choice.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleTata Nexon

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Posted on: 18 Jul 2026