I am planning to buy a VinFast VF7 with the 70.8kWh battery pack. However, after going through various online videos of users reporting serious issues such as paint chipping, suspension leaks, dashboard cracks and inefficient service support, I am having second thoughts. The trouble is that options such as the Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e also have user-reported issues, particularly around software. Is buying an EV in the Rs 25-30 lakh price range risky? If not, which would you choose between the VF7, BE 6 and XEV 9e? There will be three rear passengers.

autocar.india

•24m

This is a genuinely important question, and the answer is not as simple as “ADAS is good” or “ADAS is annoying.” The reality is that ADAS systems are designed for highly standardised road environments, and India is anything but that. In dense city traffic, features like blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist can become a constant source of alerts, leading to exactly the kind of desensitisation you mention. On highways, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist can work well, but only when lane markings are clear and traffic behaviour is predictable, which is not always the case here. Autonomous emergency braking is a double-edged sword: it can save lives, but in a country where drivers are used to tight gaps and sudden manoeuvres, it can also create new risks.On the consumer choice argument, the current approach of bundling ADAS into top-spec variants is not ideal. Safety should not be a luxury add-on, and buyers should not have to pay for a suite of features they may not use. A modular approach, where ADAS can be added as a standalone package, would be far more sensible. It would allow buyers to make an informed decision based on their driving environment and comfort level with the technology.On the systematic evolution argument, there is some merit to the idea that pushing this technology into the market can drive broader change. As more cars are equipped with ADAS, there is pressure on infrastructure and regulations to catch up. But that only works if the systems are calibrated for local conditions and drivers are properly educated on how to use them. Otherwise, you risk creating frustration rather than progress.The bottom line is that ADAS is not a silver bullet. It is a tool that can enhance safety, but only when it is implemented thoughtfully and used in the right context. Carmakers should give buyers the choice, and regulators should focus on creating the conditions where these systems can actually deliver on their promise.

autocar.india

•1h

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the best fit for your requirements. It is one of the few sub-4 metre SUVs that comes with 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels in higher variants like the AX7 and AX7L. Also, the 3XO has a strong suspension setup that handles rough roads well. The 1.2 turbo petrol engine is also one of the most powerful in the segment, so you get good performance without compromising too much on fuel efficiency.If fuel efficiency is your absolute priority, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the better choice, but it comes with 16-inch wheels and a more comfort-oriented suspension setup. The XUV 3XO strikes the best balance between your requirements for wheel size, suspension strength and overall performance.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•11h

With 1,000-1,200 km a month and a 7-8 km/l Creta 1.6 petrol automatic, the priority should be better fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the most sensible upgrade. It delivers significantly better real-world fuel economy, especially in city driving, while still offering a comfortable ride and a well-equipped cabin. The hybrid system is proven and reliable, and the ownership experience is straightforward.If you want a more premium feel and are willing to accept slightly lower fuel efficiency, the Kia Seltos petrol IVT is a strong alternative. It offers a more upmarket cabin and a comfortable ride, but it will not match the Victoris Hybrid on fuel savings.The Hyundai Creta petrol IVT is also worth considering if you want to stay within the Hyundai family. It offers a familiar ownership experience and a comfortable ride, but again, it will not be as efficient as the Victoris Hybrid.Overall, the Victoris Hybrid strikes the best balance between fuel efficiency, comfort and long-term ownership costs for your usage pattern.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos