Delhi

•1d

I am planning to buy an automatic transmission sedan. I have filtered down to VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia but I am confused between the two since both vehicles are pretty similar to each other. My budget is around Rs. 20 lakh. Also, VW Virtus Topline AT and Slavia Prestige AT variant are in this similar range. Which one to go ahead with and for what reasons? I currently own a Dzire and this will be my first german car.

•4m

Since you are upgrading from a Maruti Suzuki Dzire and this will be your first German car, both the Volkswagen Virtus Topline AT and Skoda Slavia Prestige AT are worth considering. They share their engines and platform, so the differences largely come down to styling, features and pricing. The updated Slavia gets improved air conditioning with a new variable geometry compressor, an eight speed torque converter automatic that is smoother and more efficient, larger infotainment and driver display screens, a 360 degree camera and a rear seat massage function, making it a more appealing package than before.

However, the Virtus is also expected to receive a facelift soon, with similar styling and feature updates likely. We would suggest waiting before making a decision, especially as the updated Virtus could address some of the current model’s shortcomings.

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•1w

I’m confused between the Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI+ AMT and Honda Amaze VX CVT for my first family car. Both have an on-road price of around Rs. 11 lakh. But, the Dzire offers more features, including a 360° camera, sunroof, and TPMS, while the Amaze has a CVT transmission and a good reputation for reliability. Which one would you recommend for a first family car?

•20h

For a first family car, we would lean towards the Honda Amaze VX CVT. Its CVT is noticeably smoother than the Dzire’s AMT, especially in stop start traffic, and the more relaxed transmission makes it easier to live with. The Amaze also has a larger 416 litre boot, which is useful for family trips.The Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi+ AMT counters with more features, including a 360 degree camera, sunroof and TPMS, along with better fuel efficiency. However, its AMT has noticeable pauses between gear shifts, whereas the Amaze’s CVT feels more seamless.

Honda Amaze

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•1d

Hi! My annual running is around 9,000km in the city and 3,000km on highways. Should I buy the petrol Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi or the Brezza VXi with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and manual transmission? The Brezza felt a bit too wide and large for city use, and making U-turns is likely to be more difficult than in the Dzire. I also found the Brezza's softer seats potentially tiring over a 500km highway drive. I'm concerned that the turbo-petrol engine will be more complicated to maintain because of GPF cleaning requirements and the need for RON 95 fuel. Carbon build-up could also be an issue, given that only 30% of my annual running is on highways. On hills, I wonder if the turbo engine will leave me wanting more. By contrast, the Dzire felt more nimble and easy to manoeuvre. Its 15-inch tyres should also be fine for highway use. At cruising speeds below 100kph with two or three people on board, wouldn't it be nearly as good as the Brezza? The popular Z12E engine should also get an upgrade if E27 becomes the baseline fuel. However, would the heavier Brezza be safer in a crash? I plan to sell the car after four or five years, by which time the EV market should have stabilised. Wouldn't the petrol Dzire also have better resale value than the Brezza? Given my usage, what are the reasons I should seriously consider the Brezza?

•1d

From what you have described, go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. You clearly prefer its compact dimensions, lighter feel and easy manoeuvrability, and with 9,000km of city driving annually, these advantages will matter far more often than the Brezza's higher ground clearance or SUV stance. The Dzire should also be perfectly capable of comfortable highway cruising at under 100kph with two or three occupants.The Brezza's main reasons for consideration are its higher ground clearance, more commanding driving position, more potent turbo petrol engine and greater flexibility on rough roads. However, if you already find it too wide for city use and have concerns about its engine and long term maintenance, there is little reason to stretch yourself into it.Both the new Dzire and Brezza have been crash-tested, so the comparison should use their actual ratings rather than assume the heavier SUV is safer. The new Dzire scored 5 stars for adult and child occupant protection under Bharat NCAP. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has also received a five-star BNCAP rating for both adult and child protection. So, there is no reason to choose the Brezza solely because you assume it will be safer in a crash.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•1d

I’m planning to buy an automatic sedan and have narrowed my choice down to the Volkswagen Virtus and the Skoda Slavia. I’m confused between the two, since both offer similar features. My budget is around Rs 20 lakh, and in that range I’m considering the Virtus Topline AT and the Slavia Prestige AT. I currently own a Maruti Suzuki Dzire, so this will be my first German car. I’ll drive about 12,000 km a year at most, including four to five long trips a year. Most of my driving will be in the city, in typical Chennai traffic. How should I decide between the two, and what factors should guide my choice?

•1h

The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are essentially the same car under the skin. The Slavia is fresh from an update that brings with it an upgraded air conditioner and a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which have enhanced the driving experience. The same changes, along with similar feature upgrades, are coming soon to the Volkswagen Virtus as well.Both models suit your requirements of 12,000km of annual driving with 4 to 5 long trips. The 8-speed automatic feels smooth in the city and works well with the 1.0 TSI engine. There's also more than adequate performance for long highway drives, backed up by very reassuring high-speed manners. In essence, the choice boils down to your personal preferences in terms of looks and brand image. You could also decide on the basis of proximity to a dealer and the best deals that you're getting on comparable models.

Volkswagen Virtus

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

Dear Autocar Team, I currently own a Dzire diesel manual (2018) and now I am planning to buy a new car but I am very confused between Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kwh and the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kwh. Although, I love diesel cars but since I live in Faridabad, my biggest concern is about increasing bans and restrictions on diesel cars. My main usage is on highways and bit within the city. I have clocked 1.3 lakh km on my Dzire in 8-9 years. I am getting the exact Harrier EV model for Rs. 22 lakh (on-road) whereas the XEV 9S will cost around Rs. 27-28 lakh (on-road) and that is my biggest confusion. Should I spend this additional amount on the XEV 9S for Harrier ev because I don't want any hassles as an since I plan to keep the car for the next several years.

•6d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

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•6d

I am looking for a petrol automatic car under Rs 12 lakh with good features. My first choice is the Honda Amaze, but I am concerned about its ground clearance and engine performance. Around 70% of my driving will be in the city. Would the Amaze be a good choice?

•5d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

Honda Amaze

•3d

I am planning to buy either Kia Seltos HTX ivt or Tata Sierra EV empowered 75. Since there is concern on petrol availability/pricing and ethanol blending in the future, which option would be better for our monthly usage of around 500km within the city which will also include 2 trips outside the city every year. If I take Seltos, I am concerned about its resale value in 5 to 10 years and more for an EV as it is more expensive as compared to Deltos and its infrastructure problems. What do you suggest?

•3d

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. Your usage pattern of around 500km a month in the city with only two outstation trips a year does not justify the premium of the Tata Sierra EV Empowered 75. The Seltos IVT is a smooth, refined and reliable petrol automatic that will handle your city driving effortlessly, and Kia’s service network and ownership experience are strong. Concerns about petrol availability and ethanol blending are largely overblown - E20-compliant engines are designed to handle the fuel, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20 at this stage. The Sierra EV is a very impressive product with a premium cabin and strong range, but it is significantly more expensive and you will not recover that premium through fuel savings at your level of usage. The Seltos is the more sensible and cost-effective choice for your requirements.

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