What is your take on EV cars vs internal combustion (IC) cars vs hybrids in the current situation and looking toward the future, especially with the expected move from E20 to E27 fuels? With so much change happening, I am a bit confused. I have a flexible budget of ₹12-26 lakh on-road, but I would prefer to spend less and get the best value for money. I plan to keep the car for 10-15 years. I am considering the XEV 9E/9S (futuristic) and the 3XO (value for money). My monthly run will be around 500 km, mostly on the highway, and I expect to take two long trips per year. Please advise.

Your running of just 500km a month and mostly on the highway doesn’t justify an EV. It will take many years to recover the extra cost of buying an EV, and on the highway, the charging infrastructure is still a hit-and-miss. Also, it is not advisable to hang onto an EV for 10-15 years, as it depreciates badly and the battery stands to become obsolete. In view of this its better to stick to an ICE vehicle because your worries on the E20 and E27 are unfounded. All manufacturers have upgraded components and materials to be E27 compliant, though the regulations only call for E20 compliance. This is to future proof themselves and customers in case the ethanol blend goes up from the current E20 mix which it is unlikely to for next couple of years. In any case, E20 will be the base fuel for many years. So if you are looking at value, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good choice - dont worry about it being ICE.

Since you already have a Unicorn, you could stick with Honda and get either a new Unicorn or its more stylish sibling, the SP160. Both are mechanically very similar, with the differences boiling down to features, seating ergonomics and a small price difference. These will return good fuel economy and also be reliable in the long run. It is an important thing to consider since your last bike is 17 years old. If you want to look elsewhere, bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Yamaha FZ models are worth considering. Of these three, the FZ has the best fuel economy but is the least engaging to ride. The Pulsar and Apache have slightly lower fuel efficiency but offer you more comfort, power and features. A test ride should help you decide which is the right bike for you.

The Harley-Davidson X440 will be a good starting point for a novice rider, although you will take some time to get used to its weight. Since you are shopping in this class of bike, other options to consider are Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Honda CB350 trio and the TVS Ronin. Of these, the Ronin will be the lightest and one of the most affordable options while still delivering comparable performance to the 350s. The Yamaha Aerox 155 is a good scooter in many ways, but its stiff rear suspension and cramped ergonomics for taller riders are two big reasons we would steer you away from it. If you do want a large-capacity scooter, then the TVS Ntorq 150 is our current pick because it has engaging performance but doesn't sacrifice comfort or practicality. Take a test ride of everything you consider, which will help you decide if you're ready to get into bikes or should stick with a scooter.

The Hyundai Venue is our pick for you. The new-generation Venue, launched last year, is more spacious than before and features the latest tech and features. The 1.0 turbo petrol with the 7-speed DCT is a proven powertrain, and it's reasonably fuel efficient depending on your driving style. Hyundais are generally light on the pocket, so your ownership costs should not be high either.