Latest questions answered by experts

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•48m

The Maruti Fronx Delta+ AMT would be the best fit for your requirements. With a daily commute of just 20km and occasional 500km highway trips, a petrol automatic makes perfect sense. The Fronx feels like a genuine upgrade from your Swift with better ground clearance, a more spacious cabin, a larger boot and Maruti's proven reliability. It is also inexpensive to maintain and should give you complete peace of mind over the next several years.If you prefer a hatchback with a more premium cabin and an even smoother automatic, the Hyundai i20 IVT is an excellent alternative. The IVT gearbox is one of the smoothest automatics in the segment, making it particularly well-suited to city driving, while the cabin feels more upmarket than the Fronx.The only drawback with the Fronx AMT is that the AMT isn't as smooth as the i20's IVT, especially in slow-moving traffic.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Hyundai i20

autocar.india

•1h

This is a very valid question, but in our opinion it deserves a closer look at both motorcycles. The used Gen 1 KTM 390 Duke is a raw, unadulterated pocket rocket, but considering it is nearly 12 years old, you will surely have to spend much more on maintenance and perhaps replace worn-out parts, which will not only be expensive but also time-consuming, as some spares for older discontinued KTMs have started to get a little difficult to obtain.The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, on the other hand, will be a brand new bike with a warranty, compatible with E20 fuel and a far more relaxed ownership experience. It is also a genuinely quick and capable motorcycle in its own right, and while it may not have the same raw edge as the old 390 Duke, it is a far more sensible long-term purchase.This is sort of a head vs heart situation, and if you have more than one bike in your garage, then sure, go for the KTM, but if this is to be your sole mode of transport or only two-wheeler, the Bajaj bike is the more logical purchase.

autocar.india

•1h

Despite what has transpired since we compared the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 to the Triumph Speed T4 (then using a 398cc engine, now using a 349cc engine), the verdict doesn't really change. The T4 remains the more capable machine from the more premium brand, and even though the price delta between the two has widened, we still believe the T4 remains the superior product.However, if you are looking for a modern retro motorcycle on a strict budget, the Royal Enfield bike is still a very strong option.

autocar.india

•2h

Based on your requirements, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is the clear recommendation. It strikes the best balance between family comfort, long-distance touring ability, off-road capability and an engaging driving experience. Besides being a fantastic lifestyle vehicle, it will feel like a genuine upgrade from the Hyundai car in terms of space, road presence and versatility. It is comfortable for four on long highway drives, has a strong diesel engine and a well-sorted chassis that makes it enjoyable to drive.The Mahindra Scorpio N is a great alternative, albeit its ride is a bit bumpier than the Thar Roxx . Opt for it only if you need that extra row of seats for occasional use.

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Thar Roxx

autocar.india

•2h

Go with the Hyundai charger. The Rs 75,000 price is not just for the hardware; it also includes installation, integration with the car’s battery management system, and Hyundai’s warranty support. That matters because if you ever have a charging-related issue, Hyundai cannot blame a third-party charger. With the Hyundai charger, you have a single point of accountability.The cheaper Rs 25,000 chargers you see online are often basic AC wallboxes without installation, safety certification or integration with the car. They may work, but you are taking a risk with a Rs 20 lakh+ EV. If you do want a third-party charger, look for brands like Exicom, Delta, ABB or Servotech, and make sure the installer is certified and the charger is BIS-approved.But our advice is simple: for a new Creta Electric, buy the Hyundai charger, have Hyundai install it, and keep your warranty and support intact. The Rs 50,000 difference is not worth the risk on a new electric car.

Hyundai Creta Electric

autocar.india

•12h

Budget EVs can handle highway runs, but you need to plan your trip a bit differently. Most budget EVs like the Tata Punch EV or the MG Windsor have a real-world range of 200-300 km, so on longer journeys you will need to factor in charging stops.If you plan your route around fast chargers and start each leg with a full battery, you can keep your schedule fairly predictable. Charging times are the key variable. A 30-40 minute fast charge is typical, but availability and queue times can add up.In terms of performance, most budget electric cars can cruise at highway speeds comfortably, but you will see range drop if you drive aggressively or use the air conditioning heavily. Overall, a budget EV can do highway trips, but you need to build in charging time and be a bit more organised than you would be with a petrol or diesel car. If you are doing this kind of trip regularly, a diesel or petrol car is still the more convenient option. If it is occasional and you are happy to plan, an EV can work.

Tata Punch EV

MG Windsor

autocar.india

•13h

Since your daily driving is mostly in the city, we would recommend the Tata Safari petrol over the Scorpio N petrol. While the Safari is a slightly larger vehicle overall, it is easier to drive than the Scorpio N thanks to its electric power steering and, if you opt for the manual, lighter clutch and gearshift too. The Scorpio N's ladder-frame chassis gives it a toughness that's beneficial on rough roads, but for city use, the downside is that it's nowhere near as comfortable as the monocoque-chassis Safari, whose Omega Arc platform is derived from Land Rover. The Safari is also more spacious, with greater room in the second, and especially the third row. And finally, while the Scorpio N petrol is more powerful with monstrous 203hp from its 2.0-litre engine, it is nowhere near as fuel efficient as the Safari's 170hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol, which is also more refined, and powerful enough. For your usage, the Safari is the better option.

Tata Safari

Mahindra Scorpio N

autocar.india

•14h

You are clearly an enthusiast who values a strong diesel punch and sharp handling, and the Figo S TDCi was one of the best cars in that space. At 9 years and 1.3 lakh km, the car has served you well, but the hard clutch and knee pain are a clear signal that it is time to move on. Resale value will be modest given the age and Ford’s exit, so the decision should be driven by your usage and comfort rather than the resale number.On the replacement, there is no direct hatchback equivalent today. The Skoda Kylaq is the closest in spirit, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The automatic is also a big plus if you want to avoid clutch fatigue in traffic. The fact that Skoda has opened a showroom in Shillong is a significant positive, and Skoda is a far more stable brand in India today than Ford was at the time of its exit. If you can stretch the budget, the Kylaq is the right move.If the budget is tight, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is the best hatchback alternative. It is not as powerful or as sharp as the Figo S, but it is light, nimble and fun to drive in its own way. The Hyundai i20 N Line is another hatchback option that is quite fun to drive and looks nice and sporty too but its costlier than the Swift. In summary, replace the Figo now and stretch for the Kylaq if you can. It is the closest modern equivalent to what you love about the Figo S TDCi. If the budget does not allow, go for the Swift. Do not hold on to the Figo purely for sentimental reasons, and do not worry too much about resale value at this stage. The decision should be about comfort and driving enjoyment for the next 5-10 years.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Hyundai i20

autocar.india

•15h

Yes, a used 2016 Honda Jazz VX can be a sensible choice in 2026 if your budget is tight, usage is low and you are looking for a car to learn on. The Jazz is known for its reliability, low running costs and easy driving nature, which makes it a good first car. It also offers a spacious cabin and flexible seating, so it remains practical even as an older car. The key is to buy carefully. At 10 years old, condition and service history matter far more than the badge. Look for a well-maintained example with a full service record and avoid cars with accident history or signs of neglect. Also, be realistic about age-related wear and tear and budget for some preventive maintenance. The only caveat is that the Jazz is no longer in production, so some body parts may take longer to source. However, Honda’s mechanical reliability and service network still make it a safer used buy than most. Overall, if you find a clean example, it is a sensible, low-risk way to get started.

autocar.india

•16h

What this means in the context of the Tata Punch iCNG AMT is that the gearbox is not as smooth or as quick as a conventional automatic. In stop-and-go traffic, when you lift off the accelerator and then get back on it, there is a noticeable pause as the gearbox decides to shift and then actually changes gear. This can make the car feel a bit hesitant or jerky, especially at low speeds. The iCNG version adds another layer to this because the engine is already slightly down on power compared to the petrol, so the pauses feel a bit more pronounced. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is something you will notice in daily city driving. The trade-off is that you get the convenience of an automatic and the cost savings of CNG, but you have to accept that the driving experience is not as seamless as a torque converter or CVT automatic.

Tata Punch

autocar.india

•17h

The Honda Amaze CVT VX is a very sensible upgrade from the Nexon AMT. The CVT gearbox is far smoother than the AMT, which will make both city driving and hill climbs much more pleasant. The Amaze also offers excellent visibility, a comfortable driving position and a reliable ownership experience. However, it is a sedan, so you will lose the higher seating position and ground clearance of an SUV, which can be useful on highways and rough roads.Given your usage, a compact SUV with a proper automatic gearbox is a better fit. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is a strong recommendation here. It uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is much smoother than the Nexon AMT, and it offers excellent visibility, a comfortable driving position and low running costs. But it is on the pricier side.Overall, the Amaze CVT is a good alternative if you are happy to move to a sedan, but if budget permits, the Brezza is the more versatile choice.

Honda Amaze

Tata Nexon

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•18h

The new i5 LWB is expected to be a thorough revision of the current model based on the CLAR platform, with Neue Klasse-inspired styling and perhaps battery and motor updates, rather than an outright shift to the Neue Klasse platform of the i3. This is similar to what was done with the BMW i7, which also shares the CLAR platform, as both are only halfway through their life cycles. Besides, that is still some time away, and the only i5 you can buy now is the sporty (and low-slung) M60. You're right about rapidly advancing EV tech, but whether you choose today's i5 or the incoming LCI or LWB, you'll still have a luxurious, comfortable, refined and powerful EV.As for the Lexus, if you're choosing the hybrid, know that it is about half the price of what the i5 LWB will likely cost. There is also the ES Electric, which is closer in price and concept to the i5. Either way, the ES seems like the better choice for you if you plan to purchase today, since as you mentioned, it is presently the more contemporary option. That said, depending on which camp you fall into, a hybrid may already be behind in terms of relevance compared to any EV, so it really comes down to the nature of your usage. For now, in India, pound for pound, a hybrid makes more sense than an EV, so if you're keen on the new ES hybrid, you should go for it.

BMW i7

BMW i5 LWB

Lexus ES Electric

autocar.india

•19h

With enough planning and determination, touring across India on the Yamaha XSR155 is certainly possible. The XSR155 is a reliable, lightweight and fuel-efficient motorcycle, but comfort isn't its strongest suit, something you will notice more often, especially over longer distances.If the plan involves spending long days in the saddle, an aftermarket seat for better comfort and a small windscreen to reduce windblast are worthwhile upgrades.Kudos to you for considering such a venture, and we wish you all the very best!

autocar.india

•19h

Given your usage and priorities, the Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus 1.0 TSI automatic is the better fit. Your daily running is low, and the occasional highway trips do not justify the additional size and complexity of the Tata Safari. The Virtus offers a more refined driving experience, better fuel efficiency and a more manageable ownership proposition over the long term. It is also a more comfortable car for a family of four plus a child, with a spacious rear seat and a large boot. The Safari Pure X turbo petrol manual is a good value proposition for those who need the extra space and road presence, but it is not the best choice for your usage pattern. The manual gearbox will become tiresome in traffic, and the larger size will make it less convenient to live with on a daily basis. The Virtus is the more sensible and enjoyable choice for your needs.

Volkswagen Virtus

Tata Safari

autocar.india

•20h

Go for the Brezza 1.5 ZXi automatic. The VXi is a sensible choice if you are on a tight budget, but the ZXi adds a lot of genuinely useful features that improve the ownership experience, such as the larger touchscreen, better audio system, rear camera and more convenience features. The ZXi+ is not worth the extra money unless you specifically want the sunroof and the additional tech features. The ZXi is the sweet spot in the Brezza range and offers the best balance of value and features.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•21h

Given your daily 85 km commute and the fact that you're coming from a Tata Hexa, a diesel car still makes the most sense. The Toyota Innova Hycross is a petrol-hybrid, so it was never going to feel as powerful as a diesel. The Tata Safari, while offering good torque, isn't the most responsive diesel SUV in its segment.The Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel is the option we would recommend. It is one of the most powerful diesel SUVs in its segment, with strong mid-range performance and a genuinely engaging driving experience. It also strikes a good balance between comfort, space, and features, making it a well-rounded replacement for the Hexa. As for the XUV 7XO variants, the AX7 is the sweet spot, offering most of the key features without pushing the price too close to your Rs. 35 lakh budget.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

autocar.india

•22h

The Kia Seltos Diesel AT is a great car, but with an annual running of just 7,000-8,000 km, the diesel premium is difficult to justify, especially when you already plan to sell it after 4-5 years. Given your low annual running, home charging cost of Rs 10.5/kWh, and planned ownership of 8-10 years, the Mahindra BE 6 makes the most sense. Your usage pattern is ideal for an EV, and over a long ownership period, the lower running costs will more than offset the higher upfront price.Your budget also suits the BE 6 well, as the Pack One Above variant fits comfortably within it. The Tata Harrier EV and even the Mahindra XEV 9e are more premium offerings, but both would require you to stretch your budget.That said, if comfort and practicality are your priorities, the BE 6 may not be the best choice. The Tata Sierra EV is a better alternative. It comes with a slightly larger battery pack than the BE 6, fits within your budget, and offers an excellent ride along with a more spacious cabin. The Adventure 63 variant is the one to consider. It is worth test-driving both the BE 6 and the Sierra EV back-to-back, as that will give you a much clearer idea of which one better suits your needs.

Mahindra BE 6

Kia Seltos

Tata Harrier EV

Tata Sierra EV

Mahindra XEV 9e

autocar.india

•23h

The BMW 3 Series M Sport Pro at Rs. 70 lakh on-road is a reasonable deal, though not an outright bargain. It remains one of the most engaging luxury sedans to drive, thanks to its strong performance, well-balanced chassis, and genuinely premium cabin. For a first luxury car, it is a very satisfying choice.As for ground clearance, the version sold in India is capable of clearing most speed breakers and potholes without scraping. In fact, it is well-suited to cross-country trips as well. With sensible driving and a bit of care, it can handle most highways and rural roads with ease.

BMW 3 Series

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•1d

Within a budget of Rs. 70 lakh, the BMW 3 Series is one of the best choices. However, if ground clearance is a concern, an SUV would be the more practical option. Equivalent SUVs such as the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC will require stretching the budget by another Rs. 10-15 lakh. Otherwise, the alternatives will have to come from a segment below.Since comfort is a priority, it would be worth waiting for the upcoming BMW X1 Long Wheelbase, which is set to launch on 21 August. As it will be assembled in India, pricing is expected to remain competitive and within your budget.The Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback are also worth considering. They offer a refined petrol engine, smooth performance, and a high-quality cabin. Their only drawback is that they are not the most modern in terms of features. With the new-generation Q3 expected to arrive soon, attractive discounts on the current models are also likely.

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series LWB

Audi Q3

Audi Q3 Sportback

Mercedes-Benz GLC