Ellenabad

•4d

I bought a used 2017 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 MPI Highline Cup Edition from Spinny and really enjoy driving it. However, the engine feels underpowered while overtaking and on uphill stretches. I know the 1.2 MPI does not respond dramatically to tuning, but I have seen several videos on tuning MPI engines, and none clearly explain the exact power and torque gains. There are also mixed opinions online about different tuners. I am looking for a decent 10hp increase with minimal changes to the engine and definitely do not want pops and bangs. Could you suggest a good tuner in Bengaluru for the 1.2 MPI for this requirement? Also, is it always recommended to get a Volkswagen serviced at an authorised service centre, or are independent workshops a better option? Could you suggest some good service centres in Bengaluru for a Volkswagen Polo?

•4m

You are absolutely right that the 1.2 MPI is not an engine that responds dramatically to tuning. It is a naturally aspirated unit with limited headroom, so expecting a meaningful +10bhp gain with minimal changes is unrealistic. A remap can sharpen throttle response and marginally improve drivability, but the actual power and torque gains will be modest at best. Most reputable tuners will be honest about this, and the divisive opinions online are often a result of unrealistic expectations rather than poor tuning.

In Bengaluru, we do not have any experience with a tuner we can recommend, but suggest you look at the more established names with experience on VW MPI engines. They focus on sensible, reliability-first remaps rather than headline-grabbing numbers. However, even with the best tuner, the gains will be incremental rather than transformative.

On servicing, Volkswagen authorised service centres are the safest bet for a 2017 Polo, especially if you want to maintain the car well and avoid any ambiguity with parts or procedures. That said, there are a few independent VW specialists in Bengaluru who are well regarded, such as Car Smith Motors and VAG Tune. They can often offer more personalised attention and a better understanding of older VW cars, but it is important to check their reputation and experience with the Polo specifically.

Overall, enjoy the Polo for what it is: a well-built, fun-to-drive hatchback. Keep your expectations realistic with tuning. If you want a significant performance increase, moving to a turbocharged car is the more effective solution.

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•2d

Can the flush door handles on the Kia Seltos be opened from the outside in case of an accident, and are they safe in an accident?

•1d

Yes, the flush door handles on the Kia Seltos can be opened from the outside in the event of an accident, and they are designed with safety in mind. The flush handles are a cosmetic feature that sit flush with the door for aerodynamic and aesthetic reasons, but they are still mechanically linked to the door latch mechanism. In the event of an accident, emergency responders can still access the door handles and open the doors as they would with conventional handles. This Kia car also features standard safety systems such as side impact protection, multiple airbags and reinforced door structures, which are far more critical to occupant safety in a crash than the design of the door handles themselves. Overall, flush door handles do not compromise safety in an accident and are designed to function reliably in emergency situations.

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•5d

Since Toyota Hyryder Strong Hybrid does not come with a spare tire, I want to get it myself. But the problem is that although the Toyota dealerships in the entire region have the requisite stand available, the bolts required to fasten the stand with the chassis underbody are nowhere available as the manufacturer is not supplying the same for about last two months. How do I resolve it?

•3d

The lack of bolts appears to be a parts availability issue rather than a reason to abandon the spare wheel conversion. However, the mounting hardware for a spare wheel carrier is a safety critical component, so generic bolts should not be used simply because they fit the threads. The correct bolt size, thread pitch, length, strength grade and washer arrangement need to match Toyota's specified hardware.The best approach is to ask the dealer to raise a formal parts request with Toyota and escalate it through Toyota customer care. The dealer should also check whether the same spare wheel carrier and mounting hardware is used on the non hybrid Hyryder or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and whether the required hardware can be sourced through that parts network. This should be confirmed by Toyota before anything is fitted.A reputable fastener specialist can be used if Toyota provides the exact part specification, but there is little benefit in guessing the specification yourself. Avoid drilling or modifying the underbody to accommodate alternative hardware.

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•4d

I took my Victoris for its first service expecting to leave the car there most of the day. Was done much quicker than expected and there wasn't really anything extra.

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Popular discussions right now

•3d

I am confused between Creta SX IVT and Elevate CVT for 8000 km of annual running with long trips of 1200 km 3-4 times in a year for a family of 4. Apart from this, day to day usage is less than 100km per month. I am looking for a car for long term ownership and travel comfort.

•3d

The Creta SX IVT is the better fit for your requirement. It offers a quieter, more refined cabin, comfortable rear seats and a smoother CVT, which are particularly valuable when spending several hours on the highway with four people and luggage. Autocar's long term experience with the Creta petrol IVT also found it refined, comfortable and particularly well suited to road trips.The Honda Elevate CVT has advantages of its own. Its 220mm ground clearance, long travel suspension and large 458-litre boot make it particularly good on poor roads, while its naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine and CVT make for a relatively simple powertrain. However, the cabin is noticeably noisier, particularly when accelerating hard, and the CVT can produce the typical rubber band effect.

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•1d

Hi Autocar Team, I am confused between the XUV 7XO AX7T diesel manual and automatic. My current ride is a Fluidic Verna diesel manual, which is nearing 15 years of ownership and has clocked nearly 2.5 lakh km. My usage consists of mixed city and highway driving, with around 40km daily and weekend highway runs of about 400km. For long-term ownership, which would be the better choice: the manual or automatic?

•1d

Go for the XUV 7XO AX7T diesel automatic. The diesel engine is well suited to your high running, and the automatic gearbox is a proven torque converter unit that is reliable and well matched to the engine. This Mahindra car will make your daily city driving far less tiring, while still being smooth and efficient on the highway. Coming from a 15-year-old Hyundai Verna diesel manual, the automatic will feel like a significant upgrade in terms of comfort and ease of use, without compromising on long-term reliability. The manual is still a good option if you strongly prefer the engagement, but for your usage and ownership horizon, the automatic is the smarter choice.

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•5d

Hi, I am planning to buy a CNG SUV and am considering the Tata Nexon CNG and Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG. I will be driving around 150km every day for office, so my main concerns are fuel economy and maintenance costs. Many people have suggested the Brezza because of its mileage and lower running costs, but Tata is also a large company and has a wide service network. So, why do buyers generally recommend the Brezza over the Nexon CNG? I personally prefer the Nexon, but I am confused about whether it would be the right choice for my daily usage. Which one would make more sense for my requirements?

•4d

Go with the Tata Nexon CNG if that is your preference. At 150 km daily, CNG is the right fuel choice, and both the Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza are factory CNG cars, so reliability and safety are not a concern. The Nexon CNG is a strong product with good performance, a comfortable ride and a well-equipped cabin. The reason many people suggest the Brezza is Maruti's reputation for low maintenance costs, wide service reach and a long-standing reputation for hassle-free ownership. The Brezza CNG is also a very reliable and efficient package. However, the Nexon CNG is the more modern car and feels more premium inside.At 150 km daily, the key is to choose the car you will enjoy driving every day. The Nexon CNG is a solid choice, and there is no reason to change your decision.

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