Autocar India
18w

I have a 2018 Ford EcoSport and want to upgrade my alloys. Currently, I have 16-inch alloys, but I am confused between sticking with 16 inches or upgrading to 17 inches. What would be the safer option? I am considering upgrading to Ford 17-inch alloys.

Verified
18w

For a 2018 EcoSport used on mixed city roads with the odd rough patch, the safer and more balanced choice is to stick with 16-inch wheels. If you want a fuller look and better grip, shift to a 215/60 R16 tyre on a nice 16-inch alloy. This works well because the taller sidewall cushions bad roads better, you are less likely to bend a rim or cut a tyre in a pothole, and tyre choice and prices are friendlier. Steering will also feel a touch lighter in traffic compared to heavier 17-inch wheels.

If you really want the Ford 17-inch alloys, it is doable, but you should be aware of the trade-offs. Ride will feel firmer and sharper over rough roads, the chance of tyre or rim damage increases on big potholes. Tyres will cost more with fewer brands to pick from. To keep the overall size close to stock, go for 215/50 R17 (this matches the original rolling size better than 205/50 R17, so your speedometer error stays small). Make sure there is no fouling with the wheel arch at full steering lock or with a full load. Pick tyres with the correct load and speed rating. If your spare remains a 16-inch, use it only to reach a tyre shop.

Between the two, we would stick with 16-inch for everyday Indian conditions. It keeps the EcoSport comfortable and tough, which suits daily use best. If the look matters most, the 17-inch Ford alloys with 215/50 R17 tyres are the best way to upgrade. 

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16h

I own a Skoda Slavia Sportline that I had purchased in December 2025. After reading about so many BaaS offers on electric vehicles viz XEV 9S, where the registration charges are zero in Maharashtra, it is tempting to exchange my current car for an electric car. Should I do that? My monthly running is around 1000 km. Also, is BaaS available for the Sierra EV?

Verified
54m

With a monthly running of around 1,000 km, an EV can make sense, but only if you have a predictable usage pattern and access to home charging. The bigger question is whether it makes sense to exchange your Slavia, which is a relatively new and well-rounded car. The Slavia offers a great driving experience, good comfort and is a proven product. The XEV 9S is a very different proposition – it is a large, premium electric SUV with a very different ownership and usage profile.The BaaS (Battery as a Service) scheme on the XEV 9S is attractive because it reduces the upfront cost, but it also means you are paying a monthly subscription for the battery, which only makes sense if you are committed to long-term EV ownership and your usage pattern justifies it. The Sierra EV does not currently offer a BaaS scheme.Our advice would be to hold on to the Slavia for now. It is still a very capable car and you are unlikely to recover its value in a trade-in so soon after purchase. If you are keen on an EV, wait for a few more years until your Slavia has served its purpose and the EV market has matured further. If you are set on an EV today, the XEV 9S with BaaS is a good option.

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Popular discussions right now

1d

I am planning to buy a new car under 20-25 lakh for the next ten years. I have considered two cars Seltos DCT GTX(A) and Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG but am afraid of the mileage and if I go with an EV, I am afraid that infrastructure will not be that good. I drive daily for 10-15 km and take 2-3 trips in a year on highway. Should I buy the car now or wait for Seltos Hybrid? Will it cost an additional 2-3 lakh or will it be value for money for my driving. Should I consider another car?

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With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

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2d

I’m planning to buy my first car and would appreciate some suggestions. My budget is around Rs. 13-15 lakh ex-showroom, and I’m planning to register the car under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, so I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I’d prefer something that looks classy and elegant while offering good comfort. A premium-looking interior would be a plus, and features such as leather/leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, but they aren't deal-breakers. At the same time, I don’t want a car that is purely comfort-oriented. I enjoy driving, so I’d like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling, and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips would also be appreciated.

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Based on your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the recommendation. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family usability. The 1.0 TSI engine is strong, the handling is engaging, and the car feels solid and confidence-inspiring on the highway. The interior feels premium, and while it may not be the largest in its segment, overall comfort is quite good. If you prefer the look of the VW Taigun, it offers largely the same experience as the Kushaq. The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is also a strong alternative, offering excellent driving dynamics and a larger cabin. Overall, though, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the car that best aligns with your requirements.

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