I have been using a Wagon R LXI CNG for 13 years, but the boot space is occupied by the CNG tank. I’m planning to buy a new car within the next 6 months under an ₹18 lakh budget. My priority is mileage and comfort. I’m inclined to wait for the Tata Curvv CNG, considering the petrol variant offers decent city mileage and good highway efficiency. I hope the CNG variant further enhances mileage. What’s your advice - should I wait or consider other options?

The best way to save your engine is, of course, to avoid driving in water-logged areas, except in case of an emergency. Also, if possible, park your car somewhere safe and retrieve it when the water level has subsided. No engine, no matter how reliable, should have to endure a hydrostatic lock from water entering the combustion chamber. That said, an SUV will always be far better than a sedan, owing to its higher ground clearance and the relatively higher positioning of the air intakes. Thus, if you're determined to drive through water-logged areas, consider a Force Gurkha. It comes with a high-mounted air intake and a snorkel, which allows it an astonishing 700mm of water wading capability. It should sail through most waterlogged roads without issue.

Your observations are correct. Neither the Tata Sierra nor the Kia Seltos has been crash tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP yet. But Tata Motors cars have had a good track record with these tests. While the Kia Seltos uses an all-new global platform that should be safer than the outgoing model.Both SUVs feature the latest in active and passive safety features, which should be a reassurance, and thus, on the safety front, you won't be wrong to go with either. As for other factors, the Sierra is certainly the more spacious of the two and edges the Seltos out on comfort as well. However, in most other areas, it's the Seltos that comes out on top, including, as you have pointed out, after-sales experience. The Sierra is being produced at the ex-Ford plant in Sanand, Gujarat. It is said to have higher manufacturing standards, and the brand has been committed to improving its after-sales service across the country, but the results of that will take some time to show.

Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta are mechanically identical, so you can pick either one without any hesitation. That being said, Kia recently launched the new-gen Seltos, which has a more spacious cabin, more features and a comfier rear seat than the Creta. Both SUVs are powered by the punchy 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that's paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Alternatively, if you love driving, the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq might be worth considering. Both these SUVs come with a 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a 7-speed DCT gearbox and offer better handling than the Kia and Hyundai cars.

Unfortunately, there aren't many cars that would meet all those requirements under Rs 13 lakh. You could increase your budget and get a more premium offering, or be prepared to sacrifice a few things and stick with your budget. Within your budget, your two best bets are the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, which both offer exceptional value for money. They come with 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines and smooth CVT auto gearboxes, and if driven carefully, can deliver good fuel economy. Their touchscreens are decent but not great, and it's a similar story with their audio systems; neither gets a sunroof. The Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch facelifts are more affordable but not spacious enough for five, and get clunky AMT auto gearboxes.