I’m thinking of buying a Mercedes GLE. Considering the facelift has just been revealed, should I wait for the newer version? And by when is it expected to launch in India?

autocar.india

•36m

The Hyundai Creta N Line is a sportier-looking derivative of the Creta. It gets revised front-end styling, red detailing, larger 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and dual tip exhausts on the outside. The interior gets an all-black look with red detailing, which does give the cabin a sporty flavour. Unique to the Creta N Line is the option of a manual gearbox with the turbo-petrol engine. The steering has also been redone for more weight.The larger wheels and tweaks to the steering do make the Creta N Line feel slightly sportier to drive. However, the dual tip exhausts sound no different to the standard Creta's, and that's a downer. Further, the move to larger wheels comes with a firmer ride, which can get uncomfortable. Also, the 6-speed manual gearbox isn't the slickest or most enjoyable. We'd stick to the DCT.In a nutshell, while the N Line does look distinctive and attractive, it isn't the best Creta you can buy. The standard model feels comfier, and its lower price also makes it a better deal. If you want an enjoyable driving experience above all else, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG or VW Taigun 1.5 TSI DSG will satisfy you more.

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•27m

It’s a shame you cancelled your Hyundai Venue booking over ethanol concerns, because in our view, those fears are somewhat exaggerated. To clarify, while India could move to E27 or even E30 fuel over the next five years, there is currently no official roadmap confirming this.Even if such a transition happens, the risk to an E20-compliant car is limited. Most manufacturers have engineered a buffer into their E20 vehicles, and we understand Hyundai’s current petrol range is already compatible with higher ethanol blends (around E25-E27 levels). In practical terms, this means the car can handle higher ethanol content without any immediate issues.Over a very long period, certain components like rubber hoses or seals may see slightly accelerated wear. For instance, parts designed to last 6-8 years on E20 fuel may need replacement a bit earlier, say in 4-6 years. These are not high-cost components, and even older pre-E10 cars in India have managed well with periodic replacement of such parts.On the performance side, there won’t be any noticeable drop. However, since higher ethanol blends have lower energy density, fuel efficiency will be affected if the engine isn’t specifically calibrated for it. That said, the real-world impact on running costs is unlikely to be significant.If you still prefer to stay within a Rs 10-11 lakh budget, the Tata Punch is the only car that meets your non-negotiable 5-star safety requirement in this price range. While Tata’s reliability record isn’t quite at Maruti’s level, the latest versions of the Punch are better sorted and should serve you well over time. The AMT gearbox is not the quickest, but it suits city use, which forms the bulk of your driving. Its solid build and stable ride also make it reasonably capable on highways, though overtaking will need some planning. Tata’s wide service network is an advantage in Tier-2 cities like Warangal.If you’re open to a sedan, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is also worth considering. It offers a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, is spacious, easy to drive, and has a smoother, more efficient petrol-AMT combination. It may not have the SUV image, but it’s a very practical and user-friendly choice for long-term ownership thanks to Maruti-Suzuki’s unparalleled service network.

Hyundai Venue

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

autocar.india

•2h

The Hyundai Creta 1.5 IVT is a great buy and is our pick of the Creta range. Its smooth gearbox and refined engine are highlights. You'll appreciate the seamless performance in town, and the power is fair for highway use too.The all-new Creta is due in the coming months and promises to be larger, more refined and more tech-laden. If these are key considerations for you, it might be worth your while to wait for the new Creta. Otherwise, there's a good opportunity to haggle on a current Creta IVT and get a good price. About the ethanol worry, the Creta is built for E20 fuel and should support higher blends of ethanol (such as E30) without any undue wear and damage. Do note, the manufacturer has not given any official communication on this.

Hyundai Creta