Delhi

•5w

My budget is Rs 15 lakh. I will be the primary user of the car, although five people may occasionally travel in it. I have shortlisted the Skoda Kylaq and Renault Kiger, with the latter being considered with both the turbo-petrol and CVT options. My daily usage will be limited to around 8km, with occasional long-distance trips. Considering that the Kylaq’s rear-seat space is not particularly comfortable for three adults and that the Kiger’s RPM fluctuates even when driving at a constant speed, which of the two would be the better choice? Please also consider E20 compatibility while making the recommendation.

•5w

Go for the Skoda Kylaq. With your low daily running and occasional long trips, the Kylaq's 1.0 TSI petrol engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a better fit than the Renault Kiger's turbo petrol with CVT. The Kylaq's engine is more refined, more responsive and better suited to highway driving, while the torque converter automatic feels smoother and quieter than a CVT. The Kiger's CVT can feel inconsistent at times, which is likely what you are noticing as unstable RPM at constant speeds.

On the rear seat, the Kylaq is not the widest car in the segment, but it is still a comfortable 5-seater for occasional use. The Kiger is slightly narrower and does not offer a significant advantage in rear seat space. Both cars are E20 compliant, so there are no concerns on that front.

The Kylaq is the better all-rounder here. It offers a more enjoyable driving experience, a smoother automatic gearbox and a more refined engine, which will make a bigger difference over long-term ownership than a marginal difference in rear seat width.

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Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.47 Lakh

Renault

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from ₹6.31 Lakh

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•2d

Hi Team, I need your help in making a head vs. heart decision. I am a new driver and this would be my first car. My budget is around Rs. 15-16 lakh and I want a car with automatic transmission and should have BH number. I work in Delhi but my hometown is in Uttarakhand. My usage will be around 60% in the city and 40% on highway/hill runs. My overall running will be around 1,000 km per month. Since I am a bachelor, I will be mostly travelling alone and only sometimes with passengers. Jimny and Kylaq are front runners but I have a soft spot for the Gypsy, which used to be my dad's government car. Which car should I choose? I like Jimny Alpha AT but logically Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ makes more sense. I am open to other options as well.

•1d

The Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ automatic is the better choice for your usage, even though the Jimny has the stronger emotional appeal. The Jimny’s biggest strength is its off-road ability, which you’re unlikely to use often. In the city, its heavy steering and large number of turns lock to lock can make manoeuvring tiring, while the ride, though impressive for a ladder-frame SUV, still feels lumpier than the Kylaq’s. Its engine is also less suited to relaxed, quick highway overtakes.The Kylaq, on the other hand, fits your Delhi commute and Uttarakhand trips better. Its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol has enough punch for highway driving, the six-speed torque converter automatic is smooth in traffic, and its comfortable ride and agile handling make it enjoyable without being demanding for a new driver. It should also feel more settled on long highway runs.The Jimny will always have that Gypsy connection, and that’s a perfectly valid reason to want one. But buy the Kylaq with your head and heart: it is the more capable everyday companion for the driving you’ll actually do.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

•1d

I currently own a 2013 Swift ZDI diesel in a budget of Rs. 15 lakh for new car. My maximum weekly running is 150 km once in a week.

•1d

With your running limited to around 150km a week, a petrol car makes more sense than a diesel. Since you are used to the punch of the Swift ZDi’s diesel engine, the Skoda Kylaq or Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic would be worth considering within your Rs. 15 lakh budget. Both offer lively turbo petrol engines and smooth six speed torque converter automatics, making them enjoyable for everyday use as well as occasional longer drives.The Kylaq is better suited to weekend trips, thanks to its larger boot, while the 3XO has a wider cabin that makes it the better option if you regularly travel with five people.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•1d

Hi Autocar, I have already booked Škoda Kylaq Classic+ Automatic with its delivery during the next 1 week but the government's move towards E100 fuel has raised concerns about whether higher ethanol blends, such as E20 or above, could cause EPC or maintenance issues with the Kylaq. Should I be worried about long-term reliability and maintenance costs?

•1d

There is no need to panic or cancel your Škoda Kylaq Classic+ automatic booking purely because of concerns around E100 or higher ethanol blends. The key distinction is between a government policy allowing higher ethanol blends and a mandate requiring every petrol car to run on them. Your concern about EPC warnings and maintenance is understandable, but it is important to establish what fuel the Kylaq's manufacturer officially approves before assuming you will face problems. Skoda confirms that all its BS VI petrol cars sold in India after 1 April 2020 are compatible with E20 fuel, and using E20 will not void the warranty on these cars under its standard warranty terms. The government has also clarified that the recent E100 regulation is for specially designed and certified flex fuel vehicles. It does not require existing cars to switch to E100, and the government said in July 2026 that no decision had been taken to increase the nationwide blend beyond E20.

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•1w

Dear Autocar Team, I currently own a Dzire diesel manual (2018) and now I am planning to buy a new car but I am very confused between Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kwh and the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kwh. Although, I love diesel cars but since I live in Faridabad, my biggest concern is about increasing bans and restrictions on diesel cars. My main usage is on highways and bit within the city. I have clocked 1.3 lakh km on my Dzire in 8-9 years. I am getting the exact Harrier EV model for Rs. 22 lakh (on-road) whereas the XEV 9S will cost around Rs. 27-28 lakh (on-road) and that is my biggest confusion. Should I spend this additional amount on the XEV 9S for Harrier ev because I don't want any hassles as an since I plan to keep the car for the next several years.

•6d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

Tata Harrier EV

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•6d

I am looking for a petrol automatic car under Rs 12 lakh with good features. My first choice is the Honda Amaze, but I am concerned about its ground clearance and engine performance. Around 70% of my driving will be in the city. Would the Amaze be a good choice?

•5d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

Honda Amaze

•3d

For my personal requirements, I have shortlisted two cars including Mahindra 3XO Edge automatic and Brezza VXI automatic. The only reason for which I have shortlisted Brezza is because of its simple engine. Otherwise, everyone in my family wants to go with 3XO for its space, unique looks and bigger width. I want to know about TCMPFi engine. Will it be reliable and at least better than Nexon's Revotron?

•3d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO Edge automatic. The Brezza VXi automatic is a safe, simple and reliable choice, but the 3XO is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a wider cabin, more space and a more premium feel, which your family clearly values. The TCMPFi engine is a turbocharged petrol unit and is fundamentally a sound engine. It is not a new or unproven powertrain, and Mahindra has had time to refine it. It is also paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is a proven and reliable gearbox type. Compared to the Nexon’s Revotron engine, the 3XO’s powertrain is more refined and the gearbox is smoother and more conventional in its operation. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simpler and will likely be marginally more reliable over a very long ownership period, but the 3XO’s engine is not something to worry about from a reliability perspective. Given your family’s preference for space and the more premium feel, the 3XO is the better choice.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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