Which is superior? Skoda Superb or Volvo xc60. Is the electric version of the xc60 available in India?

autocar.india

•12h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire petrol AMT. With 90% city driving, diesel is not the right choice. Modern diesels with DPFs are not happy with short city runs, and the cost savings wont add up with limited running. The Dzire is light, easy to drive, reliable, the AMT makes city traffic far less tiring and the 1.2-litre engine is very fuel efficient. It is also backed by Maruti’s massive service network and low running costs, which is exactly what you want as a long-term city car under 10 lakh. The Altroz diesel is a good car, but diesel simply does not make sense for your usage pattern. The Dzire is the safer, more sensible and more hassle-free choice for your needs.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Tata Altroz

autocar.india

•3m

With a budget of Rs 18-20 lakh, a monthly running of around 500 km and a mix of city and highway driving, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient option. The strong hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in both city and highway conditions, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with. The Victoris also offers a comfortable ride, good rear-seat space and a strong safety package, though at your budget, you are looking at an entry-level trim.For your running, the Kia Seltos IVT is a better alternative. It isn't as efficient as the Victoris Hybrid but offers a more premium and feature-rich cabin. The IVT gearbox is seamless in operation, and the 1.5-litre NA engine is very refined, making it a very relaxed car to drive in the city.The Tata Sierra is also worth considering if comfort and space are your top priorities. It offers a very comfortable ride and a spacious cabin.Overall, if fuel efficiency is your absolute top priority, then the Victoris Hybrid is a solid choice. But otherwise, the Kia car is a more rounded package with a good balance of fuel efficiency, comfort, features, safety and long-term ownership experience.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

autocar.india

•18m

The used EV market is still evolving, and there is no clear pattern at the moment with regard to value. The biggest factor affecting resale value is battery health, so cars with a healthy battery and a clear service history tend to hold value reasonably well. The key is to buy a car that is still within the manufacturer’s battery warranty period, and make sure that the warranty is transferable to the new owner. In terms of problems, electric cars have far fewer moving parts than ICE cars, so there is less to go wrong mechanically. The most common issues tend to be software glitches, infotainment bugs and occasional charging-related niggles. Battery degradation is the biggest long-term concern, but most modern EVs are holding up well, and manufacturers typically offer 8-year battery warranties. As long as the battery health remains within the warranty threshold, you are covered.Service bills are generally lower than ICE cars because there are no oil changes, fewer fluids and fewer wear items. Most service visits are basic checks, software updates and brake inspections. The main costs come from tyres as these can wear out faster thanks to the extra weight and instant torque they have to handle. The big unknown is out-of-warranty battery replacement, which can be expensive, but this is rare within the first 8-10 years if the car is well cared for.With a budget below Rs 20 lakh, however, you can actually opt for a new EV like the Tata Nexon EV, the MG Windsor or even the upcoming Kia Syros EV, and this may be a better option if you cannot find a good used electric vehicle.

Tata Nexon EV

MG Windsor