Hi Team, I am planning to buy the Tata Altroz facelift, but I am confused between the petrol and diesel variants. Are there any DPF issues in the diesel facelift variant, or is it fine to buy? My monthly usage will be in a 60:40 city-to-highway ratio.

Autocar India

•1h

You should opt for the diesel Tata Altroz if your usage stays as planned. With a 60:40 city to highway mix, the diesel makes good sense as it will give you better efficiency and stronger mid-range performance, which makes both city driving and highway overtakes easier. The Altroz diesel is known to feel punchy and well-suited for mixed usage, especially on highways.

On your main concern regarding DPF, there is nothing specifically problematic about the Altroz diesel. The behaviour is the same as that of any BS6 diesel. DPF issues typically arise only when the car is driven mostly on very short, slow city runs, where the filter does not get enough heat to clean itself.

In your case, since 40% of your driving is on the highway, the car will naturally get the conditions needed to regenerate the DPF, so it should not be a concern. You just need to follow a few basic practices: avoid repeated very short trips from cold, and occasionally give the car a steady run at moderate speeds so the system can clean itself.

If your usage were mostly short city drives, petrol would have been the safer choice. But with your current pattern, diesel is perfectly fine and will also be more economical in the long run.

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Latest questions people are discussing

Rahul

•3d

Hey, I'm looking to buy a new car with a budget of 25L. I'm torn between the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Kia Seltos. If I go with the XUV 7XO, what's the difference between the AX7 L and AX7 T variants? If Seltos, I'm leaning towards the top-end variant. I want an automatic transmission since I'll be driving mostly in the city (50km daily) and my wife will be using it too. Plus, we plan for weekend drives (400-500km). Currently, I have an i20 petrol (2016), but it's getting old and has clutch cylinder issues, so looking to upgrade. Which one would you recommend and why?

Autocar India

•2h

Pick the Kia Seltos GTX(A)Turbo Petrol DCT. For your mostly city use, shared driving with your wife, and weekend runs, it is the easier, more complete choice within your budget. It is smaller and lighter to handle than the Mahindra XUV 7XO, so parking and U-turns feel simple, and the seats and cabin quality are a clear step up from your i20. The DCT works well in normal city driving, and highway performance is good, too.One thing to be aware of is that a DCT can feel hesitant at very slow speeds if you inch forward a lot, and it can run warm in constant stop-and-go traffic. Drive it accordingly, and it is fine. The back seat is also not as wide as the Mahindra car.If you genuinely need more space or do long trips with a full family often, pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 T petrol automatic. It rides very comfortably and feels solid on highways, but in daily city use, its size needs more care in traffic. On the AX7 L vs AX7 T, L is the fully loaded one with boss mode controls, rear ventilated seats and larger 19-inch wheels, but if you can do without them then the AX7 T is a good pick.On your test drives, sit in slow traffic for 10 minutes to feel how each automatic behaves, and try parking in a tight spot. That will make the choice clear.

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Dhruv Patel

•2d

Hi, I am a doctor and drive 90-100km daily, with 90% highway usage and 10% city driving. I currently own a Hyundai Aura SX CNG, which has done 87,000km in 2 years. I am looking to buy a new car. My priorities are mileage, safety, and comfort. Most of my driving is solo, but for trips (6-7 times a year), we are five people. My budget is flexible, up to 18-20 lakh, but I prefer to spend as little as possible.

Autocar India

•2h

With a healthy 18-20 lakh budget, you can get multiple cars with different powertrain options. Since your usage is heavy, you could consider looking at diesel or hybrid options. The Kia Seltos HTK(O) Diesel MT is an excellent option. It is spacious, feature-rich, comfortable, and its diesel engine is very fuel-efficient.The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Petrol S Hybrid AT variant will also fit your budget, which comes with the convenience of an automatic transmission while also being extremely efficient. As a five-seater, though, the Seltos has an edge due to its slightly more spacious cabin.If you can account for home charging, you could consider an entry-level Creta Electric, which is likely to deliver a healthy range due to its efficient electric powertrain. With an EV, your running and maintenance costs will be very low.

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Chandan Jha

•1d

I currently own a Maruti S-Cross and a Honda Brio, and I plan to replace both. My budget for a 5-seater SUV is around 15-16 lakh, and for a compact hatchback, around 6 lakh. Both cars will be used in the city, and I want petrol options that are easy to maintain and fun to drive. The SUV will occasionally be used for family trips with four people (2 adults and 2 kids). My must-have features include a rear parking camera, steering-mounted controls, automatic climate control, rear AC vents (in the SUV), and keyless entry. I really like my current cars, especially the Brio.

Autocar India

•3h

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with the 8-speed automatic transmission is a fun-to-drive mid-size SUV that you can replace your Maruti S-Cross with. Its compact size makes it ideal for 2 adults and 2 kids, and the Classic+ variant will fall within your Rs 16 lakh budget, and it has most of the features listed, except a rear parking camera. You can also consider a Honda Elevate V CVT, which will be very easy to maintain and is fun to drive.With your Rs 6 lakh budget, though, you will only be able to get entry-level variants of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios or mid variants of a Maruti Celerio and Tata Tiago. Between the three, the Nios has the nicest interior, while the Celerio's engine will be more efficient. Do keep in mind that neither of the three cars will be as fun to drive as your Brio. So, if your car is in good condition, you should retain it.

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