Latest questions answered by experts

autocar.india

•1h

Yes, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTE will handle 800 km on highways and 200 km city in Tamil Nadu just fine. It will sit at 90-100 kph all day without feeling strained, the engine is smooth, and it’s easy to live with in traffic.It won’t feel weak because of the K3 platform. Platform decides stiffness and safety; how strong it feels is down to the 1.5 engine and gearing. This motor is good for steady cruising, but quick overtakes from 80-120 need a downshift and some space, especially with five adults and luggage. On flat TN highways like Chennai-Trichy or Salem-Kanyakumari, you’re sorted; on steeper ghats, you’ll work the gears a bit more.The honest catch is that it isn’t exciting when fully loaded. If you often drive with a full family and want easier, shorter overtakes, the Seltos turbo petrol feels much stronger, though it costs more and will use a bit more fuel. If your trips are mostly relaxed with two to four on board, the HTE NA is absolutely okay and won’t feel underpowered for your use.

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2h

Get the Honda City petrol, V trim, because you already like how a City drives, and this keeps the same easy, calm feel with a telescopic wheel, simple cabin and Honda reliability. The screen is modest, and there are still proper buttons and knobs, so it does not feel like a tablet on wheels. It is quiet, comfy over bad roads, and the petrol is smooth and efficient in real life, around 12-17 kpl depending on traffic.Safety kit is strong with 6 airbags, ESC and ISOFIX, and Honda’s service network is painless if you plan to keep the car long. One honest catch: there is no diesel now, but with your usage, the petrol will suit you just fine.If top-tier crash rating matters more than anything, look at the Skoda Slavia or VW Virtus 1.0 with lower trims for fewer screens. They are 5-star rated and drive well, but their ride is a bit firmer and long-term ownership can be fussier than Honda.

Honda City

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

autocar.india

•2h

All new two-wheelers sold in India have to compulsorily be compatible with E20 fuel, so the Honda Transalp 750 E-Clutch you have asked about will be compliant. Since it is an imported machine, the stickers on the fuel tank may say E5/E10, but the mechanics have been upgraded to be E20 compatible.

autocar.india

•3h

The Maruti Suzuki E Vitara only makes sense if you have a dependable home charger. Daily 100 km is easy for an EV, and running costs will be significantly lower than those of ICE vehicles.But we'd suggest you pick the Grand Vitara Zeta+ strong hybrid. With 100 km a day on highway and rural roads, it will cut fuel bills the most without charging worries, and the SUV's height and suspension handle broken patches well. Performance is quite zippy thanks to the electric motor's instant torque, and you will still see 20-plus kpl if you drive at steady speeds.The Dzire ZXi+ AMT is significantly cheaper to buy and quite efficient. Performance on the highway will seem quite dull, especially since you're coming from an Ecosport diesel.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

autocar.india

•3h

Since you are leaning towards adventure bikes, our first recommendation to you would be the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. It will feel like a proper step up in terms of performance, comfort, build quality and features. It is also far more comfortable for long days in the saddle when touring and is capable of carrying luggage as well as a pillion without fuss.Be aware that the Himalayan is heavy and tall, so U-turns and city commuting will take some getting used to. If you are a spirited rider and you want sharper performance, look at the 398cc KTM 390 Adventure X. It is quicker and lighter on its feet and great for fast highway work, but its suspension and seat comfort aren't quite at the level of the Himalayan. Take test rides of both before you make a decision.