Autocar India
•3d

I am 40 years old, 5'2 " in height, and I weigh 70 kg. I own a Fascino, riding for the last 8 years. I am now looking for a lifestyle motorcycle within a 3L INR budget. I have not ride a geared motorcycle ever. However, I do understand how it works since I have been driving manual cars for the last 15+ years. The usual commute is 100% within the city and within a 10 km radius with my daughter. I did try Hunter 350 for a 100-meter ride and liked it. Moderate fuel economy and ease of maintenance are my priorities, along with riding comfort.

Verified
•3h

Since you've mentioned your usage is quite low, and you liked the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 on your test ride, you should strongly consider it. The Hunter's low seat height and manageable weight will make it easy to use in city conditions, and it is a comfortable, reliable and fuss-free machine. If you ride sensibly, you will also see decent fuel economy, and the latest-gen Hunter has very pliant suspension, ensuring a comfortable ride over bad roads. Another option we'd recommend - and this is purely because you've mentioned this will be a "lifestyle purchase" - is the Goan Classic 350. The Goan attracts glances like nothing else at this price point, owing to its unique design and striking colours, and since it is based on a tried and tested platform, realistically, there should be no surprises in your prospective ownership. The one downside here is that the Goan is not as comfortable as the Hunter, mainly owing to its seating position.Take a test ride of the Goan to see if you resonate with the experience it has to offer before you make your decision.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
•3d

I want to buy a Volkswagen Tayron R-Line. But confusing with Innovia Hycross Hybrid ZX O.

Verified
•4h

Pick the Innova HyCross Hybrid ZX(O). If you have family on board often and spend lots of time in city traffic, the hybrid will cut your fuel bills noticeably, and the automatic transmission feels calm and smooth. It is also simply easier for parents and kids - more space, a comfier second row with captain seats, and a softer ride on bad roads. Keep it 6-8 years, and Toyota’s resale and hassle-free upkeep matter.The Tayron R-Line only makes more sense if you’re mostly four or five, you drive yourself, and you value a sharper, more fun feel on highways. It will feel livelier and more premium from the driver’s seat, but you’ll stop for fuel more, and you give up the HyCross’s people-carrying ease.One catch with the HyCross: it does not feel as exciting to drive as the Tayron, and the engine can sound a bit busy when you floor it.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
VehicleVolkswagen Tayron
•2d

I am planning to buy kia seltos in some time before the end of this year. With this Ethanol controversy going on, should I buy the petrol variant or go for the diesel variant of Seltos?

Verified
•5h

Buy the Seltos petrol. Kia’s current petrol engines are E20-ready, so the ethanol noise should not worry you, and the real-world hit is usually a small drop in mileage, not reliability. For mostly city use, the petrol is smoother, quieter and simpler to live with, and you avoid diesel’s soot filter quirks that show up on short trips. You also save on the higher upfront price of the diesel and sidestep longer-term policy risk around diesels in big cities.Go diesel only if your running is high and largely highway. The diesel will give you noticeably better mileage and relaxed cruising, so if you do something like 1,200-1,500 km a month at steady speeds, the maths can work in its favour. Just keep in mind it needs occasional longer drives to keep the DPF happy.If you are buying before year-end and plan regular mixed city use, the petrol Seltos is the safer, easier choice. The only real trade-off is fuel cost on long trips, where the diesel will sip less.

VehicleKia Seltos
•2d

Dear Autocar India Team, I am writing to highlight a serious ownership concern with premium Volkswagen Group CBU SUVs in India. I own a Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line costing over Rs. 60 lakhs on road. After tyre damage, I approached the authorised service network and was informed that the OEM tyre size - 255/45 R19 - is not available in India. This is a safety-critical consumable, not a cosmetic accessory. For a premium CBU SUV, it is deeply disappointing that owners are left struggling to source the standard tyre size after damage. This concern may not be limited to the Tiguan R-Line alone. The Volkswagen Tayron R-Line in India also uses the same 255/45 R19 tyre size, and the recently launched Skoda Kodiaq RS uses another rare performance tyre size, 235/45 R20. This raises a larger question: are premium CBU models being sold in India without adequate long-term tyre and consumable support? Insurance has approved an alternative tyre size in my case, but that does not solve the core issue. Owners should not be forced into non-OEM tyre sizes because the manufacturer has not ensured the availability of the factory-specified tyre. I had publicly raised this with Volkswagen India, but received no response. I request Autocar India to kindly look into this and raise the issue with Volkswagen India / Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, so that either OEM tyre availability is ensured or formal written guidance is provided for safe alternative tyre sizes. Regards, Dr. S. Alagu Ganesh Madurai

Verified
•5h

We’ll take this up with Skoda Auto Volkswagen India right away and ask for a clear tyre support policy, stocking timelines for 255/45 R19 and 235/45 R20 in India, and written guidance on approved alternates. We will publish their response. You’re right to call this out. A Rs. 60 lakh CBU that leaves owners hunting for a basic, safety‑critical size is not acceptable. No doubt, import curbs and BIS rules have choked niche sizes, but that is the OEM’s job to solve with their tyre partners, not the owner’s problem.While we push for a fix, two practical options keep you mobile without straying far from spec. For Tiguan R‑Line 255/45 R19, the closest matches are 245/45 R19 or 235/50 R19. For Kodiaq RS 235/45 R20, 255/40 R20 is closest. Only choose tyres with equal or higher load and speed rating, check full‑lock clearance, and do an alignment. With AWD, replace in pairs at a minimum, ideally all four, to avoid drivetrain stress. Expect a small speedometer error.

•2d

Hello, we own a Jeep Compass Limited and a Volkswagen Polo. We seek a new car of around 15-40 lakh Rs on road max budget with a high-quality cabin and comfort. We would love it if the car were from a high-quality brand, too. Please recommend one.

Verified
•6h

Get the Toyota Innova HyCross VX(O). It delivers the most comfortable, high-quality cabin you can get under Rs. 40 lakh on-road, and the Toyota badge nails your “high quality brand” ask. Compared to your Compass and Polo, this gives you a clear step up in space and long-trip comfort. The second row is wide and supportive, the ride is plush over bad roads, and the strong-hybrid is quiet and smooth in traffic while staying efficient in the city. It is an easy, relaxing family car that still cruises confidently on highways.It also brings the peace-of-mind bit Toyota is known for, which matters when you plan to keep a car a long time. If you often carry parents or kids, they will feel the difference straight away.One honest catch: the ZX variant looks and feels even more premium, but it usually pushes past your budget in many cities. The VX(O) misses some toys, and it is not as rugged or fun to drive as your Compass. You buy this for calm and comfort.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
•2d

I currently own a Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI DSG, very happy with it's performace and efficiency. I recently replaced the clutch and flywheel. My concern is that the car is now 10 years old, but looks great, like straight from the factory, except for the usual Skoda niggles. I'm worried about when it would throw up a mechatronics failure and injector failure, as these are very common in Skoda and Volkswagen. The car has run only 65000 kms. Should I retain it or consider upgrading, or shall I get an OEM plus mods on it and enjoy it for the next 5 to 6 years? Definitely no idea of replacing as no car right now matches its power, torque, efficiency, etc

Verified
•7h

Keep the Rapid and enjoy it for another 5-6 years. At 65,000 km, your 1.5 TDI DSG is barely run in; you already did clutch and flywheel, and nothing new today matches its torque-efficiency blend without spending silly money.Your fear is fair, but mechatronics and injector failures are not guaranteed. Treat it like a keeper and manage the risk. Do age-based work now: timing belt with tensioner and water pump, fresh coolant, and a healthy battery. Stick to short service intervals, change the fuel filter on time, and fill at one trusted pump; a quality diesel additive once in a while helps. Get the DSG scanned, ensure the latest software, and avoid low-speed slip-and-creep that heats it up. Budget a rainy-day fund because if something does go wrong, it can be a six-figure bill.For OEM-plus, focus on feel, not power. New tyres in a quieter touring pattern, suspension refresh with quality dampers and bushes, better headlamps, thorough AC and brake service. Skip a torque-heavy remap on the DQ200; it drives nicer but can shorten gearbox life.If you still love driving it, keep it. You will spend less than replacing, and you keep the exact character you enjoy.