Latest questions answered by experts
Ashok Kumar S
•3hHi experts, I am planning to upgrade from my Maruti Suzuki Wagon R to a midsize SUV. My budget is Rs. 18 lakh. My usage will be primarily on highways, with very limited city driving. My priorities are safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. Based on these requirements, could you please share your recommendations?

Autocar India
The Skoda Kushaq or Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Automatic would be the top recommendations here.Since your usage is predominantly on highways, the strengths of these two SUVs align very well with your requirements. Both feel stable and confidence-inspiring at higher speeds, offer comfortable ride quality and have strong safety credentials. Their turbo-petrol engines deliver a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, while the new 8-speed automatic transmission should further improve efficiency and drivability. They also represent a substantial upgrade over the Wagon R in terms of refinement, comfort and long-distance cruising ability.Another strong option is the Honda Elevate CVT. It may not feel as sporty or engaging to drive as the Skoda and Volkswagen twins, but it excels in comfort, reliability and ease of ownership. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and proven, while maintenance costs are likely to be among the lowest in the segment.

tharun
•3hHi Autocar India, I regularly read your news and advice articles, and I find them both interesting and helpful. I would like your guidance regarding a future car purchase. I am interested in buying an EV, particularly the upcoming Kia Syros EV. However, I have concerns about two aspects. First, as far as I understand, Kia currently does not offer a DC home charging solution, and I would prefer faster DC charging over conventional AC home charging. Second, I am concerned about battery health. My understanding is that current EV batteries cannot stand frequent DC charging. Is there a possibility that Kia could launch the Syros EV with a DC home EV charger and battery technology that can better withstand frequent DC charging? Given these concerns, would you recommend proceeding with the Kia Syros EV when it launches, or would it be wiser to postpone the purchase until these issues are addressed? I would appreciate your advice.

Autocar India
No manufacturer currently offers a DC fast charger for home installation as part of a mainstream EV package. Home charging is almost universally done via AC chargers, while DC fast chargers are intended for public charging networks.As for battery health, there is no evidence to suggest Kia Syros EV batteries are unusually sensitive to frequent DC fast charging compared to other modern EVs. While regular DC fast charging can increase battery wear over very long periods, modern battery management systems are designed to minimise this effect.If an EV is predominantly charged using DC fast chargers or is rarely charged to a high state of charge, it is generally advisable to charge it to 100 percent occasionally. This allows the battery management system to accurately calibrate and balance the individual cells within the battery pack, helping maintain optimal performance and range estimation. However, there is no need to charge to 100 percent every day. For routine use, most manufacturers recommend keeping the battery within a moderate charge window and reserving full charges for longer journeys or occasional battery balancing.
Sankar
•1dI own a Hyundai Xcent SX(O) Petrol (2014 model) and have been quite happy with it. I am now looking to upgrade to a compact SUV with an automatic transmission. I am not particularly concerned about fuel efficiency or features such as a sunroof, ADAS, and other premium equipment. My main priorities are interior space, safety and crashworthiness, boot space, and good after-sales service. My budget is around Rs. 20 lakh. Which SUV would you recommend?

Autocar India
Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT. It gives you proper family space and reasonable-sized boot, and it is has also secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash rating. Coming from a Hyundai, Kia’s service reach and experience will feel familiar and generally hassle free.Cabin quality is solid, seats are supportive for long drives, and it feels like a clear step-up compared to your outgoing car. You could opt for the entry-level HTE O IVT variant, which doesn't get a panoramic sunroof and some other features, so you are not forced into paying for things you do not want.If you prefer something smaller and more compact, you could consider the entry-level Skoda Kushaq or VW Taigun with the 1-litre turbo-petrol engine and 8-speed automatic. Both are nicer to drive than the Seltos, and their boot space is surprisingly better than what the numbers suggest.
Ayush
•19hI am planning to buy a new Kia Seltos around October. Should I go ahead with the Seltos, or would it be better to wait for the new Hyundai Creta?

Autocar India
Go ahead with the Seltos in October; it already offers the same core package the new-gen Creta is likely to bring, without waiting on launch dates or risking a price jump. Both share engines and most features, and the Seltos’ facelift brought all the modern, feel-good bits, so you are not missing anything major. October also tends to bring festival deals, and quicker delivery on the Seltos, which you can actually use.The next-gen Creta is likely to hit showrooms in the first half of 2027. And even post launch, deliveries could take a few weeks. Hence, your wait is likely to get even longer.

Rajendra Madhwani
•8hI want to buy a new car and have shortlisted the Tata Tiago CNG AMT and the Hyundai Exter CNG Manual. My primary requirements are fuel efficiency and driving comfort. I also considered the Tata Tiago EV, but I am somewhat apprehensive about buying an EV due to range anxiety and the relatively limited driving range. I do not have the budget for higher-range EVs. My usage will be predominantly in the city, with an expected daily running of around 30-40 km. I would appreciate your suggestions on which option would be the better choice for my needs.

Autocar India
If you can arrange for home charging, the Tiago EV is an excellent pick. It is very user-friendly, and its driving dynamics are very sorted. Expect around 200km on a single charge with the 24kWh battery version, and around 150-160km with the smaller battery version, so with 30-40km daily usage, you will barely need to charge the vehicle twice or thrice a week. However, in the absence of home charging, we'd recommend you to opt for the Exter instead, simply for its smoother and refined engine, lighter controls, and higher seating. Sure, the Tiago CNG is likely to be more efficient, but the Exter CNG doesn't fall behind. Expect the Exter CNG to return around 22km/kg in the city and 30km/kg on the highway.
Vimlesh
•8hI am confused between the Honda Elevate V MT and the Kia Seltos HTE MT. I live in a Tier-5 city that also has some hilly terrain. My usage is around 40% city driving and 60% highway driving, and my annual running is moderate. I like the Honda Elevate for its engine response, strong initial pickup, mid-range performance, long-term reliability, and generous rear-seat legroom. However, I am not entirely comfortable with the driver's seating position and legroom, and I feel it may not be as comfortable on long drives. Another concern is that the nearest Honda service centre is about 100 km away from my location. On the other hand, the Kia Seltos offers a much better interior, more features, excellent driving comfort, and ample legroom. While the rear-seat space is not as generous as the Elevate, it is still comfortable and sufficient for my needs. It also has a service centre close to my location, a good service record, and better parts availability. However, I find the initial pickup to be less impressive, and I am slightly concerned about the engine's long-term reliability. Considering all these factors, which one would you recommend as a family car?

Autocar India
You seem to have answered your own question. The Kia Seltos seems to be the better pick for you on account of its comfier seats, and proximity of its service centre. Sure you might miss the Elevate's energetic performance, at least initially. However, the Seltos' 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and has adequate pep for most scenarios. Also, this engine has been doing duty in many Hyundai and Kia models for many years now, and it has proven to be quite reliable so far.
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