Latest questions answered by experts

I am using a BMW 330Li and like the car very much. However, the only problem I have is that the driver's seat is not comfortable on long drives, and my lower back starts to feel uncomfortable. I have driven just 11,000 km since purchasing it in November 2025. Please suggest a good alternative within my budget of Rs. 60 lakh.

•16s

If you like the 330Li but struggling with long-distance comfort, the issue is likely more about seat ergonomics than the car itself. The 330Li is a fantastic driver’s car, but its seats are on the firmer side and the lumbar support adjustment isn’t as generous as some rivals, which can lead to lower back discomfort over longer drives.For your budget of Rs. 60 lakh, the best alternative is the Audi A6. It’s a class above the 3 Series, and while the on-road price typically starts from around Rs. 75 lakh depending on the city, there are significant discounts available. With some negotiation, you should be able to bring it close to your Rs. 60 lakh budget.The A6 offers a much more comfort-focused experience. The ride is plush, the seats are more accommodating, and the higher profile tyres add an extra layer of cushioning on bad roads. It’s not as engaging to drive as the BMW car, but it does address exactly the kind of comfort issue you’re facing.Before making the switch though, it’s still worth trying to fine-tune the seat settings in your 330Li or even using a good lumbar support cushion, as that alone can sometimes solve the problem.

Audi A6

BMW 3 Series LWB

•25m

I am ready to buy a new Himalayan 450 right now. Given that it is E20 compatible, is it safe to buy today? If the government mandates a higher ethanol blend (greater than 20%) in a couple of years, is this still the right time to buy, or should I wait?

•2d

I mostly drive in the city to commute to my workplace. My daily commute is around 20 km, and my annual running is about 10,000 km. I currently own a Hyundai Creta Manual. Can you suggest an upgrade, preferably an automatic, with decent city mileage?

•1h

With a 20km daily city commute and around 10,000km a year, your usage is predominantly urban and not high enough to justify a diesel. The priority should be a smooth automatic, good fuel efficiency and ease of driving in traffic. Since you are upgrading from a Creta manual, the natural step up would be a midsize SUV with a reliable automatic gearbox.The Kia Seltos IVT petrol is the most sensible recommendation here. The IVT gearbox is smooth, reliable and well-suited to city driving, and the Seltos is a well-rounded package with good comfort, features and a premium feel. It is essentially the same mechanical package as the Creta but feels like a more substantial upgrade in terms of cabin quality and overall experience.If you are open to a slightly different approach, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is also worth considering. The hybrid system delivers excellent city fuel efficiency and a very smooth driving experience, which is ideal for stop-start traffic. It is not as powerful as the Seltos, but it makes up for it with lower running costs and a more relaxed driving character.Between the two, the Seltos IVT is the safer and more premium-feeling upgrade, while the Victoris Hybrid is the more economical and city-friendly option. Both are strong choices, but given your upgrade from a Creta, the Seltos IVT feels like the more natural progression.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

•1h

Which car to purchase i20, altroz,fronx My budget is 8 lakh

•2d

I have to purchase a car for my 66-year-old father. He is currently driving a 7-year-old S-Cross VXi+, which has completed approximately 1.9 lakh km. Before that, he drove a Tata Manza for 3 lakh km and a Chevrolet Beat for 40,000 km. His usage is mostly on highways and the hilly roads of Nainital, with an average daily drive of around 40 km and yearly running of approximately 22,000+ km. His height is 170 cm. He drives calmly and conservatively at around 60–70 km/h and prioritises maximum fuel efficiency. I have shortlisted the Brezza LXi (due to its turbo-like low-end feel and seat height), Punch Adventure, and Exter HX6. Features are not a priority. My basic requirements are power windows, central locking, seat height adjustment, good ground clearance for rough terrain in Nainital, and good mileage. A reliable, affordable car with low maintenance costs and easily available service support is important, as the car will also be driven by a driver around 50% of the time. Please suggest the best option accordingly. Thank you. A big fan since 2003.

•2h

Given your father's usage pattern, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza LXi turbo is the most sensible choice. With 22,000+ km a year, a mix of highway and hilly terrain around Nainital, and a conservative driving style, you need a car that is reliable, efficient, and easy to live with. The Brezza's new turbo petrol engine is well suited to this kind of usage, offering good low-end torque for hill climbs and overtakes. The seat height and ground clearance of this Maruti Suzuki car are both strong points, making it easy to get in and out of and well suited to rough terrain, and the LXi does get driver's seat height adjust. Maruti's service network is another big advantage, especially given the car will be driven by a driver 50% of the time. The Tata Punch Adventure and Hyundai Exter HX6 are both good cars, but the Brezza is from a segment above and more spacious. Overall, the Brezza is the best fit for your father's needs.

Pros and cons of buying Kia syros ev htx er plus variant

•1d

I want to buy my first car for casual and office use within a budget of Rs. 11 lakh. My monthly commute will be around 300-400 km. Mileage and low maintenance costs are my top priorities. I also want good reliability and resale value, as I plan to keep the car for at least 10 years. I prefer a naturally aspirated (NA) engine over a turbo engine, and I am open to MT/AMT options based on service costs and mileage. I am very confused between the Dzire, Swift, Amaze, Fronx, and the new Brezza. I need guidance on which one would be the best choice.

•3h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire petrol manual. It is the most sensible choice for your requirements. Your monthly running is low, so a naturally aspirated petrol engine is the right choice, and the Dzire’s 1.2-litre engine is proven to be reliable, efficient and easy to maintain. The manual gearbox is simple, robust and will keep running costs low over a long ownership period. This Maruti Suzuki car is also one of the most reliable cars in the segment, with excellent service reach and strong resale value, which is important given your 10-year ownership plan. It is comfortable for daily office commutes, easy to drive in the city, and has enough space for occasional family use. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is a good alternative if you prefer a hatchback, but the Dzire offers a more practical boot and a slightly more comfortable rear seat. The Honda Amaze is also a strong contender with a reliable naturally aspirated engine, but Maruti’s wider service network and lower maintenance costs give the Dzire the edge. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Maruti Suzuki Brezza are good cars, but as turbo petrols they are not the best fit for your priorities of low maintenance and long-term ownership. The Dzire is the car that will give you the least hassle and the most peace of mind over 10 years.

I'm 38, a government employee earning ~₹90,000/month. I need a new car for daily commuting — 70% highway, 30% city, mostly hilly, bumpy roads and state highways in Jammu region. I drive around 2,000 km/month (~24,000 km/year). My current car is a 2019 Tata Tiago with 1 lakh km on the clock. It needs frequent repairs and gives only 10 kmpl, so I want to replace it. Budget: up to ₹17–18 lakh (on-road). Priorities: Strong driving performance/power — I enjoy driving, not just commuting Manual transmission preferred Mileage should be reasonable, not the top priority, but shouldn't be too low either Durability on rough hilly roads Shortlisted so far: Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo MT Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 Diesel MT Considered and rejected: Kia Seltos Diesel — didn't like the exterior design or driving performance. Question: Between the Duster and XUV 7XO (or any other option I'm missing in this budget), what would you recommend for my use case — considering long-term reliability, service network availability in a hilly/semi-rural area, ride quality on rough roads, and overall value for money?

•1d

I have a new 2024 Swift model, and it is now 2 years old. After switching to E20 fuel, I feel that the mileage and power have reduced. My monthly fuel expense is around Rs. 7,000- Rs. 8,000, and my monthly running is approximately 1,200 km. Should I exchange it for a Tata Punch EV?

•4h

The Tata Punch EV is worth considering, but only if you have access to reliable home charging. At 1,200km a month, you're driving enough to benefit from the significantly lower running costs of an electric car, especially if you're currently spending Rs 7,000-8,000 on fuel. The Punch EV is a genuine upgrade over the Maruti Suzuki Swift in terms of ground clearance and overall practicality, while also being much cheaper to run. However, before making the switch, it's worth checking whether the drop in mileage and performance is actually due to E20 fuel or if the car needs a service, tyre pressure check or air filter replacement, as a two year old Swift shouldn't see a dramatic drop in efficiency. An aftermarket CNG kit isn't something we'd recommend as it can affect the warranty, reliability and resale value of such a new car. The only drawback with this Tata car is that it makes sense only if home or workplace charging is available. Overall, if charging isn't an issue and you're planning to keep the car for a few years, the Punch EV is the better long-term choice.

Tata Punch EV

•4h

Hi Autocar team, I am looking to buy car in range between 50-55. I am preferring sedan but open to good SUV. I am thinking to go with audi A4, but its new generation A5 and Q3 both are due in india. I have also seen XUV diesel as my running 12-15k max 20k in year. Also explored Camery. Can you please suggest an options. I am looking for fun to drive car.

•5h

Planning to buy my first car with a budget of around ₹18 lakh. It will be my daily-use vehicle for Kerala roads, with occasional long trips. I've shortlisted the 2026 Renault Duster, Škoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun. My highest priority is crash safety, especially structural integrity and occupant protection, rather than features or ADAS. Which one would you choose, and why?

•1w

Hi, I want to buy an electric scooter for my 75-year-old father. It should be lightweight and suitable for local use only.

•5h

Try the new Bajaj Chetak C25 and see if it fits your needs. It's light, has enough poke for short distances and is very affordable to buy and maintain.Another option is the TVS Orbiter V1, which will have lower range but slightly more performance. This TVS scooter has a larger boot and feels more stable and grown up in the way it handles, compared to the diminutive Bajaj Chetak.A test ride of both will help you understand which of these Electric scooters is a good fit for your father.

Bajaj Chetak

TVS Orbiter

•5h

I am planning to buy a new car. I was about to buy i20 N. Then I heard about next gen i20 releasing 2027. So I am confused if I need to wait till 2027 in case we are going to see next gen i20 N. Q: are we expecting 4th gen i20N as well in 2027? Should I wait ?

•3d

My budget is Rs. 15 lakh. We are a family of four adults and two young kids (12 and 6 years old). Occasionally, we also travel with my two in-laws. Which is the best manual petrol car with good mileage, easy servicing, and easily available spare parts?

•6h

To buy a car under Rs. 15 Lakh for a family of four adults, two young children, and occasional trips with your in-laws, the priority should be space, comfort, and low running costs. The Kia Carens Clavis 1.5-litre NA petrol manual is the best fit here. It is one of the few cars in this price range that genuinely accommodates seven people comfortably, has a proven and reliable petrol engine, delivers decent fuel efficiency and benefits from Kia’s strong aftersales support. The sliding second row makes access to the third row easier, and the overall ownership experience is hassle-free. The only drawback of this Kia car is that the boot space is limited with all three rows up, but for your usage pattern, it strikes the right balance between practicality and cost of ownership.

Kia Carens Clavis

•6h

I'm a Female, 5'1", small built, currently drive a Venue (Turbo) automatic, and a Wagon R. I'm looking for a mid size Petrol SUV, 1.5 L turbo, automatic for highway drives, safety (gncap) being my first priority (will retain venue for city driving). Some days I tend to drive 4-5 hrs without a break on Highways. 20-21L on road is my budget. ADAS 2, ambient lighting, illuminated buttons, hill assist, a great music system and seat and seatbelt height adjustments are a must too apart from all other features that I've got in my Venue. (My amazing Venue has never failed me, even in steep hilly terrains of HP and Uttarakhand or dry, scorching highways of Haryana, UP, 200-250 km nonstop with absolutely no engine heating, and that's what I expect from my new car too- never get me stranded ever; ) Love Harrier, hate tata dealerships; love xuv 7xo, hate Mahindra; Love Victoris, hate its rear styling; At present I'm left with Taigun, Seltos and Creta. Is there any SUV that fits my requirements? Thank you. P.S (some other cars I've driven long term are Indica, Indigo XL, Fiat Palio, Ford Figo, Grand Vitara 2010 (imported) etc.) No.of passengers-3- all small built.)

•3d

I want to buy a car that offers low maintenance and high mileage. I am 6 feet tall and need a car for daily office use, with a running of around 50-60 km per day. My budget is around Rs. 7-9 lakh. Which car should I go for?

•7h

With a daily run of 50- 60 km, fuel efficiency and low running costs become very important. At the same time, your height of 6ft means you need a car with good headroom and a comfortable driving position. In your budget of Rs 7-9 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is the most sensible choice. This Maruti Suzuki car is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in the segment, has a very low maintenance cost, and Maruti's service network is unmatched. More importantly, the tall-boy design gives excellent headroom and a comfortable upright seating position, which makes a big difference for taller drivers on daily commutes. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is also more than adequate for city use and occasional highway runs. If you are open to CNG cars, the Wagon R CNG is even more economical and makes strong financial sense given your daily running. The only drawback is that the boot space is limited in the CNG version. If you want a slightly more premium feel, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a good alternative, but it only comes with a 1.0-litre engine, which, though efficient, isn't as punchy as the optional 1.2 in the Wagon R. Overall, the Wagon R remains the more practical choice for your specific requirements.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

•7h

I want to buy a car for my parents. criteria is automatic and fuel efficient. They both are teacher and travel 30km to a nearby village. My maximum budget is 9 lakh. My father have tummy so he generally prefer to sit in those cars in which he can easily get in and out without so much bending. I can opt BH number since I work in a central PSU. I selected 3 cars, 1 .Tiago amt cng pure plus 2. Altroz amt cng pure. 3 punch amt cng pure plus. Dealer is also giving discount on altroz amt cng that can bring this car under 9 lakh. Kindly suggest

•4d

Hi Team, Please help me choose the right car. I am planning to buy a car with a budget of around Rs. 11-12.5 lakh (on-road price in Delhi NCR). I need an automatic car, and my monthly running will be approximately 600 km, mainly in city traffic, especially on the Delhi-Gurgaon peak traffic stretch. I prefer to keep my cars for a longer period and will be upgrading from a Hyundai i20 manual. Based on my requirements, please suggest the best option among the following: Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi AT - Rs. 11.9 lakh on-road Kia Sonet DCT HTK(O) - Rs. 11.2 lakh Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT - Rs. 9.6 lakh Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic - Rs. 11.2 lakh I am unable to decide which one would be the most suitable choice for my needs. Kindly suggest the best option.

•7h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic. It is the best fit for your usage and available under Rs. 12 lakh, which fits your budget. Your running is low, so petrol is the right choice, and the Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven and reliable combination that works well in Delhi-Gurgaon traffic. This Skoda car is also one of the most fun-to-drive cars in this price range, with strong performance and good highway manners, which makes it a meaningful upgrade from your Hyundai i20. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXI AT is a solid alternative if you want a more relaxed ownership experience and Maruti’s service reach, but the Kylaq is the more engaging car to drive. The Kia Sonet DCT is not the right choice for your usage because the DCT gearbox is not ideal for heavy stop-and-go traffic. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT is the most affordable option, but the AMT gearbox is not as smooth as the Kylaq’s torque converter, and the car itself does not feel like a meaningful upgrade from your i20.The Kylaq strikes the best balance between driving experience, reliability and value for money.

With average run of 500 kms per month, I want a petrol car manual. Which one will be better Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Honda Elevate.

•3d

Hello Autocar Team, I obtained my car driving licence over a year ago, but I have almost no real-world driving experience apart from the driving test. Since my father drives a Mahindra XUV300 Manual (he lives in another city), I was initially inclined to buy a Mahindra XUV 3XO AT (AX5/AX5L/REVX A). However, some advice I found online has encouraged me to consider buying a smaller, less powerful used car to drive for a year. After giving it some thought, I completely agree with the idea of starting with a smaller car, especially since I'll mostly be driving alone. After some research, I narrowed my options down to the Hyundai i20 AT (2021-2023 IVT) over the Toyota Glanza and Maruti Suzuki Baleno in Bengaluru. My plan is to use the car mainly for highway trips (I'm planning lots of temple visits across South, East, and West India) while also practising city driving over the next few months. As a motorcyclist, I've been riding a Triumph Scrambler 400 X for the past two years and occasionally go on highway rides. Although I'll be a new car driver, I don't want to feel that the car is underpowered after a short period of ownership. Along with the i20 (and the Glanza/Baleno), I've now also added the Hyundai Venue to my shortlist. P.S. I'm also planning to enrol in a 10-day doorstep driving instruction course. Could you please suggest which car would be the right choice for me? My key requirements are: Automatic transmission, beginner-friendly automatic gearbox, reasonably quiet cabin, good highway stability, and good or decent resale value after 12-15 months

•9h

The Hyundai i20 IVT is an excellent city car; however, its 1.2 petrol engine will not feel effortless for highway drives. The Hyundai Venue is a good alternative, and its turbo-petrol and dual-clutch automatic combination will feel well-suited for highway drives. Also, visibility is very good thanks to its high seating, and with light steering, it feels quite easy to drive.Given that you plan to take the car for highway drives frequently, we'd recommend you also consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Turbo AT or Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor Turbo AT. Both are essentially the same car and are powered by a turbo-petrol engine and a smooth torque converter (automatic). Their turbo-petrol engine delivers strong performance, which will make the drive experience rather enjoyable. Also, these cars are quite stable for highway drives, are feature-rich, yet compact enough for the city. Between the Taisor and Fronx, pick the one you think looks better and the brand you're more comfortable with.

Hyundai i20

Hyundai Venue

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Need expert advice?

Ask the Autocar community and experts.

Latest questions answered by experts

Need expert advice for your car?

Can't decide between two cars?

Worried about service and upkeep?