Autocar India
16h

We are first-time car buyers from Warangal, Telangana. Both my parents, who are above 50 years of age, will be driving the car regularly, and nobody in our family has owned a car before. Around 60% of our usage will be on highways. We plan to keep the car for a minimum of 6-8 years. We also expect decent mileage, although we understand that both are turbo-petrol cars, so we are not expecting very high fuel efficiency. Between the Kylaq's torque converter and the Venue's DCT, which one is genuinely easier and less stressful to drive for a 50 years+ first-time driver in daily city traffic? For Kylaq Signature Plus AT owners, how is the automatic transmission performing in real-world city driving? Are there any complaints after a few months of ownership? We do have a Skoda dealership in our city, but we would like to know how smooth the actual service experience has been for owners in similar Tier-2 cities. Given that we previously cancelled our Venue HX8 DCT booking due to concerns about ethanol blending, which was priced at Rs. 16.1 lakh on-road, does going back to the Venue HX6 make practical sense, or are we just going in circles? I'm personally interested in the Kylaq, but the car will mostly be used by my parents. If any issue occurs, I want the service centre to be able to resolve it easily without troubling them too much or having the car remain at the workshop for weeks.

Verified
1h

In your case, the Hyundai Venue HX6 Turbo DCT is the better choice. While the Kylaq is the more enjoyable SUV to drive and its torque converter automatic is smoother than the Venue's DCT in slow moving traffic, your priorities are different. This will be your family's first car, both your parents (50+) will be driving it regularly, and you plan to keep it for 6-8 years. In that context, Hyundai's larger service network, more established ownership experience and easier support in a tier-2 city like Warangal give it the edge.The Kylaq's 6-speed torque converter is an excellent automatic and is likely to feel more natural than the Venue's DCT in bumper to bumper traffic. However, the Venue's DCT has matured over the years and is perfectly manageable with normal driving. On the highway, both cars perform well, but the Kylaq has the better ride and handling balance, making it the more rewarding car to drive.As for going back to the Venue after cancelling the HX8, it doesn't mean you're going in circles. The HX6 sits at a much better price point and represents stronger value for money than the HX8 did. Also, concerns around future ethanol blending shouldn't be the deciding factor today. E20 petrol will continue to remain the standard fuel for the foreseeable future, and manufacturers design their latest turbo petrol engines to run on it.

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
5h

I am looking to buy an SUV / compact SUV with a budget of around Rs 25 lakh. I have been using a 2014 Honda City i-VTEC CVT VX for the last 12 years with zero issues and have been really happy with it. The car has run just under 40,000km till date, as my monthly driving is only around 300km, mostly in the city. My spouse and I are not big car enthusiasts, so we do not know much about technical aspects, including engines and the like. Also, I am not a very big fan of too many digital controls on the dashboard. I need a good, spacious car with good exterior and interior quality and decent features.

Verified
4h

The Hyundai Creta would be the best fit for your requirements. Coming from a Honda City that has served you reliably for 12 years, it sounds like you value hassle-free ownership, comfort and practicality over outright performance or flashy technology. This Hyundai car offers a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, refined petrol automatic, and a proven ownership experience, making it one of the easiest SUVs to recommend. The SX variant strikes the best balance between features and value, while the SX(O) is worth considering if you want a few additional convenience and safety features.If you prefer something familiar and your running remains 300km a month, the Honda Elevate ZX CVT is another excellent choice. It retains the Honda refinement and simplicity you're already used to, has physical controls for most functions and doesn't overwhelm you with digital interfaces.

VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleHonda Elevate
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Creta
18h

Decision Help: Citroen Basalt X vs. Jeep Compass Automatic (Insights on Suspension & Highway Loads) ​Hi everyone, ​I’m looking for some advice on deciding between the Citroen Basalt X (top-end model) and a Jeep Compass automatic (any variant). ​To give you some context on my driving habits: ​City Driving: I clock approximately 1,000 km a month in the city, dealing with daily traffic, bad roads, and potholes. ​Highway Driving: I don't do weekly highway commutes, but I do take a long road trip covering 2,000 to 3,000 km once every 3 or 4 months. ​Current Ride Baseline: Right now, I drive a Citroen C5 Aircross. I haven't had any issues with its suspension, though to be honest, I can't quite tell if it's on the firmer or softer side because it manages to feel both firm and soft at different times depending on the road. ​I have a few specific questions regarding how the Basalt and Compass compare for my use case: ​City Comfort & Spine Support: Given my heavy city usage, how does the Basalt’s notoriously soft suspension setup compare to the Compass’s firmer ride? The Compass is famously planted, but I'm worried its firm setup will transmit too many city potholes into the cabin and lack good spine support on bad roads. Will the Basalt be vastly more comfortable here? ​Highway Stability & Body Roll (Solo vs. Fully Loaded): I know the Jeep Compass is an absolute champ on the highway. I want to know how the Basalt behaves at cruising speeds between 100 to 120 km/h. Specifically: ​ 1. How different or pronounced is the body roll when driving completely solo vs. when the car is fully loaded with a family and a trunk full of heavy luggage? ​2. Does a heavy payload cause a drastic, potentially dangerous difference in how the Basalt's soft suspension handles high-speed turns or sudden braking? ​Highway Disadvantages: What are the practical disadvantages or dealbreakers of taking the Citroen Basalt X out on long highway stretches at higher speeds? Is there anything else I should be considering while comparing these two cars? ​Note: Please do not suggest any other vehicles or brands. I am strictly looking only into Stellantis vehicles. ​Looking forward to your insights and ownership experiences!

2d

Dear Autocar, I’m looking for some advice on a dilemma that I haven’t been able to resolve. I’m replacing my 2015 Audi Q3 Diesel, which has been an excellent long-distance tourer for us. I haven’t test-driven the Alcazar yet, but I plan to do so shortly. My annual running is relatively low, so this isn’t a petrol vs diesel question from a fuel-cost perspective. Our typical usage is very long road trips (Mumbai-Goa and similar), often 8-10 hours at a stretch, with two adults (my wife and me), our Beagle, and lots of luggage. We also drive through highways, ghats, villages and city traffic, so the car needs to feel effortless and confidence-inspiring in every situation, especially while climbing steep ghats with a full load. I’m considering the Hyundai Alcazar, but I’m confused between: 1. 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT 2. 1.5 Diesel AT (Torque Converter) If the petrol had a conventional torque-converter automatic, I would probably choose it without a second thought. My dilemma exists only because the petrol comes with a DCT, whereas the diesel gets a torque-converter automatic, which is generally considered smoother and more refined at low speeds. My priorities are, in order: - Overall refinement and cabin quietness - Smoothness of the transmission in city traffic - Effortless performance while climbing ghats with a full load - Long-distance comfort and relaxed cruising - Long-term ownership experience and reliability I am not looking for maximum fuel economy or the lowest running costs. I also have another dilemma regarding the seating configuration. Should I choose the 6-seater with captain seats or the 7-seater with the bench seat? My wife almost always travels in the second row during our road trips. She normally likes sitting in the middle seat because she enjoys the forward view. However, from the videos I’ve watched, the captain seats in the 6-seater appear significantly more comfortable and supportive for long journeys. Based on my usage, which powertrain and seating configuration would you recommend, and why? Thank you.

Verified
18h

Between the 1.5 turbo petrol and 1.5 diesel Hyundai Alcazar, the diesel is the better fit for your usage. It offers strong low-end torque and a more relaxed, effortless character on long drives. Just as importantly, the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smoother and more intuitive in city traffic. In contrast, Hyundai-Kia DCTs tend to have a sharper engagement, which can feel slightly jerky at low speeds and in stop-go conditions.Do note that while the 1.5 diesel pulls well from low revs, its top-end performance is not particularly strong. With a full load, highway overtakes will require a bit more planning compared to the turbo petrol. That said, for your kind of driving, which prioritises ease, consistency and long-distance comfort, the diesel’s overall delivery and gearbox pairing work better.On seating, the 6-seater with captain seats is the more comfortable choice. The individual seats are better contoured, offer superior support, and the addition of armrests makes a noticeable difference on long journeys. Your wife will likely appreciate the enhanced comfort over extended hours on the road. The trade-off, of course, is the loss of the exact central seating position she prefers, but in the Alcazar, the front seats are not overly bulky, so forward visibility remains reasonably good.One alternative worth considering is the Mahindra XUV 7X0 diesel. It offers stronger performance, better refinement, and feels more effortless on highways, especially when fully loaded. The ride quality is also well suited to mixed road conditions. However, it is a larger vehicle than the Alcazar and can feel more cumbersome in tight urban environments.Overall, for your priorities, the Alcazar diesel with captain seats strikes the best balance of comfort, smoothness and ease of driving

VehicleHyundai Alcazar
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
4d

I am planning to buy a car for my sister. She currently drives a 2016 Volkswagen Polo diesel manual. The budget is around Rs. 20-22 lakh. Her priorities are a premium-looking interior, a feature-rich cabin, low maintenance costs, and good performance. A diesel engine is strongly preferred. She was initially interested in the Hyundai Creta, but someone advised her to wait because the Creta is expected to receive a facelift in March 2027. Please suggest some good options.

Verified
19h

Go for the Kia Seltos diesel automatic. It is the best fit for your sister's requirements. Coming from a Polo diesel, she will appreciate the strong diesel punch, and the Seltos diesel automatic delivers that same effortless surge while being far more refined and relaxed on the highway. The cabin is among the most premium in its segment, with a rich feature list and a high-quality interior. Kia cars also have a widespread service network, and the 1.5-litre diesel engine has a proven reliability record, so maintenance costs are unlikely to be a concern.If she prefers something that is more engaging to drive and wants to stay with Volkswagen cars, the Taigun 1.0 TSI with the new 8-speed automatic is also worth considering. While it does not have the same diesel-like punch, the turbo petrol engine is strong, and the new 8-speed Aisin automatic is smooth with an improvement in terms of efficiency. That said, the Seltos diesel automatic remains the more natural and well-rounded upgrade for someone moving from a Polo diesel.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleVolkswagen Tiguan
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
4d

I’m planning to buy a new car for casual use with a budget of under Rs. 11 lakh. It will primarily be used for city driving, including daily office commutes and occasional weekend trips, with an expected monthly running of around 300 to 400km. My priorities are reliability, low maintenance costs, good fuel efficiency, and a car that is hassle-free to own over the long term. I’m currently confused between the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Swift, Honda Amaze, New Brezza, and Fronx. I don’t specifically need a turbo-petrol engine, although I’m open to considering one if it offers good features. I would prefer a manual gearbox, but I’m also willing to consider an automatic or AMT if it delivers good mileage in city driving. The Dzire has caught my attention, but I’m slightly hesitant because of its three-cylinder engine. Please clear my confusion.

Verified
20h

For your usage, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is actually the most sensible choice. Your running is low, your usage is mostly city with occasional weekend trips, and you want reliability, low maintenance and fuel efficiency. The Dzire is built exactly for this brief. The 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine is smooth enough in everyday use, and the car is light, easy to drive and very efficient in the city. Concerns about the three-cylinder engine are largely overstated. Modern 3-cylinder engines are well balanced and refined at city speeds, and the Dzire is tuned for efficiency and reliability rather than outright performance. In our real-world testing, the Dzire has managed 14.5kpl in the city and 20kpl on the highway. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is essentially the same mechanical package in a hatchback body, so the decision there is simply whether a hatchback or a sedan better suits your needs. The Honda Amaze is a good alternative if you specifically want an automatic. It gets a CVT, which is much smoother compared to the AMT on Dzire, but it's not as fuel efficient. In our standard test cycle, the CVT Amaze mileage is 9.94kpl in the city cycle and 16.62kpl on the highway loop. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Fronx are both good cars, but they will not be as efficient in the city as the Dzire.Go for the Dzire manual and do not worry about the 3-cylinder engine – it is a well-proven, efficient and reliable package.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Dzire
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Swift
VehicleHonda Amaze