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Hi, I had planned to buy the Brezza Facelift 1.5 VXI MT and install the necessary accessories after delivery, with a budget of Rs. 12 lakh. However, I am now also considering the Creta 1.5 MT base model or the Kia Seltos base model. The on-road price of the Creta is Rs. 13.61 lakh, while the Seltos costs Rs. 13.72 lakh. Since there is a price difference of about Rs. 1.60 lakh between the Brezza and these two models, I am weighing my options. Would upgrading be a good idea? If so, which one should I choose between the Creta base model or the Seltos base model? Thanks.
If Rs. 1.6-1.7 lakh price difference isn't too much of a stretch for you, then get the entry-level Kia Seltos 1.5 Petrol. It feels far more modern, and more premium than the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and besides being more spacious, even in its base-spec packs most of the essential features you'd expect at this price.

I am from Delhi, and my daily commute is around 80 km. I am looking for an EV with a budget of around Rs. 17 lakh. I have shortlisted the e Vitara Zeta 61 kWh and the Syros ER HTX 51 kWh. I want a niggle-free ownership experience, at least a 400 km range, a smooth and comfortable ride, and good interior space. I also plan to keep the car for at least 8-10 years. Please suggest which one is the better choice.
The Kia Syros ER HTX 51kWh is the better fit for your requirements. With an 80km daily commute, an electric car makes perfect sense, and the Syros' 51kWh battery is more than capable of comfortably covering your daily usage while delivering a smooth, refined and comfortable driving experience. It also offers a spacious cabin, premium interiors and should feel more modern and sophisticated to live with over the long term.The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Zeta 61kWh is also a strong option. Its larger battery gives it an advantage on range and provides more flexibility for longer highway trips. Maruti's extensive service network is another plus if long term ownership is a priority. However, unless you frequently undertake long distance journeys, the additional range isn't something you'll use every day.
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.
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.
I own a 2017 Hyundai i20 Asta (O) with around 60,000km on the odometer. I am planning to upgrade with a budget of Rs 20 lakh. My priorities are an automatic transmission, ADAS, a sunroof, and a powered tailgate. I have shortlisted the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Sierra. Which of these would be the best long-term choice, and why?
Based on your priorities, the Kia Seltos would be our recommendation. It offers a well-rounded package with a strong feature set, including ADAS, a sunroof and a powered tailgate, while also delivering a comfortable ownership experience. The Seltos is a proven product with a good reliability record, and Kia’s service network is strong enough to inspire long-term confidence.The Hyundai Creta is mechanically very similar, but the Seltos feels more premium inside and offers a slightly better feature-to-price ratio.The Tata Sierra is a compelling option with a spacious cabin and a premium feel, but it is still a relatively new product and does not have the same long-term ownership track record as the Seltos. Given your budget and priorities, the Kia car mentioned above strikes the best balance between features, reliability and long-term peace of mind.
Hi Autocar team! I’m a first-time driver looking for a small car for my little family. My budget is under Rs 8 lakh. I’ve currently shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Hyundai Exter, and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. Which of these would be the best choice for me, or is there another car you would suggest?
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios would be the best choice for your requirements. As a first-time driver, you'll appreciate its smooth four cylinder petrol engine, light steering, excellent visibility and easy driving manners. It also feels more refined than the Celerio and offers a more premium cabin, making it a car you'll be happy to live with for many years.If your budget stretches closer to Rs 8 lakh, the Hyundai Exter is worth considering. It gives you SUV styling, higher ground clearance and a higher seating position, which many first-time drivers find more confidence inspiring. It is also better suited if you regularly encounter bad roads or large speed breakers.The Maruti Suzuki Celerio remains an excellent option if fuel efficiency is your biggest priority. It is inexpensive to own and extremely frugal, but it doesn't feel as premium or as comfortable as the Hyundai pair.
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.
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.
I am interested in buying the Ola S1 X 3 kWh electric scooter. Could you please advise?
We at Autocar do not recommend purchasing any two-wheeler from Ola Electric. Our past experiences with the company's products have found them wanting in multiple aspects, and it is advisable to go with a proven model of a similar spec and budget from reputed, established brands like TVS, Bajaj, Hero (Vida) and Ather.
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.
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
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.
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.

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.
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.
Hi Autocar, I currently drive a 2015 Honda City petrol and am planning to replace it with a 7-seater that I intend to keep for the next 10 years. My annual running is around 10,000km, with approximately 8,000km in the city and 2,000km on highways. My budget is Rs. 25-30 lakh. I also have rooftop solar and a dedicated home charging setup, so an EV is an option. Since I am a business owner, I can also claim depreciation benefits on an EV. Please suggest a car.
Given your annual running of around 10,000km, with 8,000km in the city and only 2,000km on the highway, the Kia Carens Clavis EV makes the most sense. Since you have solar and can set up charging at home, running costs will be very low. Also, Since most of your driving is in the city, the Clavis EV suits your usage well. It also offers a modern, comfortable cabin, a usable third row for adults, and well-established aftersales network of Kia cars should make it a dependable choice for long-term ownership.The drawback of an Electric car is your highway trips will need more planning for charging stops. If you regularly travel to destinations where charging infrastructure is limited, the Toyota Innova Hycross would be the better alternative.
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