Latest questions answered by experts
Mudit
•10hMy budget is around Rs. 12 lakh for a manual car. I am getting the Honda Elevate V for Rs. 11.9 lakh and the Kia Seltos base variant for Rs. 12.5 lakh. Which one should I consider? Alternatively, should I go for the Nexon CNG, considering it offers the flexibility of running on CNG as well? My monthly running is around 500-700 km, mostly in the city with occasional highway trips. Currently, I own a Honda City 5th Gen. Also, is buying a petrol vehicle a good decision right now, considering the concerns around increasing ethanol blending in fuel?

Autocar India
At 500-700km monthly, your usage isn't much to start with, hence opting for a CNG vehicle won't lead to significant financial benefit. Still, the Tata Nexon iCNG will have the lowest running costs, and if you don't mind a smaller car, that belongs to a segment lower compared to the Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos, go for it.The Elevate will seem very familiar, as it has the same powertrain as your City, and what works in its favour are its comfy seats and excellent ride quality. Do note, the Elevate won't be as efficient as your City on account of its shorter gearing and heavier kerb weight.The Kia Seltos is the most expensive here, but it also feels the most modern and refined. If you can stretch your budget, this is the one we'd recommend.
Shrikant Shirodkar
•7hI want to buy a sedan with an average annual running of around 5,000 km, including long-distance drive. My budget is under Rs. 50 lakh. Please suggest a suitable option. I am looking for a replacement for my X1 and would like something that is equally good or better.

Autocar India
There aren't many sedans left in the market, especially at that price range, but with your low yearly use, and a budget of Rs 50 lakh cap, the Audi A4 is the right fit. It feels just as solid and quiet as your BMW X1, but with a comfier ride and a quieter cabin on highways. With your usage, a petrol engine's running costs should be palatable, and the A4’s seats and sound insulation make long drives easy. It is also easy to drive in the city, with light controls and good all-around visibility for a sedan. Alternatively, the Toyota Camry - though it doesn't have a luxury badge - is among the best all-rounders for the money, offering space, comfort, mileage and tech on par with the best.Two things to note coming from the X1: you sit lower, so the view of the road is not as high, and speed breakers need a bit more care than in your old, taller car. If you want to stay in the BMW family and enjoy a sportier feel, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is also within budget. It is fun and feels premium, but the back seat is less spacious, the engine is less powerful, and the ride is firmer than the A4. If you are open to an EV and have home charging, the BYD Seal brings strong performance and a very premium cabin under Rs 50 lakh.
Sukhpal Bawa
•1dI am looking for a compact SUV. I have a short list: Breeza VXI, Mahindra 3xo mx3 pro and Hyrider E. Plz suggest which is suitable for a family of 5. Most of the driving is 80% city driving, mostly by a lady driver.

Autocar India
With 80% city use and five in the family, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder E fits your needs best. It is from a segment above your other two choices and has the roomiest back seat, so three people in the second row feel less cramped. In traffic, it feels easy thanks to light steering, a smooth ride over bad roads, and good all-round visibility, which will help the driver feel relaxed. Toyota’s service is also simple to deal with.Do note one thing. The E trim is basic and usually comes with a manual, so if you must have an automatic, you will need to look at a higher Hyryder trim. The E trim doesn't come with an audio system, so you will need to add it through the dealer. If you want a smaller footprint for daily city runs, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi is your next-best pick. It is very easy to drive and park, but the back seat will feel a bit tighter for three adults. Overall, for five-up city use, choose the Hyryder E.
vvidyanath sastry
•8hCurrently, I own an i10 Magna. My budget is around Rs. 8-9 lakh. I am a retired person. Please suggest a suitable car for my needs.

Autocar India
Go for the Hyundai i20 Sportz MT for your needs. The hatchback has a spacious and comfy cabin, a premium interior, and it is very easy to drive thanks to its light controls. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is smooth, peppy and reasonably efficient too, while the slick 5-speed manual and the light clutch make driving in the city easy. The i20 is also fairly compact, so driving in narrow lanes and parking will not be an issue either. Also coming from your i10, the i20 will feel like an upgrade while still keeping you in the Hyundai family. The i20 has proven to be reliable, and Hyundai's service centres are widespread in the country, so your ownership experience will be stress free.
DP
•6hI am planning to buy the XUV 7XO AX7T variant. I took the test drive of both the manual and auto transmission. Now, I'm confused between a manual and auto transmission. Please suggest which transmission I should buy, keeping in mind long-term use, driving experience and a half city, half highway drive. Also suggest me color for the same between midnight blue and ruby velvet.

Autocar India
The automatic is certainly the one to go for if budget permits. Besides being smooth, it is very convenient, especially while driving in the city, and it makes driving relatively stress-free. Yes, fuel efficiency might not be as good as a manual gearbox, however that is a small price to pay for convenience.Between the colour options, both are classy, premium shades - Midnight Blue is a bit more understated, while Ruby Velvet is likely to stand out. Pick the colour which you and your family members prefer.
rajendra chitara
•1dI wanted to buy an automatic SUV within my budget of 17 lakhs. I consulted Autocar, and they suggested the Kia Seltos to me. After test-driving it 4 times, I booked the Seltos HTK IVT and finally took delivery of the car on 13th May. To be honest, the car is very comfortable and good. I have been driving it in all possible ways, and it has not disappointed me at all. The mileage is also decent. I have no problem overtaking, neither on the highway. The more I drive this car, the more I love it.

Autocar India
Congratulations on your new purchase. We are delighted to know that we were able to assist you in choosing the right car. We hope it serves you reliably for many years to come and becomes a part of many cherished memories in the journeys ahead.
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