Autocar India
•4d

My monthly running is approximately 1,200 km, mostly within the Delhi-NCR region. My family includes my wife, my 11-year-old son, and my mother. I had to sell my beautifully maintained third-generation Honda City V MT because of the 15-year NGT rule in Delhi. In October 2024, I bought a Tata Punch EV S Long Range, which has proven to be tech-loaded, extremely economical to run, comfortable, and very convenient for navigating Delhi's congested roads. However, I still miss having an all-rounder with the character of the third-generation City, especially on highway drives. I have shortlisted two options: the Maruti Suzuki Swift MT and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny AT. I enjoy driving briskly, while staying within legal limits, on highways, which is why the Swift appeals to me. At the same time, my heart is set on Jimny for its classic looks and abilities. I plan to undertake long road trips to destinations such as Keran in Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, and other parts of the country. Considering my current usage, I may keep just one car in the garage, although I am also open to owning both an EV for city driving and an ICE car for highway trips. With this in mind, I would appreciate your expert advice on the best long-term choice.

Verified
•3h

Given your usage and aspirations, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny AT is the better fit. Your monthly running of 1,200 km in Delhi-NCR is well within petrol territory, and your intent to do long road trips to places like Leh and Arunachal points towards a car with capability rather than outright speed. The Swift is a fantastic highway car, but it is ultimately a hatchback and will not give you the sense of adventure or the ability to tackle rough terrain that the Jimny offers. The Jimny, on the other hand, is a purpose-built off-roader with a classic appeal, and it will allow you to explore the kind of destinations you have in mind with confidence. It is not the fastest car on the highway, nor is it spacious, but it is comfortable enough and excels when the going gets tough. Since you already have the Tata Punch EV for city duties, the Jimny can be your dedicated adventure vehicle, and you do not need to compromise by keeping only one car. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: an efficient city runabout and a characterful, capable highway explorer.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Jimny
VehicleTata Punch EV
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Swift
•3d

Hi Autocar India, I recently booked the Maruti Suzuki Brezza LXi Turbo. With a budget of ₹Rs 8–9 lakh, I chose the base variant and plan to add a music system and rear camera later. This is my first new car, and my monthly running will be around 1,000–1,200 km, mostly highway commuting. I chose the Brezza Turbo over the Hyundai Exter HX4 because it offers better value, is a segment above, and suits my highway usage and preference for a higher seating position. I have two questions: First, should I be concerned about the turbo engine with increasing ethanol blending, as some reviewers advise against it? Second, I prefer a simple, low-maintenance car and only need a music system and rear camera apart from the standard LXi features. Can these be installed after a few months in the aftermarket without affecting the warranty, assuming the factory wiring and connectors are already provided? I am open to any other car suggestions that suit my needs if Brezza is not advisable.

Verified
•4h

You have made a sensible choice with the Maruti Suzuki Brezza LXi Turbo given your budget and usage. The Brezza will offer you the low maintenance motoring that you want, and since your commute is mostly on highways, the extra power from the turbo will come in handy. Turbo petrols are sensitive to driving style and can very easily be fuel inefficient, especially in the city, but again with your driving mostly on the highway, this should not be that nig of a worry. As for your concerns on E20, all engines today are engineered to handle E20 fuel and most manufacturers including Maruti, have stated that there is a material compatibility tolerance level built in for a slightly higher blend too.As for the music system and rear camera, yes, these can be installed in the aftermarket and generally dealers do not create a warranty issue around this; however, strictly speaking, it can be viewed as grounds for voiding a warranty, especially if the component affected is related to the accessory installed. Thus, if you are worried, then Maruti Suzuki car dealers can also fit these accessories later, which is the safest route from a warranty perspective.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
•3d

I’m planning to buy the Kia Seltos GTXO and am confused between the Turbo Petrol Automatic and the Diesel Automatic. My driving is a mix of city commutes and highway trips, although the majority of it is in the city. My annual running is around 10,000 km. I currently drive a diesel-manual Maruti Dzire, so I’m accustomed to the strong mileage of a diesel car. Initially, I was inclined towards the petrol Seltos, but I’m concerned about its lower fuel mileage compared to the diesel. At the same time, while the diesel offers better mileage, it comes with a DPF system that may require additional attention, especially with predominantly city driving. Considering my driving pattern, annual running, and the mix of city and highway usage, which would be the better choice for me: the Kia Seltos GTXO Turbo Petrol Automatic or the Diesel Automatic?

Verified
•5h

Go for the Kia Seltos GTXO Turbo Petrol Automatic. With your annual running of around 10,000 km and a majority of city driving, the diesel’s fuel savings will take a long time to offset the higher purchase price. More importantly, the diesel’s DPF system is not ideal for predominantly city usage, as it relies on regular highway runs to regenerate properly. The turbo petrol, paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, is a strong performer and well suited to your mix of city and highway driving. It is responsive, refined and does not come with the DPF-related concerns of the diesel. Yes, the turbo petrol is not as fuel efficient as the diesel, but given your usage pattern, it is the more sensible and hassle-free choice. If you were doing significantly higher annual mileage with more highway driving, the diesel would make sense, but in your case, the turbo petrol is the better fit.

VehicleKia Seltos
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
•13h

My current car is a Toyota Etios Petrol, and I am planning to upgrade to a D-segment SUV. My on-road budget is Rs. 30 lakh. My usage is very low, as I do not drive daily. I drive occasionally during the week, with a total running of around 20-30 km per month, along with a few long trips each year. Considering the current E20 petrol scenario, should I buy an EV or continue with a petrol SUV? I also have the facility for home charging.

Verified
•6h

With your usage of just 20-30 km a month plus a few long trips a year, an EV is actually a very sensible choice. You have home charging, which is the biggest hurdle for most buyers, and your low monthly running means you will not be burning fuel idling in the garage. The occasional long trips are manageable with planning, and modern EVs like the Sierra EV or XEV 9s offer enough range for most intercity runs with a single charging stop. The key advantage here is that you avoid the E20 question altogether. Modern petrol engines are E20 compliant, but higher ethanol blends do reduce fuel efficiency slightly, and with your low usage, the fuel savings of a petrol car are negligible anyway.If you are set on a D-segment SUV, the Mahindra XEV 9s is the most practical choice. It offers a spacious cabin, good performance and despite its size is easy to drive in the city as well.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
VehicleTata Sierra EV
•12h

Dear Autocar Team, I already own a Kushaq 1.5 TSI Manual, and I am looking to buy a B-segment SUV. I am confused between the Hyundai Creta IVT and the Kia Seltos Turbo DCT. Could you please help me choose the better option?

Verified
•7h

Since you already own a Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI manual, you are already enjoying a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The Creta IVT is a naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT, which is smooth and easy in traffic but will feel like a step down in performance and driving enjoyment compared to your Kushaq. The Seltos turbo petrol DCT is the better fit here. It gives you the performance you are used to, a more premium cabin, and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. The DCT is not as smooth as the IVT in stop-start traffic, but it is the more engaging car overall and will feel like a proper upgrade rather than a compromise. The Seltos also feels more premium inside and is the more satisfying car to own alongside your Kushaq.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleKia Seltos
•1w

Hello Autocar Team, I have been following Auto India since Hormazd was a part of it and Autocar since its inception. I really like your content, and with the advent of technology, you have reached the zenith of automotive journalism in India. Coming to my question, I took delivery of a 2018 Ford Freestyle 1.5 TDCi BS4 on 25th December 2018 and have been in love with the car ever since. Due to the nature of my job, I drive approximately 400 km a week (70% city and 30% highway), and with Ford's service network dwindling, I am a bit skeptical about retaining the vehicle for the long term. The car is currently covered under an extended warranty until 25th December 2026. Please suggest an alternative in case I decide to replace my vehicle. My budget is around Rs. 15 lakh. Should I consider a new car or a pre-owned one? I am fine with both manual and automatic transmissions.

Verified
•7h

If you want to go for car under 15 lakhs, we would recommend going new rather than pre-owned. You are already driving a well-maintained, enthusiast-friendly car, so the upgrade should be about peace of mind and a clear step forward in ownership experience. If you're open to the hatchback body style, we'd recommend the Hyundai i20 N Line DCT. It is a fun-to-drive characterful car. The turbo-petrol-DCT combination is smooth and performance feels more than adequate for daily use. The Fronx or Taisor Turbo AT are cross-hatchbacks with a similar character as your Freestyle.The Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI is another excellent option. It is a genuinely engaging car to drive, with a punchy turbo petrol engine and a well-sorted chassis. It will not match the diesel for running costs, but it is a worthy successor to the Freestyle in terms of driving enjoyment.

VehicleHyundai i20
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
•1d

Hi Autocar, I own a Nissan Magnite CVT and am very happy with it, as it perfectly suits my usage of 20 km daily in Bengaluru's bumper-to-bumper traffic and 500 km of highway driving per month for weekend trips. I am now planning to upgrade to a larger car with a spacious rear seat that can comfortably accommodate three passengers. I recently test-drove the Nissan Tekton, but I found the DCT unsuitable for my daily city driving. It also doesn't offer the CVT that I have grown to like in the Magnite, although the dealer mentioned that a CVT variant may be launched soon. Would it be worth waiting for the Tekton CVT? I am not in a hurry and can wait for around six months. Or should I consider alternatives like the Hyundai Creta CVT or the Honda Elevate CVT? Are there any other automatic SUVs that would suit my requirements for daily city commuting while also being comfortable for regular weekend highway trips?

Verified
•8h

Given your usage pattern of heavy Bangalore traffic and monthly highway trips, the priority should be a smooth, reliable automatic gearbox and a spacious rear seat for three.The Hyundai Creta IVT (CVT) would be the most sensible upgrade for you. The IVT gearbox is smooth and well-suited to stop-start traffic, and the Creta offers a genuinely roomy rear seat that can comfortably accommodate three adults. This Hyundai car is also a proven, reliable package with good highway manners for your weekend trips.The Honda Elevate CVT is also worth considering. The CVT is equally smooth in traffic, and Honda’s long-term reliability is a strong point. However, the rear seat is not as wide as the Creta’s, so it is not as comfortable for three adults on longer journeys.Overall, the Creta IVT is the most balanced upgrade from your Magnite CVT, offering the right combination of gearbox smoothness, rear seat space and long-term ownership confidence.

VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleNissan Magnite
•1d

Hi everyone, I’m looking to upgrade from my 2024 Tata Punch Accomplished Dazzle AMT and would like your suggestions. My requirements: - Budget: Up to Rs. 15 lakh on-road (Hyderabad) - Automatic transmission only - 70% city and 30% highway usage - Around 10,000-12,000 km per year - Planning to keep the car for at least 7-10 years My priorities (in order): 1. Smooth and reliable automatic transmission 2. Strong safety 3. Low maintenance and reasonable spare part costs 4. Good reliability for long-term ownership 5. High resale value 6. Comfortable ride quality and rear-seat comfort 7. Sufficient performance for highway overtakes 8. Good fuel efficiency in real-world driving I want to buy a car that will be hassle-free to own over the long term and provide good value when it’s time to sell.

Verified
•8h

Based on your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is the most sensible upgrade from your Punch. It uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic paired to the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, which is far smoother and more reliable than the AMT in your current car, making it much better suited to your 70% city usage. The Brezza is also one of the most reliable cars in the segment, with low maintenance costs, excellent service reach and strong resale value, which aligns perfectly with your 7-10 year ownership plan. It is also a 5-star rated car in the Bharat NCAP tests and offers good ride comfort and rear-seat space, making it a genuinely comfortable family car. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is not the most exciting, but it is refined, reliable and delivers adequate performance for highway overtakes while also being fuel efficient in real-world conditions. Overall, the Brezza automatic is the most balanced and hassle-free upgrade for your needs. The ZXI will fit in your budget and gets you decent levels of equipment, but if you want more, the ZXI Plus is also worth consideration.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
•8h

Hello everyone, I've been driving a Hyundai Elite i20 CRDi since 2014, and after more than a decade, I'm planning to upgrade during the upcoming Dussehra/Diwali season. I live in a Tier-2 city, and my budget is up to ₹18 lakh (on-road). After a lot of research, I've shortlisted two cars: - Skoda Kylaq Sportline (upcoming) - Citroën Basalt X Fuel efficiency isn't a priority for me. What matters most is driving pleasure, stability, and long-term reliability. I have a few questions for owners and enthusiasts: 1. Which brand is likely to be more reliable in the long run, especially with E20 petrol? 2. How do the driving dynamics of the Basalt X compare with the Kylaq? I'm particularly interested in steering feel, handling, ride quality, and overall confidence at highway speeds. 3. How has your ownership experience been in terms of service, maintenance, and reliability? I'd really appreciate insights from people who have driven or owned either of these cars. Thanks in advance!

•1d

I am looking to buy an electric car in the Rs. 30-40 lakh price range. My driving is mostly within the city, with an annual running of around 8,000-9,000 km. Does an EV make sense for my usage? Also, which are the best current and upcoming electric cars in this price range that I should consider?

Verified
•9h

With 8,000-9,000 km a year and mostly city driving, an EV actually makes a lot of sense. Your running is not high enough to justify a diesel, and an EV will give you the biggest benefit in the city with its smooth, quiet and effortless driving experience. The Rs 30-40 lakh range is also where you start getting genuinely capable EVs with good range, strong performance and a more premium ownership experience.A good overall package is the Mahindra XEV 9S. This Mahindra car fits well under your budget and has a fantastic price-to-performance ratio. It is also a large SUV with lots of practicality and is very easy to drive in the city. You can opt for the Pack Three Above trim with the 79kWh battery pack that gets you a good range and strong performance as well. Being a top-spec, it is very well kitted out and feature-wise you will get a lot more than what you do on even some higher-segment EVs.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9S