Latest questions answered by experts

I am very confused about buying my first car because of the petrol fiasco. I am leaning towards diesel. I'll have a monthly 600km trip. Plus city driving of 400km a month. The budget is around 13-14 lakh. Which automatic would be the best

•18m

Consider the Kia Sonet HTK Plus diesel automatic. It fits within your budget and gets a refined diesel engine paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque-converter automatic. It also feels stable on highway trips and has enough performance for quick overtakes when needed.The downside is that the ride can feel a bit firm in the city, and rear-seat space is not the best in the segment. If that is a concern, then also try the Hyundai Venue diesel automatic, which offers a slightly roomier rear seat and a more pliant ride.Overall, if your priorities are fuel efficiency, highway ability and the convenience of a proper automatic, the Sonet diesel AT is a strong fit.

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue

•2d

Want to buy a used Automatic(CVT or TC) with a budget of 6 lacs for my father. Please suggest

•1h

There are no new cars available at around Rs. 6 lakh that come with a torque-converter automatic or a CVT. However, if you are open to buying used, then a Honda Amaze CVT would be a good fit. Look for a low-mileage example with a complete service history, and make sure you get a thorough pre-purchase inspection done. Ideally, buy from a trusted, certified used-car platform that offers a warranty.If you must buy new, then consider the Maruti Alto K10 or S-Presso. Both are available with an AMT. While the shifts are relatively slow, they are reasonably smooth and do a decent job in city traffic.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

•2d

I am 26 years old, and my daily running is 20 kms in the city and 3-4 trips a year to hill stations like Mussorie and Shimla. Usually, I am alone or with 2 people in a car, but occasionally, I have to travel with a family of 5. I don’t want an underpowered car. I am confused between the Seltos DCT or Hycross zx, which is better?

•2h

The Seltos DCT is a solid choice for your needs. It has plenty of performance for trips to the hills, enough space to comfortably accommodate five passengers when needed, and a premium-looking cabin that is packed with features.The Innova Hycross, being a three-row MPV, will naturally feel more spacious when fully loaded. But since you are usually driving with no more than two people, it can feel a bit cumbersome in the city. Also, the naturally aspirated engine in the Hycross does not have the same punch as the Seltos’ turbo-petrol.Overall, the Seltos fits your needs better. If you do want a three-row vehicle, then the Kia Carens Clavis or the Mahindra XUV 7XO are worth considering as well.

Kia Seltos

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•2d

Hi Team, Currently driving a Ford Figo aspire and looking to upgrade to an SUV for a family size of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids). Looking for long-term ownership, petrol manual, safety and smooth driving are priority can compromise on the features such as a sunroof. Daily running is around 30-50 km with frequent highway drives as well. Budget is <15 lacs, and currently evaluating Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos. If not, can you recommend any other option? Thank you.

•3h

Both are great choices, but between the two, we would lean towards the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol MT. The main reason is that it is a much larger, more spacious and more comfortable SUV, which makes it a better bet for a family. It also has a smoother and more refined powertrain, which will make your highway drives just that little more peaceful. Plus, it has a higher-quality interior, and though you aren't looking for features specifically, it does have the more up-to-date tech. Do note, however, that the engine is not as powerful as Honda's, and, combined with the added weight of this car, it doesn't feel as strong or effortless, particularly when overtaking on the highway.The Honda Elevate is a nice, no-nonsense midsize SUV with a rock-solid engine that makes a solid 121hp. The cabin is smaller, you'll hear some road, wind and engine noise inside at highway speeds, and it's not quite as comfy, but on the other hand, it's great fun to drive, more so than the Seltos. That said, as a family car, the Seltos feels like the better all-rounder for you.

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate

•1d

I am looking for a diesel automatic car for long-distance driving. My daily running is around 230 km, so I need something with good highway stability, reliability, and a proven track record. Kindly suggest which car would be the best fit for my requirements.

•4h

With a daily running of around 230km, a diesel automatic makes perfect sense and will be the most cost-effective option in the long run.Our recommendation would be the Kia Seltos Diesel Automatic. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is refined, fuel-efficient and well proven, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with. It is also stable at highway speeds, comfortable over long distances and has built up a strong reliability record over the years. Given the distances you cover, the diesel's efficiency advantage will quickly offset its higher purchase price.Another option worth considering is the Tata Sierra Diesel Automatic. It offers more space and road presence and should be an excellent long-distance cruiser. However, the Seltos' powertrain is more proven, and it remains the safer recommendation today.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

•2d

I am planning to buy a car, and my average usage is around 500 to 1,000 km per month. Would an EV be suitable for my requirements? My budget is under Rs. 15 lakh. Could you please advise?

•5h

Yes, an EV can make sense for your usage, especially if you have access to home charging.With a monthly running of 500-1,000km, you may not recover the higher upfront cost of an EV as quickly as a high-mileage user would, but the lower running costs, smooth driving experience and ease of use in city traffic are still significant advantages. The key factor is whether you can conveniently charge the car at home or work.In your budget, the Tata Punch EV Long Range would be the recommendation. It offers a good balance of range, performance, practicality and safety, while being one of the more sorted EVs currently on sale. It is also comfortable enough for the occasional highway trip and its compact dimensions make it easy to live with on a daily basis.If you can stretch your budget slightly, the MG Windsor EV is also worth considering. It offers a more spacious cabin, better rear-seat comfort and feels like a larger, more premium car overall.

Tata Punch EV

MG Windsor