Dear Autocar India Team, I am writing to highlight a serious ownership concern with premium Volkswagen Group CBU SUVs in India. I own a Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line costing over Rs. 60 lakhs on road. After tyre damage, I approached the authorised service network and was informed that the OEM tyre size - 255/45 R19 - is not available in India. This is a safety-critical consumable, not a cosmetic accessory. For a premium CBU SUV, it is deeply disappointing that owners are left struggling to source the standard tyre size after damage. This concern may not be limited to the Tiguan R-Line alone. The Volkswagen Tayron R-Line in India also uses the same 255/45 R19 tyre size, and the recently launched Skoda Kodiaq RS uses another rare performance tyre size, 235/45 R20. This raises a larger question: are premium CBU models being sold in India without adequate long-term tyre and consumable support? Insurance has approved an alternative tyre size in my case, but that does not solve the core issue. Owners should not be forced into non-OEM tyre sizes because the manufacturer has not ensured the availability of the factory-specified tyre. I had publicly raised this with Volkswagen India, but received no response. I request Autocar India to kindly look into this and raise the issue with Volkswagen India / Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, so that either OEM tyre availability is ensured or formal written guidance is provided for safe alternative tyre sizes. Regards, Dr. S. Alagu Ganesh Madurai

autocar.india

•8h

Yes, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTE will handle 800 km on highways and 200 km city in Tamil Nadu just fine. It will sit at 90-100 kph all day without feeling strained, the engine is smooth, and it’s easy to live with in traffic.It won’t feel weak because of the K3 platform. Platform decides stiffness and safety; how strong it feels is down to the 1.5 engine and gearing. This motor is good for steady cruising, but quick overtakes from 80-120 need a downshift and some space, especially with five adults and luggage. On flat TN highways like Chennai-Trichy or Salem-Kanyakumari, you’re sorted; on steeper ghats, you’ll work the gears a bit more.The honest catch is that it isn’t exciting when fully loaded. If you often drive with a full family and want easier, shorter overtakes, the Seltos turbo petrol feels much stronger, though it costs more and will use a bit more fuel. If your trips are mostly relaxed with two to four on board, the HTE NA is absolutely okay and won’t feel underpowered for your use.

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2d

A city fuel efficiency of 13-15kpl with the air conditioning on is slightly on the lower side for a Wagon R 1.0, but it isn't necessarily a cause for concern, especially if you're driving in Lucknow's city traffic with frequent stops and the AC running throughout your journey.Your 20km daily commute should be enough for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature, but fuel efficiency can still vary depending on traffic conditions, idling time and driving style. We'd recommend checking that your tyre pressures are maintained at the manufacturer's recommended levels, avoiding hard acceleration and excessive idling, and using good-quality fuel from reputed fuel stations.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

autocar.india

•1h

Keep the Rapid and enjoy it for another 5-6 years. At 65,000 km, your 1.5 TDI DSG is barely run in; you already did clutch and flywheel, and nothing new today matches its torque-efficiency blend without spending silly money.Your fear is fair, but mechatronics and injector failures are not guaranteed. Treat it like a keeper and manage the risk. Do age-based work now: timing belt with tensioner and water pump, fresh coolant, and a healthy battery. Stick to short service intervals, change the fuel filter on time, and fill at one trusted pump; a quality diesel additive once in a while helps. Get the DSG scanned, ensure the latest software, and avoid low-speed slip-and-creep that heats it up. Budget a rainy-day fund because if something does go wrong, it can be a six-figure bill.For OEM-plus, focus on feel, not power. New tyres in a quieter touring pattern, suspension refresh with quality dampers and bushes, better headlamps, thorough AC and brake service. Skip a torque-heavy remap on the DQ200; it drives nicer but can shorten gearbox life.If you still love driving it, keep it. You will spend less than replacing, and you keep the exact character you enjoy.