Latest questions answered by experts

I am confused between renault triber turbo and ertiga ..pls suggest

The Renault Triber Turbo is a well-packaged seven-seater that delivers excellent value for money. In fact, the Triber Turbo MT top-end variant with all the bells and whistles is priced at par with the entry-level Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. And its new turbo-petrol engine makes it well suited for highway and urban applications. So, if you're on a tight budget, this Renault car is certainly the one to go for.The Maruti Ertiga on the other hand is a proven, dependable product, backed by Maruti's widespread network. Additionally, this Maruti Suzuki car also benefits from stronger resale value. So while it doesn't offer the same bang for your buck or effortless performance as the Triber turbo, it remains a car you just can't go wrong with.

Renault Triber

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

•1d

I have owned a Polo 1.2 Petrol for over 8 years and am now looking to upgrade. My annual running is 6,000-7,000km, with 60% city driving in Delhi NCR and the rest on highways, including 2-3 mountain trips a year. With a budget of Rs 18 lakh, these are my options: Citroën Aircross X AT Škoda Kushaq 1.0 AT Renault Duster 1.3 DCT Pre-facelift Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 DSG (Rs 2.5 lakh discount) Which would be the best option for my requirements and long-term ownership?

•1h

If the pre-facelift Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 DSG falls within your budget, this is certainly the one to go for. The 1.5 TSI and DSG combination works brilliantly, feels best on the open road, and will feel effortless during your drives to the mountains. Given that you're upgrading from a Polo, this Volkswagen car feels like the most natural option for you. Do keep in mind that with the pre-facelift, you miss the upgraded aircon, which is available on the facelift as well as the updated Kushaq. The Citroen Aircross X AT is an excellent car with a strong AC, excellent 1.2 turbo AT combination, and fantastic driving dynamics. But given Citroen's limited service network, it isn't a car we can recommend easily.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Citroen Aircross

•1d

I am confused between the Brezza ZXI Automatic and Brezza ZXI+ Automatic. Which option is best to buy for the long term? I took the quotation from the Pune Suzuki Arena showroom, and the ZXI Automatic is coming at Rs 14,21,598, while the ZXI+ Automatic comes at Rs 16,21,955. So, there is almost a difference of Rs 2 lakh. Should I consider the ZXI Automatic or the ZXI+ Automatic for the long term? My running is mostly in the city, with occasional highway trips. The major features missing on the ZXI are cruise control and the rear wiper, which I can't get installed as genuine accessories. If I plan to consider the ZXI, I can add fog lamps, a front armrest and all-four diamond-cut alloy wheels for a more premium feel. Is it okay to buy and add genuine accessories later, or should I avoid doing so?

•1h

Firstly, ask yourself whether you are comfortable making the Rs 2 lakh stretch for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI Plus Automatic. If the answer is yes, it makes sense to opt for it, because the ZXI Plus gets you a lot of feel-good and useful features which the This Maruti Suzuki car misses, such as ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor, front parking sensors, diamond-cut alloys, larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, tyre pressure monitor, leatherette upholstery, LED front fog lamps, rear wiper/washer and cruise control. Many of these features you will appreciate, once you begin to use them daily. Do note, opting for the ZXI and spending on alloys, fog lamps and other accessories could cost you around Rs 1 lakh, and many of the genuinely useful features like rear wiper, cruise control and blind-spot monitor won't be easy to retrofit. Hence, we'd suggest you pick the top-spec ZXI Plus AT, if you comfortable paying the premium.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

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•4d

Hello team, I’m looking for a petrol automatic SUV that is safe, smooth, reliable, and suitable for long-term ownership (10 years), with a 60:40 city/highway usage pattern. My budget is Rs 15 lakh. I’m getting the following on-road deals: XUV 3XO AX5: Rs 13.5 lakh Creta EX(O): Rs 17 lakh (may be Rs 16.5 lakh) Both are petrol automatics. Is it worth stretching my budget for the Creta EX(O)? Is it advisable to wait for upcoming launches, or are there any other current alternatives I should consider? I’m not interested in fancy features like a sunroof, etc.

•2h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 automatic. At Rs 13.5 lakh on-road, it gives you everything you've asked for: a smooth automatic, strong safety, and a roomy cabin, and keeps you comfortably within budget. Its 1.2 turbo-petrol engine is paired with a proper torque-converter automatic, which is smooth in town and relaxed on the highway. This Mahindra car also has a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and its wide cabin seats five better than most compact SUVs. The one weak spot is the boot, which is small.Stretching to the Hyundai Creta EX(O) only makes sense if you need the extra space. It's a size up, with a roomier rear seat and a bigger boot. But that's Rs 3-3.5 lakh more for a lower-spec variant, and an all-new Creta is due next year. If this Hyundai car appeals, wait for the new one rather than buying the current one now.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Hyundai Creta

•1d

Hello, With the new Honda Elevate now launched, how would you suggest choosing between the Kia Seltos and the new Elevate? I had finalised the Seltos HTK(O) six months ago, but I was not able to purchase it for some reason. Now, I am keen to book a new car next month, around Diwali. My primary usage will be commuting to and from the office, which is around 20km daily. There will also be occasional highway trips of around 200km from Mumbai to small hill stations. Which car would you recommend for a 6ft-tall person? I will definitely go for a petrol automatic, but I’m confused between the two.

•2h

Go for the Honda Elevate VX CVT. At 6ft, the driving position matters most to you, and that's where this Honda car wins. Its seat is upright, and there's plenty of headroom. The new Seltos's front seats, by comparison, feel a bit snug, and the seat base is short for taller drivers. For 20km a day in Mumbai traffic, get the CVT. It's smooth in stop-go conditions, and you won't miss working a clutch.The VX is the sweet spot in the range, and it costs about the same as the Kia Seltos HTK(O) CVT. The Honda Elevate facelift launched this week and fills many of the old car's equipment gaps. It also has a bigger boot than the Seltos.

Honda Elevate

Kia Seltos

•1d

Hi, which would you recommend between the new Honda Elevate and the Kia Seltos HTK(O)? Which Elevate variant should I consider? I am 6ft tall and live in Mumbai. My daily usage will be around 20km of city driving between home and work.

•3h

Go for the Honda Elevate VX CVT. At 6ft, the driving position matters most to you, and that's where the Elevate wins. Its seat is upright, and there's plenty of headroom. The new Kia Seltos's front seats, by comparison, feel a bit snug, and the seat base is short for taller drivers. For 20km a day in Mumbai traffic, get the CVT. It's smooth in stop-go conditions, and you won't miss working a clutch.The VX is the sweet spot in the range, and it costs about the same as the Seltos HTK(O) CVT. The Elevate facelift launched this week and fills many of the old car's equipment gaps. It also has a bigger boot than the Kia car mentioned above.

Honda Elevate

Kia Seltos

•2d

I am buying a new seven-seater EV and have shortlisted the MG Hector Tomahawk Exclusive and Kia Clavis SR HTX. I am confused about which one to choose. The Clavis has better build and ride quality, but it uses a smaller NMC battery and does not come with a 7.5kW charger. The MG Tomahawk is slightly larger and offers better range, although I have some concerns about its build and ride quality. I expect to drive around 2,000km a month, mainly in semi-urban Goa, with a mix of short highway and city driving. I am not planning many outstation trips. Which one would suit my usage better?

•3h

Goa, 2,000 km a month, semi-urban mix, mostly short highway and city runs, not many outstation trips, that’s a very clear brief. The MG Hector Tomahawk EV Exclusive is the better fit here. The bigger battery and better range are exactly what you want at this usage level, and the fact that you’re not doing long outstation runs means you’re not going to be pushing the car into situations where charging infrastructure becomes a headache. The Clavis SR HTX is the more polished product, but the smaller NMC battery and the lack of a 7.5kW charger are real drawbacks at 2,000 km a month.The MG’s size is also an advantage, but the Kia Carens Clavis EV actually has a better third row. The Tomahawk's ride and build quality are not as tight as the Clavis, but they’re not deal-breakers either. Overall, the MG Hector Tomahawk Exclusive offers better value for money for your usage.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Kia Carens Clavis EV

•2d

I recently bought a Tata Safari Stealth Black Accomplished+ and am very happy with its performance. It returns around 13kpl in the city and 14-15kpl on the highway. I also own a Maruti Suzuki Ritz diesel VDi, which I have used for 10 years and driven 2.3 lakh km with regular servicing and genuine synthetic oil. Is it time to replace the Ritz? If so, what would be a good diesel or petrol car around Rs 15 lakh? My usage is a mix of city and highway driving, around 75-100 km a day. I also have three older family members above 60 who will use the car occasionally. I am considering the 1.0-litre Skoda, the new Thar 1.5-litre and other options. I am not interested in a sunroof or other fancy features. I do track racing, so strong performance, suspension, stability and an engaging driving experience are important to me.

•4h

Yes, it's time to retire the Ritz. Of the two cars you're considering, the Skoda 1.0 TSI is the right one. Both the Kylaq and the Kushaq use it, and either suits an enthusiast far better than the Thar. The engine is eager, the steering is sharp, and the chassis feels planted when you push it. Those are the things you'll value as someone who drives on track.The catch is your mileage. At 75-100 km a day, you'll cover close to 30,000km a year, and the petrol Skoda will cost noticeably more to run than a diesel. If that bothers you, test-drive the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel. Its 1.5 diesel is one of the punchiest in its class; it has a roomy rear seat for your parents, and it'll be much cheaper to run, though it isn't as sharp to drive as the Skoda.The new Mahindra Thar isn't a good fit. It's tall to climb into for older passengers, the rear is cramped, and it isn't as settled as a regular SUV over 100km a day.Your Ritz has done well. Its 1.3 diesel runs a timing chain rather than a belt, which is why it's lasted. Drive the Skoda car and the 3XO back to back, and decide how much the extra fun is worth to you.

I want to move from a hatchback to a midsize SUV. I am looking for a reliable family SUV with good comfort, legroom and boot space. My daily driving is only 10-20 km, but every fortnight I drive 200km to work. I have no fixed budget and am ready to buy now, but the reviews of the new Kia Seltos are confusing. With so many new cars being launched, should I wait? Petrol seems ideal, but should I consider a diesel or hybrid instead? I am based between Bengaluru and Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh and work at both places for 15 days each. I am also considering buying the car from Gujarat, my home state, as I could save a significant amount. Is this sensible, or could I face any issues with the RTO?

•4h

Go for the new Kia Seltos petrol, and there's no need to wait. Your driving is fairly light: short daily runs plus a 200km trip every fortnight, and that's exactly what the 1.5 petrol with the IVT gearbox does well. It's smooth in Bangalore traffic and settles down nicely on the highway. A diesel only pays off if you drive a lot more than you do. A strong hybrid would sip less fuel in town, but it costs more and eats into the boot, and you've said boot space matters.As for waiting, the Seltos you're looking at is the brand-new generation, so it isn't about to be replaced. If you want a second opinion on the road, drive the Hyundai Creta too, but keep in mind that an all-new one is due next year.On buying in Gujarat, we'd advise against it. Road tax goes to the state where the car is registered and used. Once it's running in Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh, you'll have to re-register it and pay tax there anyway. Whatever you save upfront will likely disappear, and you'll have the paperwork on top. Register the car where you live and drive most, and check the exact charges with your local RTO.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

•2d

I am looking for a good B2-segment car. My requirements are that the mid variant should cost less than Rs. 10 lakh on-road in Bangalore, with a 70:30 city-to-highway driving ratio. I am looking for decent fuel economy of around 13-15 kmpl in the city and 18-20 kmpl on the highway, along with a manual transmission and a 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine. Currently, I’m confused between the Hyundai i20 Sportz and the third-generation Honda Amaze.

•5h

Between your two picks, the Honda Amaze is the better fit. Your requirements are very clear: a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, manual transmission, good fuel efficiency and a budget of under Rs 10 lakh on-road in Bangalore. The Amaze's 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine is smooth, refined and reliable, and Honda’s long-term ownership reputation is excellent. The Amaze also offers a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin and a large boot, making it a practical choice for both city and highway use. Your 70:30 city-to-highway split means comfort and efficiency matter more than outright performance, and the Amaze delivers well on both fronts.The Hyundai i20 is a good car, but the 1.2-litre engine is not as efficient or refined as the Honda’s, and the i20’s higher variants can push the budget. Overall, the Amaze is the more sensible and satisfying long-term choice for your requirements.

Honda Amaze

Hyundai i20

•2d

Hello Experts, We are looking to replace our Suzuki Ciaz and are considering the new Seltos. Although mileage is not a major concern, could you please suggest whether going for the IVT would be a better option than the DCT? I have personally driven the IVT, and it does feel a bit underpowered for the weight of the new Seltos. Also, please suggest other cars that we should consider. We are upgrading from a sedan and are open to other options as well. Thank you.

•5h

Go for the Seltos 1.5 turbo petrol DCT. Coming from a Ciaz, you will appreciate the stronger performance and the DCT’s quick shifts, especially on highways and during overtakes. The IVT is smooth and reliable, but it does feel a bit flat in a car of this size, and since mileage is not a big concern for you, the turbo petrol is the more satisfying choice. The DCT is not as seamless in stop-start traffic as the IVT, but it is a well-sorted unit and should not be a deal-breaker.If you are open to alternatives, the Tata Sierra is worth a look. It offers a more premium cabin, excellent ride comfort and a genuinely spacious rear seat, which makes it a great upgrade from a sedan. The turbo petrol is mated to a torque converter auto that is smoother than the Seltos' DCT in stop-and-go traffic.Another option is the new Honda Elevate. It has a naturally aspirated CVT engine like the Seltos IVT but it offers a bit more performance.Overall, the Seltos turbo petrol DCT is the best fit for your requirements. It offers the right balance of performance, refinement and features, and it will feel like a genuine step up from your Ciaz.

Hello, I want to buy a Kia Seltos. My daily running is around 40 km in the city, with occasional 200-400 km highway trips a month. I’m confused between the HTX A Petrol IVT and HTX A Diesel Manual. I’m not a fan of automatic variants, but I’m considering the automatic because the HTX A petrol manual comes with 16-inch steel wheels. Please suggest which variant I should go for.

•6h

Go for the Seltos HTX(A) diesel manual. With about 40km of city driving a day plus a few highway runs, you'll cover roughly 17,000- 19,000 km a year. At that mileage, the diesel's better fuel efficiency adds up to a real saving, enough to recover its price premium over the petrol IVT within a few years. It also lets you keep the manual gearbox you prefer.Be aware that the diesel is relaxed rather than punchy, and its clutch is heavier than the petrol's, so daily city traffic will take a bit more effort. Your regular highway trips will also help keep the diesel particulate filter healthy.If you'd rather not spend extra on the diesel, there's another option. Buy the HTX(A) petrol manual and fit good aftermarket alloys for a fraction of the price difference. You keep the manual and save around Rs 2 lakh upfront, but at your mileage, the diesel will win on running costs over the long term.

Kia Seltos

•1d

I am confused between the Brezza ZXi Automatic and ZXi+ Automatic. Which option would be better for long-term ownership? I took quotations from the Pune Suzuki Arena showroom, and the ZXi Automatic is coming at Rs. 14,21,598, while the ZXi+ Automatic comes at Rs. 16,21,955. So, there is a difference of almost Rs. 2 lakh. Should I go for the ZXi Automatic or the ZXi+ Automatic? Most of my driving is in the city, with occasional highway trips. The major features missing on the ZXi are cruise control and a rear wiper, which I cannot get installed as genuine accessories. If I choose the ZXi, I can add fog lamps, a front armrest, and all four diamond-cut alloy wheels for a more premium feel. Is it okay to buy and add genuine accessories separately, or should I avoid doing so?

•6h

Since you are planning to keep the car long term, go with the Brezza ZXi+ Automatic. There is a Rs 2 lakh-plus difference, but it does offer a significant upgrade in terms of features. It adds ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, a larger infotainment screen, cruise control, a rear wiper and a day/night mirror. While some of these can be added as accessories, as you mentioned, factory fitment will just be a lot cleaner. Adding diamond-cut wheels will also add about Rs 40,000 to the ZXi, significantly reducing the Rs 2 lakh delta between the two variants anyway.The only reason to opt for the lower ZXi is if you are having to stretch your budget too far for the higher trim. Since your use is primarily in the city, the lack of cruise control is not a deal-breaker. However, you will find the rest of the additional features on the ZXi+ quite useful even in urban use. Overall, the ZXi+ is the better choice long term, but if you are on a tight budget and don’t see the point of the additional features, the ZXi will also serve you well.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•1d

I am a 6 ft driver who loves driving. I've driven the Swift 2013 petrol, Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto and the XUV500 the most on long trips. Now that I am planning to buy a car with a strict budget, do you think the 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol variant will be a wise decision to make, as I will be travelling once a month for short trips from Bangalore to Coorg, Pondicherry, GOA, and Mangalore? Which other car can be a perfect match for me, keeping a budget of 12 lakhs max? Also, the 3XO AX5 I'm getting from a friend who has hardly driven 6k km for 10 lakhs.

•7h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol from your friend for Rs 10 lakh. At that price, it is a very good deal and a sensible upgrade from your Creta 1.6 diesel automatic. The 3XO is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin and good rear seat comfort, which will make your long drives to Coorg, Pondicherry, Goa and Mangalore more comfortable. The turbo petrol engine is smooth and is well suited to both city driving and highway cruising. At Rs 10 lakh for a car with only 6,000 km on the clock, you are getting a nearly new car at a significant discount, which makes it a far better value proposition than buying new.If you are looking for alternatives under Rs 12 lakh, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is the best option for an enthusiast driver. The new Brezza turbo-petrol could also be a good choice. Overall, the 3XO from your friend is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, reliability and value, and will serve you well on your monthly road trips.

Hi, I’m confused about buying a car. My budget is below Rs. 11 lakh on-road. I’m looking for an automatic car, primarily for city driving in Chennai and its suburbs, with occasional highway trips. Reliability, safety, and fuel economy are also priorities.

•8h

At your budget, the automatics available are mostly the AMTs (automated manual transmission), which are cost-effective and efficient but a bit jerky during the shifts. This can be a bother in traffic, and given that most of your driving is in the city, we would recommend that you avoid these. A good option would be the Honda Amaze; it comes with a CVT transmission, which is smoother than AMTs, and the car meets your other criteria of reliability, safety and mileage very well. You could consider the XUV 3XO too, which has a torque converter gearbox and is the smoothest type of autobox around. It's also a very safe car; however, the mileage would not be very high.

Honda Amaze

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•14h

Is driving a turbo-petrol car preferable for the health and longevity of the turbo, especially in the case of a 2022 Skoda Superb? My daily commute is only 6-10 km. Would it be better to switch to an NA engine?

•8h

With a daily commute of just 6-10 km, the concern is not the turbo itself, but could be for the engine not reaching optimal operating temperature, so your fuel efficiency may not be good. Beyond that, there is no major concern for the health of the turbo itself. However, a downside of the turbo DI engine - like in the Superb - is that they are sensitive to throttle inputs, so during constant short drives with traffic, your efficiency is likely to drop further unless you are very precise with your throttle inputs. For this reason, you could consider an NA engine; otherwise, the turbocharged engine will be fine. A good general habit with a turbo is to avoid revving the engine just before shutting it down, as this raises the turbo's turbine RPM and it then spins free with less lubrication. So arrive at your stop at a sensible speed, leave the car for just a few seconds and then shut it down.

Skoda Superb