Autocar India
•1d

What maintenance should I do on my 2017 VW Ameo TDI DSG that has crossed 130,000km, and what are the things I need to be careful about?

Verified
•11m
Change the timing belt kit and water pump now if they are older than 5 years or 90-100k km. At 130k, this is the one job that saves the engine if the belt lets go. Replace the accessory belt and the tensioner.
Get the DSG checked for clutch wear and mechatronics health, and ask the workshop to run clutch adaptation. If your garage offers a DSG oil and filter change for this unit, do it. Listen for shudders on take-off and rattly idle or switch-off thunks that point to a tired dual-mass flywheel. Even with care, this gearbox can still spring a big bill later, so keep a buffer.
Fresh fluids and filters keep diesels happy. Use VW-spec engine oil every 10k km, fuel filter every 20k, air and cabin filters yearly, brake fluid every 2 years, and coolant replacement with the right VW coolant if it is over 4-5 years old. Check battery, alternator belt and tensioner.
Inspect and likely renew front struts, lower arms and bushes, engine mounts, wheel bearings, tie-rods, and brake discs-pads. Clean the EGR and intake, check turbo hoses and intercooler for leaks, test injectors, and glow plugs.
Drive gently from cold, let it idle 30 seconds after a hard run, avoid inching on the throttle in traffic, and use good fuel.

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•1d

We have a budget of Rs. 60 lakh and require an SUV or sedan. We prioritise rear-seat comfort and a powerful engine. We do not want an electric vehicle and are not looking for entry-level luxury cars like the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA. We are considering the Toyota Camry or waiting for the new Hyundai Santa Fe or Tucson. Our current vehicle is a Hyundai Tucson diesel 4x4, which we enjoyed for its soft suspension, rear-seat comfort, and 186bhp engine. We are looking for a new car, not a used one. Please help us out, Autocar. We live in Patna and recently bought a Hyundai Aura for our son to learn to drive. It does not seem to have a problem with the roads here, so we are considering buying a Camry or waiting. Is there any other car you would suggest?

Verified
•41m

Buy the Toyota Camry. Its rear seat is genuinely lounge-like with a power recline function, the ride is soft, and the cabin is quiet. The petrol strong hybrid powertrain is one of the best around, feels refined and effortless in the city, and has enough power on the highway. You get the smoothness and efficiency of an EV without the stress of having to charge it. And Toyota's low running costs and excellent service quality will give you peace of mind too.It does not feel particularly thrilling to drive, and it is a sedan, so speed breakers or steep ramps need more care than an SUV. If you do want an SUV stance and a punchier engine, the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron are good upgrades from your Tucson. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is eager, and it cruises beautifully, and the ride is exceptional too. It's just that, being a turbo petrol in a large SUV, these two are not very fuel efficient.Sadly, there are no plans for Hyundai to bring in a new Tucson or Santa Fe. Kia, however, is looking at bringing in the Sorento, the Santa Fe's counterpart from its portfolio, later this year or early next year, possibly with hybrid power. If you aren't in a hurry, that might be worth waiting for.

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•19h

Between the VinFast VF7 and the BYD Atto 3, which would be the safer ownership choice in India, considering service network, parts availability, and long-term support?

Verified
•1h

While the VinFast VF7 is an impressive product on paper, BYD has a significant head start in India. The BYD Atto 3 has been on sale for longer, BYD has an established dealer and service network, and there are already a meaningful number of cars on the road. That naturally translates into better parts availability, more trained technicians and a clearer picture of long-term ownership costs.With VinFast, the biggest unknown isn't the product itself but the ecosystem around it. The company is still in the early stages of building its sales and service network in India, and it will take time before we can confidently assess parts availability, service quality and long-term support.The Atto 3 also benefits from BYD's extensive global EV experience and its proven Blade Battery technology, which has already built a strong reputation for durability and safety.

VehicleVinfast VF7
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•2d

Can you suggest an upcoming EV with sufficient ground clearance to comfortably clear Indian speed breakers, while also having a low enough seat height and easy ingress so that I can transfer from my wheelchair to the front passenger seat with minimal effort? We currently own a Mercedes-Benz E200 (2025 model). My wife's daily commute is generally only around 5 km. However, we would prefer a larger battery pack in case we decide to take longer trips, such as to Goa. The car should also offer a boot capacity of at least 575 litres, enough to accommodate my folded wheelchair along with additional luggage. We previously owned a Skoda Superb, which was excellent in terms of both ground clearance and boot space. Our budget is around Rs. 1 crore.

Verified
•11h

Try out the Tesla Model Y L. It is a three-row SUV with a fairly large 420-litre boot with all seats up, which expands to a massive 1,076 litres with the third row folded. There is also a sizeable frunk for extra storage.The claimed range is 681km, so in the real world, a Mumbai-to-Goa trip is doable with one or two top-up stops. Ground clearance is about 169mm, which is on par with your Superb. It is tall, yet the seat isn’t as high as some SUVs, so sliding across from a wheelchair should be easier. It won't be as easy as your sedans, so make sure you try getting in and out at least a couple of times.It also fits comfortably within your budget and comes very well equipped. It's worth noting that a lot of functions are baked into the large central touchscreen, and that might take some getting used to.

VehicleTesla Model Y

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•4d

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.

Verified
•2d

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.

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•5d

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

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•2d

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.

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•6d

I have been using a Hyundai Creta Diesel since 2017 and have driven it for almost 2 lakh km. I am now planning to upgrade my vehicle. Would the Mahindra XUV 7X0 base diesel variant be a good choice for my requirements?

Verified
•3d

Yes, the XUV 7XO base diesel is a solid upgrade from your 2017 Creta if you do long highway runs. The 2.2 diesel pulls stronger, sits at cruise with less effort, and the bigger, heavier Mahindra car feels more settled at speed and over broken roads. You also get a roomier cabin and boot, which helps on long trips with family and luggage.Be ready for a few compromises. It is a big SUV, so parking in tight city spots takes getting used to, and the diesel manual’s clutch can feel heavier than your Creta’s in traffic. Expect slightly lower kpl than your old 1.6 diesel.Overall, the XUV 7XO AX is a strong choice.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
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Posted on: 24 Jun 2026