Latest questions answered by experts

autocar.india

•2h

Given that your garage already includes an Innova, XUV700 and a Windsor Pro EV, the decision should be less about EV versus ICE in general and more about what gap you're trying to fill. For your usage pattern of 90% highway driving, an ICE vehicle still holds certain advantages. You'll spend less time planning charging stops, refuelling is quicker and long-distance cruising remains more convenient, especially if you frequently cover large distances across Telangana at highway speeds. Highway driving also tends to reduce the range advantage that EVs enjoy in city conditions.That said, you already own a Windsor Pro, which gives you first-hand experience of EV ownership. If the Windsor is comfortably handling your requirements and charging infrastructure on your regular routes is not an issue, there is no reason to rule out another EV.However, if this purchase is intended to be your primary long-distance tourer, we'd lean towards an ICE vehicle. With an XUV700 and Innova already in the garage, it may be worth looking at something that offers a step up in comfort, refinement or driving experience rather than another midsize SUV.The challenge is that you haven't mentioned a budget, which makes it difficult to recommend a specific car. Depending on your spending range, the recommendation could vary from a premium SUV to a luxury sedan or even a premium EV.

MG Windsor

autocar.india

•3h

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.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•4h

The Kia Carens Clavis Petrol Automatic would be our recommendation. While your family consists of four members, you've specifically mentioned that your parents or in-laws do join you on trips from time to time, which means a genuinely usable third row is important. The Carens Clavis offers the best balance of space, comfort and practicality for seven occupants, while also being easy to drive and comfortable on the 400-600km trips you undertake every couple of months. With an annual running of around 8,000km, we would also avoid the diesel. Although your highway trips should help keep DPF-related issues at bay, the fuel savings are unlikely to justify the higher purchase price and complexity of a modern diesel. Given your knee discomfort, an automatic is definitely worth choosing over a manual and will make day-to-day driving far more relaxing.As for the Carens petrol's fuel efficiency, it is true that some owners report lower-than-expected figures, particularly in heavy city traffic. However, with your relatively modest annual running, we wouldn't let mileage become the deciding factor. The difference in fuel costs between the Carens petrol automatic and a more efficient alternative is unlikely to be substantial enough to outweigh the benefits of the Kia's superior space, comfort and practicality.The Ertiga Automatic remains a sensible option if value, fuel efficiency and ease of ownership are your priorities, but its safety credentials continue to be a concern. The Victoris feels more premium and offers greater comfort on long journeys, but if you genuinely expect to travel with six or seven people, the Carens Clavis is simply the more practical vehicle.

Kia Carens Clavis

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

autocar.india

•5h

Get the Tata Punch EV 40kWh. Your 500-1000 km a month is exactly its sweet spot, and the price is comfortably under Rs. 15 lakh in most cities. One home charge a week should be enough for your normal city usage, and you'll still have room for a short weekend round-trip. It is easy to drive and park, rides well on bad roads, and Tata’s EV service reach is pretty wide now.If you plan to use it on highways, it will need some planning around chargers, and the boot is modest. If you want even more range and a larger vehicle, the Tata Nexon EV 45kWh mid-level trims are an option, but won't get as many features and will stretch your budget. For most first-time EV buyers at this budget, the Punch EV 40 is the best choice.

Tata Punch EV

Tata Nexon EV

autocar.india

•6h

Your 2023 Kia Carens Diesel Automatic should have a long and healthy life ahead of it, provided it is maintained properly and used in a manner that suits a modern diesel.The good news is that your car is still relatively new, and the 1.5-litre diesel engine has proven to be a refined and dependable unit. If your driving includes regular highway runs or trips where the engine gets fully warmed up, there is no reason why the car cannot comfortably serve you for well over a decade. Modern diesels are capable of very high mileages when maintained correctly.The main thing to watch out for is the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). If your usage is predominantly short city trips, the DPF can clog over time. However, if you regularly drive on highways or take longer journeys, the system should regenerate naturally and remain trouble-free.

Kia Carens