Do the Maruti Grand Vitara Delta AT Mild Hybrid and the Hyundai Creta EX(O) IVT have the same mileage in their petrol variants? How do their maintenance costs compare, and which one is the better base automatic variant?

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara AT will prove to be more efficient, but the gap will not be all that large. Sure, the mild hybrid setup does help, assisting the engine and reducing load. But the bigger benefits come when the engine stop/start is also used. Engine stop/start automatically switches the engine off at long halts and restarts it when you are ready to move, in the interest of saving fuel. Trouble is, the AC compressor also goes off with the engine, so on a hot day, you'd rather leave the feature turned off. Do note, engine stop/start is a feature you'd find on the Hyundai Creta IVT too. The Grand Vitara should be more reasonable in terms of maintenance and service costs, though. Strictly speaking, on product attributes, the Creta IVT is a superior package. It's got a smoother gearbox, better performance and is also roomier than the Grand Vitara. The Creta IVT in base EX(O) trim is pricier than the base Grand Vitara AT Delta, but would still be our pick if you don't mind the stretch.

A radiator guard is a good idea for any liquid-cooled motorcycle - like your Triumph Scrambler 400X - especially if you plan to ride off-road. It will protect the radiator from stones and debris that can be kicked up by the front wheel, which can damage it and cause you an avoidable expense. If you get your bike pressure-washed often, a strong stream of water can also bend or damage the fins of the radiator. So, the guard will also help you in this situation. A well-designed radiator guard from reputed brands or the company's accessory catalogue itself will not affect the bike's cooling in any way. It is designed to allow air to flow through it to cool down the hot coolant, so the radiator can do its job efficiently.

In a market, as ours, where there's a new launch every couple of months, your predicament is understandable! Given your requirements, we've narrowed the list of options down to the Kia Syros and Mahindra XUV 3XO. Both compact SUVs offer comfortable seating for five passengers, which is a priority for you. The Kia Syros has a roomier interior and also offers more flexibility with its unique sliding rear seats. The clean layout of the dash and crisp screens also gives the interior a new-age vibe. It's got a nice turbo-petrol engine that delivers pleasant performance. A firm ride does take a bit away from the experience, though. You could get the Syros turbo manual HTX within your budget. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is nicer to drive with a stronger turbo-petrol engine. Ride and handling are also well sorted. The XUV 3XO turbo-manual AX7 fits comfortably within your budget.

The Skoda Kylaq meets all your requirements of fun to drive and safety. It’s fairly reliable, too, but doesn’t have the reputation for reliability like a Japanese brand. The sales and service are considerably improve and Skoda has worked to bring down spare parts and service costs as well. The air conditioning is an issue with Skodas, but the company has fixed it in the new Kushaq, and we expect to see these improvements in the Kylaq too. The Aircross is a lovely car to drive, but its dealer and service network needs to improve. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a great all-rounder and the best equipped, but it's not as much fun to drive as the Kylaq.