I booked a KTM Duke 390 on March 22nd, but it has been over 30 days, and the showroom still hasn't received the bike. They currently have no updates on when new stock will arrive. I’ve checked other showrooms across Mumbai and even in neighbouring states, but the bike is out of stock everywhere. Since the delivery is so uncertain, I am now considering alternatives like the TVS RR 310, KTM Duke 250, or the RE Guerrilla 450. Given my 5'10" height and the fact that I need a bike for daily Mumbai traffic, which of these would be the best recommendation?

autocar.india

•4d

With a monthly running of 2,000 km and mostly daily commuting, the right fuel choice is crucial. At this usage, a diesel makes the most financial sense, and the Kia Seltos diesel is the best fit from your shortlist. This Kia car is a well-rounded SUV with a strong diesel engine, good refinement and a comfortable ride, making it ideal for long daily commutes. It also offers a premium cabin and a solid ownership experience, which is important for a first-time buyer.The Hyundai Creta diesel is a very close alternative with a similar mechanical package, but it will be replaced by an all-new Creta early next year, the Seltos also feels slightly more premium inside. The Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is the value alternative, offering strong performance and a lower price point, but it is a smaller car overall. The Maruti Brezza and Fronx are both petrol-only, so they are not the right choice at this running. The Seltos diesel is the most suitable option for your usage and budget.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

autocar.india

•5d

With a budget of Rs 13-14 lakh, an automatic SUV and monthly running under 500km, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic is the recommendation. It offers a strong value-for-money proposition, a spacious cabin and a comfortable ride, making it well suited for both city and occasional highway use. The turbo petrol engine paired with the automatic gearbox delivers good performance without being overly complex. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is the alternative if reliability and low running costs are the absolute priority, but the 3XO feels like the more complete package for your requirements.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•2d

Congratulations on your new KTM 390 Duke R - we're sure you're in for a hair-raising journey. Let’s break down the charges:Municipality Charges: This is not a standard charge everywhere, but some cities levy a small fee at the time of registration, usually for road maintenance or local transport infrastructure. It’s typically a few hundred rupees and is collected by the RTO. If it’s a significant amount, ask the dealer for a breakup or check with your local RTO agent.5-year extended warranty: This is a genuine KTM-backed product, but it’s important to understand what it covers. It’s essentially an extension of the standard warranty, but after the initial period, it usually covers only major engine and gearbox components, not wear-and-tear items like clutch plates, brake pads or consumables. Whether it’s worth it or not depends on your ownership plans. If you plan to keep the bike long-term and keep it stock, then it's definitely worth shelling out the small amount, as it will give you peace of mind in the long run.HYPO: This is a hypothecation charge, which is only applicable if you’re taking a loan. If you’re buying the bike outright, you don’t need to pay this.A couple of additional tips: check if the insurance premium quoted is competitive – you can often get a better deal by buying it yourself online. Also, ask for a detailed breakup of the “handling” or “logistics” charges - if you don't seem convinced by these, tell the dealer to remove them.Overall, most of these charges are legitimate, and some we would even recommend you spend on (like the extended warranty), but it’s always worth asking for a detailed breakup and questioning anything that doesn’t make sense. Happy riding!