I'm looking for a car mainly for city use with a budget of around 13-14 lakh. I was considering the Tata Punch EV and Tata Tiago EV, but after reading a lot of mixed reviews about Tata's after-sales service, I'm a little hesitant. I'm looking for a compact, city-friendly car. I'd prefer an EV, but I'm also open to a petrol, hybrid or any other fuel type, as long as it offers reliable after-sales support and hassle-free ownership. Also, please don't suggest the MG Comet EV, as I don't like its design. What would you recommend?

autocar.india

•17h

Given your limited usage, the initial premium a hybrid or an electric car command over a petrol-automatic can't be justified, despite the significant difference in running costs. Hence, we'd advise you to consider a petrol-automatic car instead. For the money, you can consider a VW Taigun 1.0 TSI 8AT or a Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI 8AT. Both these are smooth and compact in size, and will feel rather easy to drive in urban conditions. Also, both are solid, and you will feel confident driving on your occasional highway drives. In case you want a car that's larger and more modern, the Kia Seltos 1.5 IVT is an excellent option.However, if you're still keen to keep the running costs to a bare minimum, and if you have a provision for home charging, then consider the upcoming Kia Syros EV (expected to launch in the coming weeks). This Kia car is compact in size, yet it is surprisingly spacious, and with adjustable rear seats, the Syros will feel like a natural progression from your outgoing Honda Jazz. The electric powertrain is likely to be shared with the Clavis EV, which means it will be smooth and very efficient too. Sure, the Syros EV's looks might not be universally appealing; however, we'd strongly recommend that you drive it once - it is likely to be an ideal Jazz replacement for you.

Volkswagen Taigun

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

Kia Carens Clavis EV

autocar.india

•2d

Try looking for the iRA.ev smartphone app on Google Play Store or Apple App Store, which handles connected-car stuff, while Arcade.ev on the car screen is for entertainment. For shows and music in your Punch EV, you need Arcade.ev working on the 10.25-inch screen.Here’s the quick fix. On the car screen, open Settings, then Wi-Fi, hook it to your phone’s hotspot, return to the home screen and open Arcade.ev. Sign in if it asks, then install the streaming or music apps you want. Video will only play when the car is in Park with the handbrake on, so do not expect video on the move. If the Arcade.ev tile is missing or says not available, run a software update from Settings and retry. If it still does not show, ask the Tata service centre to enable the Arcade.ev pack on your VIN. Some cars leave the factory needing that push.If you only need audio while driving, wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is the simpler route.

Tata Punch EV

autocar.india

•9m

You could consider the Hyundai Venue Turbo-Petrol DCT, which is a well-rounded car. The powertrain is smooth, performance is adequate, and with light controls and good visibility, it is rather easy to drive. Additionally, it is spacious and feature-rich, with the sunroof you're looking for. The real-world Hyundai Venue mileage in the city goes up to 11.5kpl and 16kpl on the highways. These fuel efficiency figures are quite decent for this segment.If you want a car with a bigger sunroof, look at the Kia Syros. It has the largest panoramic sunroof in the compact SUV segment. It is surprisingly spacious, and it shares its turbo-petrol DCT powertrain with the Venue.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Syros