Latest questions answered by experts

Srikanth Reddy Mothkupally

My 2018 Tata Hexa XTA has been facing turbo and DPF issues. I have also been struggling to find spare parts when needed. The car has done 71,000 km. Is it advisable to keep it in the long run?

Autocar India

•12m

Given a 2018 Hexa XTA with 71,000 km and repeated turbo and so‑called DPF trouble, plus the hassles you’ve had getting parts, I would not plan to keep it for the long run. The Hexa is lovely to travel in, but Tata no longer sells it, and parts for items like the turbo, differential bits, and some trim are already in short supply. As the car crosses 80,000-100,000 km, more components wear out on a big diesel and an older automatic, which can mean longer downtime and higher bills if parts are not readily available.Before you decide, please note that a 2018 Hexa is BS4 and therefore does not normally have a DPF. If someone has called it a DPF issue, get a second opinion at a strong Tata workshop or a trusted diesel specialist. Many owners see similar symptoms from a clogged EGR, faulty sensors, or exhaust parts, not a DPF. A proper scan with the right tool can save you from chasing the wrong fix.If you still love the car and can live with waits, you can hold on, but set it up for fewer surprises. Get the turbo and intercooler pipes pressure-checked, clean the EGR and intake, refresh the automatic gearbox oil if not already done, and note exact part numbers so you can pre-order likely items. Even then, delays will remain.

manjunath BR

•1w

I am considering the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 DSG, Renault Duster 1.3 DCT, and Honda Elevate. My usage is mostly city (70:30). I am unsure about DSG and DCT reliability, rear seat comfort, and long-term maintenance. I enjoy driving and prefer a driver-oriented car with a good music system. Please advise.

Autocar India

•1h

From your shortlist, there isn’t one SUV that perfectly ticks every box. If driving enjoyment is a priority, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI stands out. Its quick-shifting DSG, strong mid-range performance and sharp, agile handling make it the most engaging and driver-focused of the three. It also offers one of the best audio setups in the segment, with an 8-speaker system, subwoofer and amplifier delivering rich and punchy sound.On the reliability front, the 7-speed DSG has improved over time, but it’s still not as inherently robust or smooth in stop-and-go city use as Honda’s CVT. The Elevate, in contrast, is the easiest-going and fuss-free option here. It offers significantly better rear-seat space and comfort, along with Honda’s strong reputation for long-term reliability. However, it’s not particularly exciting to drive.The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT sits somewhere in between. Its turbo-petrol engine is strong and refined, but the car itself isn’t as sharp or driver-oriented as the Kushaq. Rear-seat space is also not its strong suit, and overall, it doesn’t quite stand out in any one area.So broadly, Kushaq for driving fun and audio, Elevate for space and peace of mind, and Duster as a middle-ground option.

SP Rao

Hi, I am a 72-year-old looking to buy a new car later this year. I have driven extensively on highways and in the hills, both on bikes and in cars. My driving has reduced due to my wife’s illness, though I am still open to the occasional trip. I am looking for a car that feels responsive and is comfortable for city driving. Since it’s just the two of us, I have more or less decided on the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta (both petrol). Please suggest.

Autocar India

•2h

Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta are solid choices, and you really can’t go wrong with either. That said, we would lean towards the Seltos, which feels a generation newer in terms of features, cabin experience and overall polish.Given your usage is now more city-focused, ease of driving should be a priority. The Seltos 1.5 petrol with the IVT (CVT) automatic is the better fit here. It offers very smooth, seamless power delivery and is relaxed and stress-free in traffic, which is ideal for everyday driving.If you still want a bit more performance or “zip” for the occasional highway drive, the 1.5 turbo-petrol is noticeably stronger. However, its twin-clutch automatic (DCT) can feel a bit abrupt at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic, which may not suit your primary usage as well.Both cars are comfortable and well-suited to a couple, but the Seltos edges ahead with its more up-to-date feel and slightly more refined driving experience.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Nitesh

•20h

I’m planning to buy a new car, and I’m currently confused between the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 (Petrol Manual), Hyundai Venue HX5 Turbo Petrol, and Kia Seltos 2026 base petrol variant. My usage: 60% city, 25% highway, 15% mountains (3 trips every year). Other requirements: annual running: ~8,000–10,000 km, primary use: family car, but I do enjoy driving occasionally, good ground clearance is important (roads in my hometown in the mountains are quite bad). I am planning to keep the car for 10+ years. Budget: ₹12 lakh (can stretch to ₹13 lakh if it’s truly worth it). My question is: Which of these would be the best fit for my usage? Is it worth stretching for the Seltos base model over the other two? Are there better alternatives in this budget that I should consider? Would really appreciate your suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Autocar India

•2h

With mostly city use, a few highway runs, and some mountain trips on broken roads, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 petrol manual fits your brief best. It rides tough over bad patches, has good ground clearance, and its turbo petrol pulls well at low speeds, which helps on steep hill sections and in slow city traffic. It is also one of the nicer cars to drive in this price range, so when you want to enjoy a winding road, it will put a smile on your face, and the AX5 gives you a good mix of safety and comfort features without blowing the budget.Two trade-offs to note. If you often carry a full load of luggage, the boot is not very large, and at low speeds, the steering is not as light as most other SUVs in the class. Is it worth stretching to the base Seltos? Only if you really need the extra space. The base Kia Seltos skimps on features, and its non-turbo petrol will feel weaker on mountain climbs with a full family. Also check on-road pricing in your city, as it may push past Rs 13 lakh.The Hyundai Venue HX5 Turbo Petrol is also a good option and a great all-rounder, with a bigger boot, but given your needs, the better-riding, more enjoyable to drive XUV will suit you better. If you want another option to check out, look at the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, which is unexciting but offers hassle-free long-term ownership.

Peter

With the diesel automatic becoming more affordable, which car should I go for between the Kia Syros HTK+ or the New Hyundai Venue HX 8?

Autocar India

•3h

The recent revision in Kia Syros variants has made the car a much more interesting proposition and put it back on many buyers' radar, which is evident in your query. The Syros and Hyundai Venue are closely related and share the same platform, powertrains, including the capable diesel automatic, and many of the same features. However, there is a distinct difference in their focus. Where the Venue is more of a rounded product that is a jack of all trades, the Syros has a clear focus on the rear seat. Thus, if you're chauffeur-driven, we would recommend the Syros for its more spacious and flexible rear seat.The HTK+ might miss out on the ventilation function, but the space and slide/recline ability are all there. However, the new Venue is not far behind on space and crucially has a softer ride quality, something that's been a Kia Syros sore point. Thus, if you don't need that excess rear-seat space the majority of the time, and you're satisfied with the features on offer for the price, the Venue HX8 has the edge over the Syros in most situations.

Kia Syros

Hyundai Venue

AKSHAY RAUT

•1d

Hi, currently, I am using a Tata Altroz petrol manual XZ (2020). Now, I want to upgrade to a mid-size SUV. My driving is 50% in the city and 50% on highways. My budget is ₹15 lakh. My priorities are safety, space, comfort, mileage as well as a smooth and powerful engine. I prefer a manual car. Kindly suggest.

Autocar India

•18h

Given your requirements, you could shortlist Skoda Kushaq Classic+, Citroen Aircross X Max and Honda Elevate V MT. All of these are excellent options with powerful engines and manual transmission. The Kushaq has been updated recently, and its entry-level Classic+ variant covers the basics well, and is the most affordable of the bunch. The Citroen car that we have mentioned has an excellent turbo-petrol engine, and the nicest ride quality. It is also gives you the option of seven seats at this price. The Elevate is a no-nonsense SUV with a strong, high-revving naturally aspirated petrol engine and an excellent ride-handling balance. We'd recommend you drive all three and pick the one that meets all your requirements.

Mahesh

Could you please help me choose the most suitable car within a ₹14 lakh on-road budget? I am currently confused between the Skoda Kushaq facelift, Tata Nexon Creative Plus, and Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5, considering my usage of around 1,000 km per month and the need for a safe, comfortable, and reliable family car for use with two young children?

Autocar India

•19h

With around 1,000 km a month, two young kids and a cap of ₹14 lakh on-road, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 is the one that fits your brief best. It rides comfortably over broken city roads and speed breakers, and the rear seat is more than spacious enough for your kids. Safety is a strong point too, with a solid feel, good driver aids for this price, and mounts to fix child seats in the back. It also fits your budget in a well-equipped trim, so you are not forced into a bare-bones version. A trade-off to note: The boot is not the biggest in this price range, so if you often carry a full-size stroller plus luggage, do a quick fit check. If you prefer a more contemporary looking cabin, the Tata Nexon Creative Plus is your alternative from your list. It offers a slightly roomier boot and a very nice interior, and is easy to drive in the city, but the petrol engine feels a bit less smooth at low speeds and Tata service quality can vary by city. The Skoda Kushaq facelift would be a good pick, but only if you can stretch your budget, as within ₹14 lakh you’ll only get the base manual model, and Skoda’s service reach is smaller. Overall, for your family use and budget, the XUV 3XO AX5 lines up best.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kushaq