Latest questions answered by experts

Hi everyone, I'm planning to buy my first EV. I was initially considering the Tata Punch EV, but I'm 6'4" tall, and I found the driver's seat and overall driving position a bit cramped for longer drives. I'm open to stretching my budget a little if it means getting a more comfortable car. My requirements are: comfortable for a 6'4" driver, real-world driving range of around 350 km, good value for money, suitable for both city driving and occasional highway trips. What would you recommend? I'd also love to hear from tall owners about their experience with cabin space and driving comfort. Thanks in advance!

•24s

The Tata Punch EV is a great value proposition, but at 6'4", you are already experiencing its biggest limitation: cabin space. The driving position is upright, and the seat does not go low enough, which can become uncomfortable on longer drives. Since you are willing to stretch your budget, the MG Windsor EV is the better fit. It offers a significantly more spacious cabin, a wider and more comfortable seat, and a more relaxed driving position. Range is one aspect where this MG car doesn't really hit the 350km mark. Around 300km is what you can expect in normal driving conditions. Highway trips will have to be planned well. The screen inside dominates the dashboard. It is a more premium product than the Punch EV, but the extra spend is justified by the comfort and space.The other option is the new Kia Syros EV. It might seem compact, but the interior is surprisingly spacious, even for tall adults. The battery is a 51.4kWh unit from the bigger Clavis EV, so 400km in one charge should be possible. The rear seat space is also excellent, and the quality of the cabin, along with the usability of day-to-day functions, makes it a very strong contender.

I'm planning to buy my parents an electric city car. I've had serious doubts about Tata's after-sales, so I am not considering the Punch or Nexon at all. The budget is 15-17L OTR; what safe and well-equipped options should I consider? Another primary consideration is that service visits and niggles shouldn't concern my 60-year-old father.

•30m

The new Kia Syros EV would be a good option to consider. It comes with a 51.4kWh battery pack with good range and performance, and the HTK Plus will be only slightly more expensive (around Rs 1 lakh), which is worth stretching for. This Kia car also has easy ingress and egress, so it is comfortable for the elderly to get in and out of. It has compact dimensions; the seat height and comfort are good, and the light steering makes it very easy to drive and manoeuvre in the city.Kia also has a good reputation when it comes to after-sales and service, so it won't be a hassle either. We recommend the Syros EV as it fills all the requirements you have. If you don't have a need for the larger battery, the HTX will fit comfortably in your budget and gets all the necessary features as well.

Kia Syros EV

•1d

I am looking for a midsize SUV. My monthly running is 3,000km, with 75% highway and 25% city use. I plan to keep the car for 7 years. I am looking for a safe, fuel-efficient, and reliable car.

•1h

With 3,000 km a month and 75% highway use, you need a car that is efficient, reliable and comfortable over long distances. The Kia Seltos diesel is the best fit. The diesel engine is efficient and refined, the SUV is stable and comfortable on long runs, and Kia’s diesel engines are known to be reliable as well. It is also a genuinely safe car with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. The Tata Harrier diesel is a good alternative with a slightly more comfortable ride, but the Seltos offers a more premium experience overall and better value for money.

Kia Seltos

Tata Harrier

•1d

Looking for a new car around Rs 60 lakh (+/-). Average running is 2,000-2,500 km. Preference is diesel, but I also want a performance-oriented car that is comfortable for long trips. Can you suggest one?

•1h

Since you prefer a diesel car and have performance as a priority, the BMW 3 Series in its 320Ld guise fits the job perfectly. It is excellent to drive, has a punchy but refined engine and surprisingly strong efficiency. The boot is also generous, although not as much as an SUV, but at this price, the practicality is very good. The only things to consider would be the low ground clearance. The driving dynamics, comfort and features are excellent, and it has fantastic touring capabilities.

BMW 3 Series LWB

•10h

I own a Tiago AMT 2021 model, Due to the E20 petrol compatible issue I would like to purchase a SUV which is spacious for 5 people. My usage is only on Weekends with 90% in City and occasional highway trips with around 5k - 7k KM per year. I've shortlisted Vitara Breeze ZXI+ AT and Nexon EV 45kw Empowered + My budget is around 15-18L Should I go for ICE or EV?

•11h

Hi, I want a spacious seven seater SUV with automatic transmission. I was planning for the Innova HyCross ZX(O)but recently learnt that Kia Sorento is being launched in India soon, so should I wait for the Sorento?

•1d

I am planning to buy a car with a budget of Rs. 80 lakh. My monthly running is around 1,800 km. I would prefer a diesel because of my usage, but I am open to other options if they make better sense. Which car would you recommend?

•11h

With a monthly running of around 1,800km, a diesel makes sense. Unfortunately, you aren't spoilt for choice and under Rs 80 lakh, the only premium car is the BMW 3 Series LWB. This BMW car comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine that is strong, refined and efficient, and the 3 Series strikes a good balance between comfort and driving enjoyment. It is also a genuinely practical family sedan with a spacious cabin and a large boot, making it easy to live with on long journeys. The rear seat is particularly spacious, and the engine is smooth. For an extra Rs 10 lakh, you get the BMW X3, which gets the same engine but in an SUV form factor with much better ground clearance. If you can stretch your budget, the newer X3 would be a good choice, but if you need to stick to Rs 80 lakh, the 320 Ld would be our recommendation.

BMW 3 Series LWB

BMW X3

•12h

Which one is better for manual transmission. 3XO AX5 or Kylaq signature plus.

•1d

I am looking to buy a 6/7-seater electric car. I am currently inclined towards the Mahindra XEV 9e, but I am unsure about its ride quality and suspension comfort. I have also considered the Kia Clavis EV, but its smaller battery pack and overall design are not very appealing to me. I can also wait for the Tata Safari EV if it is likely to be a better option. Which EV would you recommend?

•12h

Go for the Mahindra XEV 9S. It is the best fit for your requirement of a 6/7-seater EV. The Mahindra car has a large battery pack, strong performance and a well-sorted suspension setup. Mahindra has tuned the suspension to handle Indian roads well, and it feels stable and comfortable even with a full load of passengers.The Kia Carens Clavis EV is a good family EV, and is more suited only if you have adults in the third row more often. Interestingly, the Kia's third-row is more spacious and comfier than the XEV's. However, the Kia's smaller battery limits its range and long-distance usability. The Tata Safari EV is still some time away and is worth waiting for only if you are specifically looking for a larger, spacious three-row EV.

I am looking to buy an electric car in the Rs. 20-30 lakh price range. My driving is mostly within the city, with an annual running of only 5,000-7,000 km. Would you recommend buying an EV now, or would it be better to wait for the newer models that are expected to launch over the next few months?

•13h

With 5,000-7,000 km a year and mostly city driving, you are the ideal EV buyer. The Mahindra XEV 9S in its top-spec Pack Three guise will comfortably fit in your budget. With a 79kWh battery pack, you can easily expect a real-world range of around 480km in daily driving conditions. The 9S is also a full-size SUV with three rows, so practicality is excellent. There is a usable frunk as well, and the feature list is extensive with connected tech, panoramic sunroof, front and rear ventilated seats, drive modes, Level 2 ADAS and much more. Also, with 286hp, the 9S has plenty of performance for everyday needs. The overall package strikes a good balance and hence is our recommendation.

Mahindra XEV 9S

•13h

Which is the best option between xuv 3XO MX2 pro AT vs Kylaq signature AT.

•18h

I have a strict budget of Rs. 12 lakh, and I'm looking for an automatic car, preferably with a DCT transmission in Kochi, Kerala. This will be my first car, and I don't have a lot of driving experience, so ease of driving is an important factor. My monthly running is around 500 km, with about 60% of it being in bumper-to-bumper city traffic. I'm primarily considering sub-4-meter SUVs. A reverse camera is a must-have feature for me, and after-sales service is also important. I recently test drove the Kia Sonet Petrol DCT and really liked it. However, I'd love to hear recommendations for other sub-4-meter SUVs in this budget. I'm also curious about the long-term reliability of DCTs. I've come across reports of jerking and drivability issues in heavy traffic after around 70,000 km. How common are these problems, and should they be a concern given my driving pattern, especially considering this will be my first car?

•14h

Given your budget and requirements, the Kia Sonet petrol DCT is actually a very sensible choice. This Kia car is one of the most polished sub-4-metre SUVs on the market, with a refined turbo-petrol engine, a well-appointed cabin and a strong aftersales network. The DCT gearbox is quick and smooth in normal driving, and the car is compact enough to be easy to manoeuvre in city traffic. The reverse camera is available on mid-spec variants, so you do not have to stretch your budget to the top-end model.On the DCT reliability question, it is important to be realistic rather than alarmist. DCTs are fundamentally different from torque converter automatics. They use two clutches and can feel slightly jerky at crawling speeds, especially in stop-start traffic. Over very high mileages, clutch wear can become a factor, but this is not a widespread issue at 70,000 km if the car is driven sensibly and serviced on schedule. The Sonet's DCT is one of the better-tuned units in the segment, and for your monthly running of 500 km, it should not be a major concern. The key is to avoid excessive creeping on the brake and to shift to Neutral when possible.If you are open to alternatives, the Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic is worth considering. This Mahindra car uses a torque converter automatic, which is smoother at low speeds and better suited to heavy traffic. The 3XO is also one of the most spacious sub-4-metre SUVs, with a wide rear bench and a strong safety rating. However, the boot is smaller than the Sonet's, and the overall cabin does not feel as premium.Given your requirements, the Sonet petrol DCT remains the best fit.

Kia Sonet

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•14h

Hi team! 🙋 Hope you are having a good day. Wanted your help in reaching an informed decision. I'm getting a used 45K Run 2024 Curvv EV Empowered+ A 55 for 16.5L . Do you think it is an okay price? I haven't negotiated yet. What will I be missing in comparison to the new SeriesX? Is the backseat of the old model comfortable for long journeys? I heard there were some complaints before n they improved it in the new one. Was there anything else bad apart from the headroom before, and how bad was it anyway, if tall passenger won't be sitting at the back? Also r there any known issues? What should I double check before buying one used? Or should I wait n buy a new Syros EV instead? Really appreciate your work in helping us out. Thanks in advance.

•18h

Hi team, can you please let me know if Hyundai is going to launch any mid-cycle update or a new car in the CRETA EV?

•15h

With Hyundai having only launched the Creta Electric in 2025, there is no new model or major mid-lifecycle update expected in the immediate future. The SUV was recently given a big software update that enabled faster charging speeds, which went up from around 45kW to as much as 72kW. It was also made available with a BaaS (Battery as a Service) purchasing option. The car is still very new in the market, and Hyundai will likely just move onto the next-generation model, which will likely follow after the new-gen ICE Creta in 2027. If you are considering the Creta Electric, now is a good time to buy as you are getting the latest version of the car.

Hyundai Creta Electric

•18h

Hi, I am a 27-year-old first-time car buyer from Delhi NCR. My daily commute is around 25 km, including a mix of expressway and city traffic. My monthly running will be around 600 km, with an expected annual running of 7,000-8,000 km. I have access to EV charging at my apartment (Rs. 10/kWh) and at my workplace through a Statiq charger (Rs. 22/kWh). I was considering the Mahindra BE 6 Pack Two 59 kWh, as the car will mostly be used by my wife and me. I may send it to my parents in my hometown after 4-5 years, but not before that. My budget is around Rs. 21-22 lakh. The BE 6 is currently available with a Rs. 1.5 lakh discount, and a new version is expected to be announced soon. Would you recommend buying the BE 6 now, waiting for the updated version in the hope of better discounts, or opting for a Kia Seltos Diesel (Rs. 17-19 lakh) and upgrading to an EV after 4-5 years? I am not considering petrol cars because of concerns regarding E20 and future E25 fuel compatibility.

•15h

Go for the Mahindra BE 6 Pack 2 59kWh. Your usage pattern is ideal for an EV, with a mix of expressway and city traffic, and you already have affordable home charging. At Rs 10/kWh, your running costs will be significantly lower than a diesel, and the BE 6’s 59kWh battery is more than adequate for your daily needs and occasional longer trips. The current discount makes it a strong value proposition, and waiting for the next version is unlikely to yield dramatically better deals given how quickly EV technology and pricing are evolving.The Seltos is a good car, but at 7,000-8,000 km a year, buying a diesel car is harder to justify because of the higher upfront premium. You would also be looking at a replacement in 4-5 years. The BE 6, on the other hand, can be handed over to your parents after that period, making it a more sensible long-term purchase. As for E20/E25 concerns, modern petrol engines are engineered for these blends, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20, so it should not be a reason to avoid petrol cars altogether.Overall, the BE 6 fits your usage, budget and long-term plans best.

Mahindra BE 6

Kia Seltos

•22h

I currently drive a 2015 Renault Duster 85 PS diesel, which was my first car (bought used). I absolutely love its low-end torque, confident handling, compliant suspension, and light off-road capability. Living in a hilly region, I especially enjoy how effortlessly it tackles steep climbs. I'm now planning to upgrade, mainly for modern features and better safety. However, I don't want to lose the driving characteristics that made me love the Duster. With a maximum budget of Rs. 12 lakh (on-road), would the Maruti Suzuki Brezza Turbo ZXi be a genuine upgrade or would it feel like a downgrade in terms of torque delivery, driving dynamics, suspension comfort, and hill-driving capability?

•16h

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza Turbo ZXi is a sensible upgrade from a 2015 Duster 85 PS diesel, but it will feel different rather than outright better in the areas you care about. The Brezza Turbo’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine produces 110hp and 170Nm, with a very linear power delivery; not the same low-end diesel punch you are used to. Hence, on steep hill climbs, you will need to work the engine and gearbox a bit more, whereas the Duster’s diesel torque made those climbs feel effortless.In terms of driving dynamics, the Brezza is a well-balanced car with predictable handling and a comfortable ride, although the Duster has an edge as far as ruggedness and off-road ability goes. That said, the Brezza is more refined and easier to live with in daily use.Where the Brezza Turbo ZXi is a clear upgrade is in safety, features and overall ownership experience. It is a far more modern car with better safety equipment, a more comfortable cabin and Maruti’s strong service network. It is also a genuinely good car to drive, just with a different character.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Renault Duster

•16h

I am using two wheeler pulsar dtsi 150 i am planning to buy my first car as i do not have hands on driving regularly i am thinking to buy second hand car with max budget if 3 to 5 lacks and after become expert in driving will think on purchasing new car, plan is to learn the car on second hand and sell it which will reduce my cost also i get hands on, dilemma is if i buy new car under 10l which i can afford will give me couple year warranty and insurance as well so while becoming handson i will lso get not much maintenance cost so here i confused new or old, also i am preffering suv type cars choices in new are brezza, creta, seltos. I found renault duster in 2.55 lacks third owner 2013 car will this type suitable for my requirements or should i move for any other bests available? What to choose please help

•21h

I have a Renault Kiger RXT (O) automatic that is five years old and has been driven around 45,000 km. I’m looking to upgrade to the Toyota Hyryder Hybrid S variant for better fuel efficiency. My usage is mainly on highways and long drives, along with some city driving in Bengaluru traffic. I request you to kindly advise whether this is the best option.

•16h

Given your usage pattern of highway and long drives with a mix of Bangalore city traffic, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid S is a sensible upgrade from your Renault Kiger. The strong hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in city conditions, where the car can run on electric power at low speeds and in stop-start traffic. On highways, the hybrid system still contributes to efficiency, though the gains are less dramatic than in the city. The Hyryder also offers a more comfortable ride, better refinement and a more premium ownership experience compared to the Kiger.However, it is worth considering the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid as well. It is essentially the same car underneath, but the Victoris gets a slightly more premium interior and a richer feature set, including Level 2 ADAS, at a similar price point. If you are open to the Maruti badge, the Victoris Hybrid is arguably the better value proposition.The only caveat with the Hyryder Hybrid is that the boot space is compromised due to the battery pack, which may be a consideration if you regularly carry a lot of luggage on your long drives. For the added practicality and a plusher interior we would recommend the Maruti Suzuki Victoris.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Renault Kiger

•16h

I had ford ecosport diesel manual, I am planning upgrade creta or xuv 7xo diesel manual and monthly driven around 1000 km

•21h

I’m a 21-year-old college student, and my family already owns a 2020 Fortuner. I’m looking for a second car for college use and outings. Should I go with the Thar, as per my father's choice, or the new-generation 2026 Hilux, which I like? Or is there any other good option? It must be a diesel SUV.

•17h

Why not consider the Mahindra Thar Roxx instead? The Thar is a good secondary car, however the absence of rear doors hampers practicality. Also, while the Thar is excellent off-road, it can feel a bit bumpy on the road. In comparison, the Thar Roxx feels a lot more practical, usable and comfortable for daily use and long drives. The Hilux is simply too large for daily driving, especially in the city. However, if you're looking to get a vehicle purely for butch looks and stand-out road presence, then nothing will come close to the new Hilux. Be prepared to spend a lot more for it (compared to a Mahindra Thar Roxx).

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Toyota Hilux

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