Delhi

•2h

Hi Autocar team, I am looking to buy a new petrol automatic car for my family of three. Most of my driving will be in Bengaluru city, with occasional highway trips of 100-500 km. I prefer a torque-converter automatic or a CVT. We have test-driven the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI, Kylaq and Kushaq, Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI, 2026 Honda Elevate facelift, Kia Sonet, Tata Punch AMT, Tata Sierra DCT and the Tata Punch EV with its automatic transmission. I personally liked the Slavia for its performance, handling, ride quality and safety, but I am concerned about EPC warnings and reliability. My wife is a beginner driver who currently drives a manual turbo sedan and a hatchback. She prefers relaxed driving and liked the Honda Elevate CVT more than the Sonet. I enjoy strong performance and effortless overtaking on highways, although neither of us is an outright driving enthusiast. With so many options, which automatic would you recommend?

•3m

Since your wife preferred the Honda Elevate over the Kia Sonet and is still building confidence, the smooth, predictable response of the Honda's CVT makes it an easier daily companion in Bengaluru traffic. Its upright seating position and suspension also suit the city's broken roads, while the naturally aspirated petrol engine avoids the added complexity of a turbo.

The Skoda Slavia is more engaging on the highway, with stronger mid range punch and enjoyable handling, and its eight-speed torque converter automatic is a good match for someone concerned about dual clutch reliability. EPC warnings and reliability concerns are worth discussing with the dealer, but they aren't a reason to rule out every Skoda car. The Elevate's main drawback is that its engine can sound strained when accelerating hard, and it won't deliver the same effortless overtaking response as the Slavia.

Given that you both drive the car, choose the Elevate CVT if ease of use and relaxed ownership come first; choose the Slavia automatic if you both test drive it and are happy with its driving behaviour and service support.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.69 Lakh

Skoda

Slavia

from ₹11.15 Lakh

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from ₹8.27 Lakh

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•21h

Hi Autocar India, I currently own a Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI MT, but since my wife prefers to drive an automatic, I'm planning to sell it and upgrade to either Hyundai Verna 1.5 IVT or 1.5 Turbo DCT. I need a car that feels a little more responsive at the lower end, especially in stop-and-go traffic, as I find my Slavia slightly sluggish in this situation. My monthly running is around 1,000 km, with approximately 70% highway and 30% city driving. Between the two Verna variants, which one would you recommend based on my requirements? Also, are there any SUVs in the similar price range that offer good mileage and better low-end response? I would love to hear your recommendation.

•34m

The Hyundai Verna 1.5 IVT will certainly feel more responsive than the Slavia, especially in stop-go conditions, and this is the ideal choice for a city commuter. However, give that 70 percent of your usage will be on the highway, we'd suggest you opt for the Verna 1.5 Turbo DCT for its stronger performance and effortless overtaking ability. Coming from a Slavia 1.0, the 1.5 Turbo will feel like a good replacement for you as far as performance goes, and its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will provide the convenience of an automatic that your wife is looking for.If you want to stick to a strong naturally aspirated petrol engine for better low-end performance as well as satisfactory highway effortlessness, consider the Honda City or Honda Elevate CVT. Honda's 1.5 feels much stronger that Hyundai's NA engine in the city and on the highway, with the only downside being refinement, where the Verna's petrol fares better.

Hi, I am an automotive enthusiast and go for track drive as well. Can you help me out with a suitable car under Rs. 15-17 lakh as I own Ritz diesel that has completed 2.3 lakh km in 10 years without any engine repair or changing timing chain with regular use of full synthetic oil. I do both city and highway driving regularly as my daily run would be 70 km and I do out station travel for work as I stay in Hyderabad and go for trip around Hyderabad to Bengaluru Chennai Pune and Mumbai. I have 3 elders who rarely travel outstation but they sometimes travel within city. My wife and children travel often with me especially for official and personal usage, suggest me a car with good driving dynamics that offers stability abd comfort. Can a 1 liter Skoda vehicle manage driving load or is 1.5 liter better. I don't have an opinion on Kia or Hyundai and I want to know if these brands are reliable and safe. Suggest me a suitable car.

•2d

Given your daily usage of 70km, and frequent highway trips, a diesel car will be a more economical choice. And in that price bracket, consider a higher-spec Mahindra XUV 3XO which has an excellent 1.5 Diesel engine that's punchy and refined, and its ride comfort and high speed stability easily matches cars from higher segments.If you insist on a petrol offering that'll appeal to an enthusiast like you, consider a Renault Duster or Nissan Tekton 1.3 Turbo, which are excellent to drive. The only real downside is that their turbo engine isn't efficient. A Slavia or Kushaq are great to drive too, and while their 1.0 TSI feels perfectly fine in the city, on the open road you'll certainly yearn for stronger performance and more effortless power delivery, something which is available with their 1.5 versions; unfortunately, these won't fit into your Rs 15-17 lakh on-road budget.The Hyundai Verna and Creta 1.5 Turbo variants are pricey, while a Kia Seltos with a 1.5 turbo petrol variant in your budget will be with an iMT (clutch-pedal-free manual transmission). It is a well-rounded car, and even though it drives well, it doesn't feel as engaging or as fun-to-drive as a Duster, Tekton or the Skoda offerings. Even the Kia's 1.5 diesel engine lacks outright punch and isn't likely to suit your driving style. Hence we'll suggest you to either consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel, or look at the Renault Duster or Nissan Tekton 1.3 turbo instead.

I am planning to buy a car this year around Diwali or year-end 2026. I am looking for a spacious, comfortable and a safe 5-seater for my family. My budget is Rs. 8-15 lakh (on-road) under Rs. 12 lakh. Although, I am open to spending less if the car offers excellent mileage, safety, space and reliability. My expected running is 7,000-8,000 km per month primarily for daily commutes mixed with GT roads and city driving. I intend to keep the car for at least 10-12 years, so fuel efficiency, low maintenance, long-term reliability, comfortable seating and good after-sales service are my priorities. I don't need fancy features that I will rarely use; essential safety and convenience features are sufficient. Considering my high monthly running, which fuel type among petrol, diesel or CNG, would be the most economical and practical over 10-12 years? Please recommend the best cars and specific variants within my budget while comparing real-world mileage, running costs, maintenance, reliability and family comfort. For CNG, specifically assess factory-fitted underbody tanks. Which car, engine and fuel option would you suggest for my usage? Suggest for both CNG and petrol.

•2d

With 7,000-8,000 km per month, your running is exceptionally high, and that fundamentally changes the recommendation. At this level, fuel efficiency and running costs become the dominant factor, and the car needs to be robust enough for long-term ownership over 10-12 years.Diesel is the most practical and economical choice for your usage. Modern diesel engines are efficient, reliable and well-suited to high-mileage highway driving, and the fuel cost advantage over petrol is significant at your running. CNG is not recommended at this level of usage. Even with factory-fitted underbody tanks, the limited range and refuelling inconvenience make it impractical for such high monthly running. You could end up spending a lot of time waiting in queues at CNG stations.Within your budget, the Tata Altroz is the most value for money diesel car on sale. It is a spacious, comfortable and safe 5-seater with a strong and efficient diesel engine, and good highway manners. There are multiple variants priced below Rs 12 lakh on-road, so you can take your pick, based on the features you need. Expect real-world mileage to be around 16-20kpl.If you want a diesel-automatic option, given your high running, we'd strongly recommend the Kia Sonet HTE O variant (priced at Rs 12 lakh on-road). Its diesel engine is refined, efficient, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic makes the drive experience smooth and effort-free. Real-world efficiency is likely to range between 14-19kpl. The engine-gearbox combination is tried and tested, and you can expect a fuss-free ownership experience with this one.

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•4d

Dear Autocar Team, I currently own a Dzire diesel manual (2018) and now I am planning to buy a new car but I am very confused between Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kwh and the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kwh. Although, I love diesel cars but since I live in Faridabad, my biggest concern is about increasing bans and restrictions on diesel cars. My main usage is on highways and bit within the city. I have clocked 1.3 lakh km on my Dzire in 8-9 years. I am getting the exact Harrier EV model for Rs. 22 lakh (on-road) whereas the XEV 9S will cost around Rs. 27-28 lakh (on-road) and that is my biggest confusion. Should I spend this additional amount on the XEV 9S for Harrier ev because I don't want any hassles as an since I plan to keep the car for the next several years.

•3d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

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•3d

I am looking for a petrol automatic car under Rs 12 lakh with good features. My first choice is the Honda Amaze, but I am concerned about its ground clearance and engine performance. Around 70% of my driving will be in the city. Would the Amaze be a good choice?

•2d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

Honda Amaze

•3d

Hi Autocar team, I am considering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Maruti Suzuki Victoris. The 3XO offers more features and space than the Brezza, but I expect it to be less fuel-efficient. The Victoris is considerably more expensive. Is the 3XO a good choice, or should I consider other options?

•2d

Yes, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a very good choice. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater. It is also feature-rich and offers strong value for money. The only real drawback is the boot, which is one of the smallest in the segment, at least on paper; however, usable space is comparable to rivals.The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the more sensible choice if you are prioritising reliability, low maintenance costs and Maruti's service network. It is also a comfortable five-seater with a good ride. The Mahindra car, however, feels like the more modern and better-equipped product.

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