Hi, I’ve been driving a 2011 Ford Fiesta Classic 1.4 turbo-diesel as my primary car in Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and elsewhere) through plains, hills, mud, snow and floods, often fully loaded with four people. I recently renewed its lapsed 15-year registration for another five years. The car is maintained in pristine condition, and I love its low-end torque and excellent fuel efficiency. However, it’s time to switch to a petrol car, and I need advice on a new car for the same driving conditions within a budget of Rs 17-18 lakh. Should I choose a turbo-petrol or a naturally aspirated engine to get similar driving dynamics, given that the terrain I drive on won’t change? I prefer a manual gearbox, especially for the hills, and I understand that petrol engines are thirstier. I’m nearly 48 and plan to keep the car for a long time, as I did with the Ford. Please leave out Hyundai, Kia and Maruti Suzuki, as I’ve had my fill of them. Thanks in advance. Dr

autocar.india

•2d

The best replacement for a 2009 Maruti Wagon R will be a 2024 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, for its tall stance, great visibility, ease of driving and affordabilty. For less than Rs 8 lakhs on-road, you should get the top-spec petrol-AMT version. The only downside being, its rear seat isn't wide enough to accommodate three adults.An automatic car with great visibility under Rs 12 lakh on-road with a backseat wide enough for three adults is the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX M (O) turbo-petrol-automatic. Performance is strong for highway use, its gearbox is smooth for daily use, and overall, it'll feel like a huge step up over your outgoing car.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•2d

The Mahindra 3XO RevX would be the right choice for you. It's the roomiest of the vehicles on your shortlist and the most spacious for three adults to sit at the back. Boot space isn't great but is manageable. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy, and you will appreciate the power it offers on your highway and hill drives. Performance is good, though fuel economy entirely depends on your driving style. Drive with enthusiasm and fuel economy will drop quite dramatically. The 3XO also feels tough in its build and will be comfortable over the potholes and bumps that you regularly encounter. It also helps that the 3XO has a five-star NCAP rating. If ease of use is an absolute priority, the Tata Altroz AMT makes sense.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Altroz

autocar.india

•33m

The Renault Duster E-Tech hybrid would be our recommendation, particularly if you enjoy driving and plan to undertake frequent highway trips. As our review found, the 160hp, 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain is both quick and refined, with instant electric motor response and a 0-100kph time of around 10 seconds. Unlike many hybrids, it doesn't have the typical rubber-band effect or engine drone, and feels more like a dual-clutch automatic, with distinct gear shifts. It is also an excellent highway cruiser, with strong in-gear performance for overtaking. The Duster's ride and handling are particular highlights, with precise steering, excellent high-speed stability and a suspension setup that deals impressively with broken roads. For Himalayan journeys, its performance and comfortable ride should make it a capable companion on regular mountain roads. It is front-wheel drive, though, so it isn't intended for serious off-roading. The hybrid also gets a seven-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty, which is reassuring for long-term ownership. While 10-year reliability data and battery replacement costs are not yet established, the technology has been used internationally for several years. Renault's service network is a consideration when travelling to remote regions, so check workshop support along your regular routes.

Renault Duster