Hi AAA, My name is Richu, and I'm from Kerala. I'm keen on buying a lifestyle pickup truck. I don't really have a practical use case for it. It's purely a passion purchase, and I want something that stands out from ordinary vehicles. It will be my secondary car, mainly used for occasional family trips and some mild off-roading. I recently test-drove both the Isuzu V-Cross and the Toyota Hilux. I loved the Hilux for its strong performance and, the availability of a locking rear differential. However, I wasn't impressed with its ride quality. It felt quite stiff, and there was noticeable pitching from the back. When I drove the V-Cross on the same stretch of road, the ride felt much more comfortable. I also preferred the V-Cross for its looks and overall ride comfort. Now I'm confused about which one to buy. The Hilux is based on Toyota's current-generation platform, whereas the V-Cross is based on a much older platform. Toyota also has a stronger service network than Isuzu. So, it's a classic heart vs mind dilemma, and I'd really appreciate your help in choosing between these two vehicles.

autocar.india

•2h

Go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless+ 75 kWh. With charging available at both home and the office, the ownership experience is well suited to an EV. The Harrier EV also offers a long driving range, a spacious cabin, and a premium feel.The Tata Harrier Pure X Dark Edition Diesel AT remains a capable SUV, and its Land Rover-derived platform is not an issue. However, considering the relatively low running requirements and the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, the electric car makes more sense in this case.That said, since the plan is to keep the vehicle for 10 to 12 years, it is worth considering that the battery will gradually lose capacity over time. This can reduce both driving range and performance. In addition, the resale value of diesel SUVs is likely to remain stronger than that of EVs over such a long ownership period.As for iso-butanol, there is currently no official policy or implementation timeline as there was for the E20 petrol. Modern diesel engines are engineered with a degree of tolerance for future fuel changes, and if iso-butanol-blended diesel is introduced, manufacturers are expected to develop engines that are compatible with it. At present, however, there is no reason to delay the purchase solely because of uncertainty around iso-butanol.

Tata Harrier EV

Tata Harrier

autocar.india

•1h

If home charging can be arranged, the Tata Tiago EV is the strongest fit for these requirements. The electric powertrain delivers seamless, jerk-free acceleration, making it especially easy for first-time drivers. Its compact dimensions and tight turning circle also make it far easier to manoeuvre in narrow lanes and into tight parking spaces. With monthly running of less than 500km, running costs will be extremely low, and the Tiago EV remains one of the most sensible city cars on sale.Another option worth considering is the MG Comet. While its unconventional two-door layout won't suit every family, it is exceptionally easy to drive in congested city traffic. For a car that will spend almost all of its time in the city, this MG car has plenty of merit.If you cannot arrange for home charging, then we'll recommend the Hyundai i20 IVT. The engine is smooth, and the transmission is seamless, resulting in a jerk-free drive experience that's better than all other cars equipped with an automated manual transmission (AMT). Do keep in mind that the i20 is a relatively large car, so maneuvering it might not be as easy as the Tata Tiago EV or MG Comet.

MG Comet

Tata Tiago EV

Hyundai i20

autocar.india

•3h

The new Maruti Suzuki Brezza 1.0 Boosterjet appears to be a logical upgrade from the Baleno RS. It retains the familiar Boosterjet character while offering a more modern, E20-compliant package with improved safety, better features and the added practicality of an SUV. If paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Brezza ZXi+ variant could also prove to be a more relaxed highway cruiser than the Baleno RS. The Brezza 1.0 Boosterjet is a good choice if you value the service network of Maruti Suzuki cars, reliability, and ownership experience.You could surely consider exchanging the Baleno RS for the Brezza at the Maruti dealership if you're getting a great deal. However, we recommend first getting the car evaluated by a few reputed used car dealers or independent buyers to understand its true market value. Comparing multiple offers will help ensure the best possible resale price before finalising the exchange with the dealership.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza