Delhi

•2w

I am looking to buy a car that will usually accommodate three people. I have shortlisted the Tata Punch CNG, Tata Nexon CNG and Tata Nexon diesel. My monthly running is around 400km in the city and 800km on the highway, and I live in Pune. Which of these three cars would you recommend, considering that I plan to keep it for more than 10 years? My priorities are low running and maintenance costs, along with long-term reliability. I would appreciate your suggestion based on these factors. Please restrict the comparison to these three options and do not include Maruti models.

•3m

The Tata Nexon diesel would be our recommendation, given your monthly running of around 1,200km, with 800km on the highway. Its 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 115hp and 260Nm, making it considerably better suited to highway cruising and overtaking than the CNG engines in the Tata Punch and Nexon. It will also deliver better fuel efficiency on long runs.

The Nexon CNG is worth considering if minimising fuel costs is the overriding priority, but the diesel offers stronger performance and a more relaxed highway experience. The Punch CNG is the least suitable of the three for your usage, as it is smaller and its performance is more limited, particularly with passengers and luggage.

For 10-year ownership, remember that the diesel will have higher periodic maintenance costs, including additional fuel filter and timing belt related expenses. CNG also brings its own filter maintenance and periodic cylinder testing requirements.

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Nexon

from ₹8.26 Lakh

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Punch

from ₹6.24 Lakh

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•2w

What would be the better option for long-term ownership: the Tata Nexon or the Mahindra XUV 3XO?

•1h

The Mahindra XUV 3XO would be our pick for long-term ownership over the Tata Nexon, particularly if you are considering the petrol automatic. Its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is stronger and the six-speed torque converter automatic is a well-established gearbox that is better suited to both city traffic and highway driving. The 3XO also offers a more spacious cabin, better rear-seat comfort and a more engaging driving experience.Both Tata and Mahindra have room for improvement when it comes to after-sales service, and workshop experience can vary considerably by location. However, Mahindra has a slight edge in consistency and technical support. The Nexon is a good product, but its DCA but it does not feel as refined or potent as the 3XO's torque converter.

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•1d

My budget is Rs. 10 lakh that I can extend upto Rs. 12 lakh. I have Punch and Nexon in mind but I am unable to decide between these two. We are a family of 4. I believe that Punch would be suitable and within my budget, but I also feel that we may regret later if we choose Punch due to its lag and space issues that most people have reported. I am new to driving, so I want to choose an AMT car. Please advise.

•1d

Between the Tata Punch and Nexon, go for the Nexon as it is a larger car with more cabin space and a larger boot which will be ideal for your family. The Nexon also comes with a more powerful, turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine than the Punch and you also get the option of a 6-speed AMT. Within your budget of Rs. 12 lakh, you'll get the Nexon Pure+ S AMT which is decently equipped and has all the basics covered.

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•1d

My daily commute is around 120 km primarily on highway. I want to buy a car under Rs. 12-14 lakh. I don't have a charging facility at home but it is available in office. Which car should I buy?

•1d

Since your daily running is high and mostly on highways, a diesel will be a good option to consider. The Hyundai Venue HX5 diesel will be a good option for you, as it's got a refined and efficient 1.5-litre diesel engine, good highway manners and a premium and comfy cabin. You can even opt for a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but you may have to stretch your budget a little for that. The Venue HX5 also comes well equipped and being a Hyundai, it will be relatively stress free to maintain as well. However, if you want an EV, consider the Tata Punch Empowered+ S with the larger 40kWh battery. The Punch EV is one of the nicest compact electrics on sale today and is feature-rich as well.

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•4d

I am planning to buy a car with a factory-fitted CNG kit, an automatic transmission, and cruise control within a budget of Rs 15 lakh. Please suggest some options.

•4d

There are quite a few options that would meet your requirements, so its hard to pinpoint a specific model without knowing a bit more about your requirements and driving conditions. If you are looking for a city car then pick the Tata Punch, the compact dimensions are easy to manage in tight city traffic and the elevated driving position gives you a decent view outside. If however you want something bigger and with more space then the Maruti Suzuki Dzire would be a good option as you will have more rear space as well as a larger boot. Both cars will fit well within your budget. If you want a larger CNG car then you will have to settle for a manual and the a model like the Kia Carens Clavis or the Maruti Victoris.

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•6d

Hi Autocar, I am looking to book a car this week. I have narrowed it down to one of 3 cars, all petrol automatic IVTs. My running is mostly 95% in the city (office commute in Mumbai traffic). My daily commute is around 15 km, so I don't want a turbo engine for bumper-to-bumper traffic. That comes out to roughly 5,000 km in annual running. I am 6 feet tall, so I wouldn't want something that feels cramped. New Seltos HTK+(O) New Elevate VX Bayon HX8 All of these are close to the Rs. 16 lakh ex-showroom price mark. I've driven the Seltos and the Elevate, and I really liked both of them. The Seltos feels more premium on the inside, which I feel is a feature worth having in a daily driver. The Elevate is brilliant, but it feels a bit cheap on the inside. It also lacks a panoramic sunroof; although I might use it only one day a year, given that it's priced the same as the Seltos, it feels like a miss. I know Honda engines are top-notch, but given my limited running and lack of driving enthusiast priorities, I'm not sure if that does justice to my needs. Now comes the Bayon. I haven't done a test drive yet as it is not available, but the Bayon pricing at the HX6 and HX8 trims seems very close to the Creta. I am tempted to go for the HX8 as it offers a 360-degree camera (which I think might be useful for parking since I am upgrading from a hatchback), but I wonder if I am getting a 'lesser car' compared to the Seltos. Which one would you recommend? I am keen on booking before Diwali and will see if there are any discounts on the Seltos (unlikely, though).

•6d

We would suggest going ahead with the Kia Seltos HTK(O) IVT. Given that you have already driven it and liked its cabin, it should make for a more satisfying daily companion. This Kia car feels more premium inside than both the Honda Elevate and the Hyundai Bayon, which is something you are likely to appreciate given your predominantly city usage. The naturally aspirated petrol engine and IVT combination should also work well in Mumbai traffic. This Honda car is a good alternative, particularly for its spacious cabin and refined engine, but its interiors do feel less premium.

improve the grammar and write it in a paragraph - Hi Autocar, Iam looking to book a car this week. I have narrowed it down to one of 3 cars. Petrol Automatic IVTs. My running is mostly going to be 95% city (office to work in Mumbai traffic). Daily commute is around 15km, so I don't want a turbo in traffic. That's roughly 5k annual running. I am 6ft tall so wouldn't want something that is cramped 1. New Seltos HTK(O) 2. New elevate VX 3. Bayon HX 8 All of these are close to the 16L ex showroom price. I've driven the Seltos and Elevate. I really liked both of them. The Seltos feels more premium from the inside and I feel like that is something worth having in a daily car. The elevate is brilliant, but it seems cheap on the inside. No pani sunroof too, although I would maybe use it 1 day in year, it's priced the same as the Seltos, so that felt a miss. I know Honda engines are top, but at my running and limited enthusiast journey, I'm not sure if that does justice to need. Now comes the bayon. I have not done a test drive yet as its not available, but the bayon pricing at Hx6 and hx8 seems very close to the Creta currently.. I am tempted to go for the hx8 as it as a 360 camera,( I think that might be usefull for parking etc as I am coming from a hatchback ) but I am getting a "lesser car" vs the Seltos here I wonder.. Which one would you recommend? I am keen on booking before diwali, will see if there are any discounts on the Seltos (unlikey though)

•2d

All things considered, the Kia Seltos is the better fit for your needs. Since you are on the taller side, you will appreciate the extra room it has to offer compared to the Hyundai Bayon. Opting for the Bayon does get you a higher variant with a 360-degree camera, which can be helpful in tight spots. However, once you get used to the size of the vehicle, you might find yourself using the camera less often.As for the Honda Elevate, as you rightly mentioned, the Seltos feels more premium inside and costs about the same. The Elevate does offer a bit more performance from its 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, but since 95% of your driving is in slow-moving Mumbai traffic, the added performance won't really make much of a difference.Overall, the Seltos is the right fit for your needs.

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