Delhi

•17h

Toyota and Honda often keep their engines and other mechanical components in production for many years. For example, Honda has used its 1.5-litre VTEC engine since 2008 and its 1.2-litre petrol engine since 2009, while its hybrid technology has been on sale since 2022. Does this approach mean they prioritise reliability and low maintenance over innovation? Is it also why their cars command a premium in the used-car market, even when the core product remains largely unchanged? Do they hold back on software-driven features until they are confident these will work reliably, as seen with the touchscreen and camera interfaces in the 2026 Honda City and Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid?

•3m

Yes, to an extent. Toyota and Honda have traditionally prioritised proven engineering and incremental improvement over frequent, wholesale changes, particularly with engines and mechanical components. Keeping a powertrain in production for years allows manufacturers to refine it, iron out problems and build service expertise around it. That can help reliability and maintenance costs, but a long product life cycle alone doesn't guarantee either. Toyota Innova Crysta and the Honda City are a prime example of that.

Their reputation for reliability, predictable ownership costs and strong resale values comes from a combination of factors: proven mechanicals, service networks, parts support and buyer confidence. It isn't simply because the underlying product stays the same. The trade-off is that some rivals move faster on cabin design, infotainment and convenience features, making Honda and Toyota cars feel dated in certain areas.

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Toyota

Innova Crysta

from ₹23.43 Lakh

Honda

City

from ₹14.02 Lakh

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•1d

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.

•17h

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.

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•1d

Tata already offers CNG variants with AMT gearboxes in several models. However, despite using the same engine, the Tata Nexon CNG is not available with an automatic gearbox. Is there a technical limitation, or is Tata holding back this option? Can we expect a Nexon CNG AMT or automatic in the near future?

•15h

The Tata Nexon CNG’s lack of an automatic gearbox is not necessarily a case of Tata deliberately holding back the option. The important difference is that Tata’s other CNG AMT models use a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, whereas the Nexon CNG uses a 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine. The turbo engine delivers power differently, so pairing it with an AMT would require specific calibration and validation for both petrol and CNG operation.There is no known fundamental engineering barrier to offering an automatic with the Nexon CNG, but Tata would need to ensure smooth shifts, drivability and long term durability. Cost and expected demand would also influence the decision. A Nexon CNG AMT has been the subject of speculation, but Tata has not officially confirmed a launch date or even the production version.

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•4d

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?

•3d

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.

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•5d

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.

•4d

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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•4d

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?

•3d

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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