How is the WLTP range figure calculated and claimed by car manufacturers? In real-world driving, these figures are almost never achieved. For example, my Citroën eC3 has a claimed WLTP range of 320 km, but even at 100% charge, the car usually shows only around 230 km of range. Why is there such a large difference between the claimed range and the actual real-world range in EVs?

Autocar India

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This sounds like fuel vapour entering the cabin when you slow down and downshift. When the tank is very low, fuel tends to slosh around more, which increases vapour movement inside the tank. As you lift off the throttle and brake, the vapour control system becomes more active, and if there is a weak hose, loose connection or faulty seal, those vapours can escape near the engine bay or fuel filler area. The cabin ventilation system can then pull that smell inside. Filling the tank reduces the empty space in the tank, which can explain why the smell disappeared after refuelling.Start with the simple checks. Make sure the fuel cap is tightened properly and clicks into place, and inspect the rubber seal on the cap for any cracks or damage. If the smell returns, get the car inspected soon. Ask the Tata workshop to specifically check the fuel lines for seepage, the tank vent and EVAP vapour lines, the purge valve, fuel pump seals and also for any rodent damage to smaller hoses near the firewall, which is not uncommon.If the smell is strong, keep the windows open and avoid long drives until it is checked. In many cases it turns out to be a small leak or a loose hose, but because petrol fumes are a safety concern, it is worth fixing promptly.

Tata Punch

Autocar India

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In Delhi NCR, the uncomfortable reality is that a BS4 diesel private vehicle is generally not protected beyond the 10 year age limit simply because it is well maintained or low mileage. The restriction in Delhi is age based rather than condition based, which is why even a beautifully maintained Ford Endeavour with just 45,000 km can still be affected.The confusion comes from the fact that there are two separate things people mix up: registration validity and local operating restrictions. A vehicle may technically be capable of passing fitness or still be mechanically sound, but in Delhi NCR, diesel private cars older than 10 years are subject to the local end of life vehicle enforcement rules. In simple terms, once your 2017 BS4 diesel crosses that threshold, continuing to use it in Delhi NCR becomes the issue, not whether the car itself is still “good.”

Autocar India

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Your use is mostly in the city with long, slow traffic, and you want another five years of hassle‑free running. In this case, fixing the car first is the right move. On these Celerios, a worn clutch and a faulty AMT control unit often show up as strong jerks once everything gets hot. Replacing the clutch set and the AMT unit together, followed by proper calibration, usually brings it back to smooth shifts and can last another 40,000–60,000 km. As for the service life, it's highly unlikely that the dealer would offer you a guarantee of 5 years. Do check what it is that they are providing by way of a warranty. In terms of expectation, you should be able to get a few more years out of it, though, as mentioned, this can't be guaranteed. If you are in a position to buy a new car and would like something more modern, upgrading your car would make sense. This time around, consider a car with a torque convertor automatic, as these are best suited to start-stop traffic and are the smoothest type of autobox around. The Skoda Kylaq is an example of this.

Skoda Kylaq

Autocar India

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It's really hard to suggest a car without knowing a bit more about your requirements, like rear space requirements and the distance driven per month. Thus, as a good all-rounder for a small family, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT fits your brief best. Pick this variant because it gives you the most rear-seat space and a bigger, more useful boot than the other two, so adults sit more comfortably, and you pack more for trips. It also feels light and easy to drive in traffic, and the ride is calm over rough roads, which helps passengers, especially elders or kids.Two things to note: this automatic can feel a bit slow to pick up when you press the accelerator hard, and you will miss a few fancy features that sit on higher trims. If you drive with a full load on steep hills often, you may want to try it once to see if the response suits you.If you value tough build and the best ride on broken roads above all else, the Tata Punch Accomplished AMT is the second choice. It also has a smaller footprint for tight parking and a feature-rich cabin at a price like the Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT, too. Overall, for family comfort and everyday ease, go with the Fronx Delta Plus AMT.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Autocar India

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If you are waiting for the Tata Sierra EV, the good news is that it does not seem too far away. Current indications suggest a launch could happen either later this month or in June.Expect it to slot below the Tata Harrier EV in Tata’s electric line-up, likely with multiple battery pack options and a more premium positioning than the Tata Curvv EV. Tata has also indicated that both Rear Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive versions are planned, which should make it one of the more interesting mainstream electric SUVs in India.

Tata Sierra EV

Tata Harrier EV

Tata Curvv EV

Autocar India

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With the kind of mileage you are already seeing from your 4th generation Honda City, I would not rush to fit a CNG kit. Around 16 kpl over 85,000 km is actually a healthy real world figure for a petrol sedan, and since the City is known for its smoothness and refinement, adding an aftermarket CNG kit will inevitably change the character of the car. Honda does not offer a factory CNG option for the City, so any retrofit will be third party, which means compromises in boot space, some loss in outright performance and the added variable of installation quality and long term reliability. Honda also recommends using fuel that meets the vehicle specifications, and aftermarket modifications can complicate warranty or support considerations on newer cars.A CNG conversion only starts making strong financial sense if your running is very high and you plan to keep the car for several more years to recover the kit cost. If your annual usage is moderate, the payback period can be longer than expected. The only real case for going CNG here is if fuel cost reduction is your absolute top priority. Otherwise, given how well your City is already performing, I would leave it as is and enjoy the refinement rather than fixing something that is not really broken.

Honda City