Latest questions answered by experts
Latest questions answered by experts
Kirit Das
•11hClarification on Mahindra Thar Roxx Fuel Efficiency & Recommendation Between Manual vs Automatic Dear Autocar India Team, This email is in reference to the insights you shared regarding the expected real‑world fuel efficiency of the Mahindra Thar Roxx. Thank you for the detailed analysis based on your experience with the three‑door Thar. However, many YouTube reviews and user-reported tests indicate a fuel efficiency of around 11 km/l for both the manual and automatic variants under mixed driving conditions. This has created some confusion for me as a prospective buyer. I request your clarification on the following points: Why is there a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency between the automatic and manual transmissions, especially when some real‑world tests appear to show similar figures? Between the manual and automatic variants, which would you recommend in terms of: Maintenance cost Long-term reliability and robustness Overall ownership convenience Considering that I reside in Delhi, where diesel regulations and long-term compliance remain uncertain, which powertrain and transmission combination would be the most practical choice? Your expert guidance will be extremely helpful in making an informed decision. Thank you for your time and support.

Autocar India
Our detailed real-world fuel efficiency test of the three-door Mahindra Thar was conducted in Mumbai, a city known for heavy stop-start traffic. Compared to this, driving conditions in Delhi NCR generally involve more flowing traffic, which can result in slightly better efficiency figures.As an additional reference point, we can look at the Mahindra Scorpio N, which uses the same engines as the Thar Roxx, albeit in a higher state of tune. In our real-world tests, the petrol automatic Scorpio N returned 7.9 kpl in the city and 9.4 kpl on the highway. The diesel automatic managed 8.6 kpl in the city and 11.7 kpl on the highway. As these figures show, the difference in fuel efficiency between petrol and diesel automatics is not significant enough to justify choosing the diesel variant, especially given your limited running and predominantly city-based usage.As for manual versus automatic efficiency, especially in the case of the Thar Roxx, it is highly unlikely that the torque converter automatic will match the efficiency of the manual. This is due to the basic nature of the transmission. Torque converters use a fluid coupling instead of a direct mechanical link, which leads to energy losses during acceleration and low-speed driving. In contrast, a manual gearbox offers a direct mechanical connection once the clutch is engaged, resulting in lower losses.Other automatic transmissions, such as dual clutch units and CVTs, are inherently more efficient than torque converters. DCTs use mechanical clutches for faster and more direct power transfer. CVTs are able to keep the engine operating in its most efficient rev range for most driving conditions. As a result, these transmissions can deliver fuel efficiency figures closer to manuals, something that is unlikely with a torque converter automatic. Finally, considering you are based in Delhi, where diesel regulations remain uncertain, the petrol variant of the Thar Roxx would be the more sensible and stress-free choice.

Tanmay Vaishnav
•11hI am 42 years old and a car enthusiast who loves driving and values performance, comfort, and handling. I previously owned a Renault Duster and now have a Citroën Basalt X Turbo AT. I want to buy a city car for daily Pune commuting within ₹15 lakh. It should have good power, decent safety with essential safety features, and no gimmicks - just pure driving joy. I want only automatic, so my wife can learn to drive it as well. The Basalt X will stay, and this new car will accompany it. My monthly running is around 700 km, and my city commute is mostly on smooth roads rather than stop-and-go traffic.

Autocar India
The Skoda Kylaq is a good fit for your requirements. It is an enjoyable car to drive, thanks to its punchy 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that delivers strong performance. The suspension setup strikes a fine balance, offering a comfortable ride for everyday use while still feeling sporty and engaging on a ghat road.Its compact dimensions make it easy to drive and park in the city, yet it offers enough space to comfortably seat four adults. The boot is also large and usable, adding to its everyday practicality.Within your budget, you can opt for the top-spec Prestige variant, which is very well equipped. Importantly, even the lower variants of the Kylaq come with all the essential features most buyers would want. This makes the range a good value across the board.
Krishna Kousik
•1dHi, I am currently using a Yamaha FZS FI V3, but I have faced issues like weak side panels, the engine turning off while picking up in 1st gear in traffic, ABS failure, and long service delays because nearby service centres are overloaded. I want to buy a new bike with the following requirements. I am also open to lesser-known or underrated bikes if they offer a peaceful service experience. My requirements are: Metal or plastic body with a sturdy finish and good build quality Reliability Good mileage Mainly office commute with limited highway cruising and low yearly running Any fuel type Around ₹2 lakh budget Seat height suitable for flat-footing - I am 5′7″

Autocar India
Based on your needs, we'd recommend taking a look at the Honda Unicorn, Bajaj Pulsar N160 single-seat variants and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. All bikes are well-finished, comfortable and smooth, so you should choose the one you find easiest to manage. The service experience is also an area where you should pay extra attention to. Therefore, in that regard, most people have reported Honda's service to be quicker and friction-free compared to Bajaj and TVS. We'd recommend a test ride of all three. Also, discuss the service intervals and cost to ascertain which would be the best fit for you.
BB
•12hI am looking for a new car for my daily city runs with some hop-in, hop-out highway usage. My current monthly running is around 500-600 km. We are a family of four and want a car with good stability, performance, and safety. We also plan 3-4 yearly trips to Uttarakhand. My maximum budget is ₹11 lakh, so please suggest a good car based on my requirements. I currently own a Maruti WagonR.

Autocar India
Given your requirements, you should consider the Skoda Kylaq. The compact SUV can comfortably accommodate four adults, it has composed high-speed manners, engaging handling, and it has received a 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP. The Kylaq is also one of the quickest accelerating compact SUVs thanks to its punchy 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. If you want the manual, go for the Kylaq Signature, which is priced at Rs 10.67 lakh (on-road, Delhi). Also, if you want an automatic, opt for the Kylaq Classic+, which costs Rs 10.47 lakh (on-road, Delhi).

Daphne Victor
•1dMy budget is ₹19 lakh and I currently own a 2016 Dzire. I want to upgrade to an SUV for my family of five. I live in Chennai where traffic is heavy, so I’m looking for an automatic petrol SUV that delivers decent mileage and comfort. I have considered the Kia HTX 1.5 iVT, Victoris, XUV 7XO, Scorpio N, Honda Elevate, and Hyryder, but I am very confused. Please suggest the best option.

Autocar India
We would recommend you go for the Kia Seltos IVT.The Seltos has a spacious and practical cabin, and it comes with a lengthy features list. The 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine is refined, and the CVT automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive, which makes it the ideal choice for driving in city traffic. In our real-world fuel efficiency tests, the Seltos IVT returned 10.3kpl in city driving and 14.2kpl out on the highway, which is decent for an SUV of this size. Prices for the Kia Seltos IVT start at Rs 13.39 lakh (ex-showroom) and top off at Rs 19.49 lakh.
Akshay bansal
•1dHey guys, Akshay here. I want to know about any premium sports bike that sits above the Apache but is not as committed as the Apache, R15, or KTM. I have gained a lot of weight and can’t ride very committed motorcycles anymore. I’m confused between the Dominar and the Mojo.

Autocar India
Considering your requirements, we'd recommend these three bikes for you: Triumph Scrambler 400 X, Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and Bajaj Dominar 400, which you've already shortlisted. Of these three, the Dominar will be the most well-rounded and powerful machine, but it is also the heaviest. The Scrambler 400 is quite peppy inside the city and has the best suspension comfort. Last but not least, the Vitpilen 250 is going to be the sportiest feeling machine in terms of its chassis. But its 250cc engine will feel down on power compared to the other two, but will return more fuel economy on the flip side. A test ride of these three will help you make an informed decision.
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