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Latest questions answered by experts

racingpanda

Long-time reader and a fan of your work. I quite like the Tata Curvv, but my family will buy it only if an expert suggests it. So can you please suggest a strictly Indian-make car that has a boot space of exactly 500 L, a flower-petals alloy design, and is equipped with a 1.2 L turbo petrol engine mated to a DCA, preferably manufactured by a Belgian firm? I am not too keen on good rear visibility. I know this set of requirements leaves a lot of options off the table. I look forward to reading your recommendation.

Autocar India

•7h

Haha, yes, you are right, the Tata Curvv suits your requirements perfectly, and there is nothing else that will be a match. Honestly, if you love a car that much, go ahead and enjoy it. Your family is probably worried about the service and reliability, and while Tata Motors is yet to get to the top, they have made many improvements. Besides being a Tata Motors customer already, we're sure you are having a decent ownership experience, and that is why you want to buy another one.

Tata Curvv

Kunal Bhosale

•9w

I have a Hero Splendor+ BS4 i3S 2017 model. My daily riding is about 10 km on weekdays and 20 km on weekends. I want to know which engine oil is best for my bike.

Autocar India

•7h

For your Hero Splendor+, we would recommend sticking with the oil brand and the specific grade recommended by the manufacturer. Moving to a different engine oil grade could potentially impact your engine's performance, fuel efficiency, and its overall longevity and isn't advisable. Refer to your owner's manual or get in touch with your nearest authorised Hero service centre to get more clarity on this matter.

Hero MotoCorp Splendor+

Ganesh

•1w

I am buying my first new bike. My height is about 5′3″-5′4″, and my weight is 45 kg. My budget is ₹1.50 lakh. I plan to use the bike for at least 10 years, mostly on Tier-4 city roads. Please suggest a suitable bike that is comfortable for a single rider and a pillion.

Autocar India

•8h

Since you have mentioned you want a comfortable, long-lasting bike in a place where showrooms and service support aren't likely to be as advanced as in major cities, we'd recommend you go with the proven Honda Unicorn. The Unicorn has remained largely unchanged in the more than two decades it has been on sale, and procuring spare parts and common replacement parts should be an easy affair. The Unicorn also has a spacious single-piece seat that's not very tall and can easily accommodate two large people. So comfort should also be a non-issue. We'd recommend a test ride of the bike to see whether it fits you well before making a decision.

Honda Bikes Unicorn

Om Bhagwat Malawat

•4d

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to replace my 2012 Hero Honda CD Deluxe. My usage is strictly within the city, specifically a 28 km daily round trip for office and market chores. Interestingly, we already have two Hero Vida V1s at home (one Pro and one Plus). Since the V1 is quite feature-heavy, I don’t want to spend extra on premium features or performance for this new purchase. That’s why I have ruled out the Ather Rizta and TVS iQube. I am looking for a reliable, no-nonsense entry-level electric scooter. My current shortlists are: Hero Vida VX2 Go (3.4 kWh) TVS Orbiter Bajaj Chetak 2501 Since all of these offer the basic, essential features I need, which one would be the most practical choice for a daily city workhorse? Does sticking with the Vida ecosystem (VX2 Go) offer any real advantage, or should I consider the Orbiter or the all-metal Chetak 2501 instead?

Autocar India

•9h

Since you are intimately familiar with the Vida ownership experience, buying the Vida VX2 Go 3.4 will likely be your safest bet. This scooter also offers more range and performance than the TVS Orbiter and Bajaj Chetak C2501 models you have shortlisted. So, objectively speaking, you should stick with the Vida e-scooter.The Orbiter's USP is that it is one of the most spacious electric scooters around, while on the other end of the spectrum, you have the petite Bajaj Chetak C2501. Unless you have an unusually tall or shorter physique, we'd recommend sticking with the Vida. The only reason you should look at the others is if you want to change things up and switch to a different brand.

NKC

Should I buy the Royal Enfield Scrambler 400X now, or wait for a 350cc version to launch? If I wait, is there a possibility that cost cutting with a smaller engine might reduce the overall 400X experience? Please advise.

Autocar India

•10h

When Bajaj launches the downsized 350cc Triumph single-cylinder models, there are expected to be minimal or no changes to the chassis. Also, the feature-set and the quality of parts and materials used throughout. It is unlikely that Bajaj will reduce the quality of components used on the 350cc Triumphs, as they are aspirational and premium motorcycles from a fabled British brand. However, if you have your heart set on buying a Triumph Scrambler 400 X, we'd advise you to hurry. Because it has been reported that the 350cc Triumphs aren't a long way away, and this will be your only opportunity to own one.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Sitaram

•2d

I tried looking for the Mahindra Thar Roxx MX3 Petrol AT, but my parents refused because it hurts their backs, as both are 60+, and the Thar has noticeable body roll. I am now considering the Volkswagen Virtus 1.0L engine as an alternative. My core requirements are strong safety, a reliable vehicle, fun to drive, and good performance on a mix of highways, mountain roads, and bad roads, with very good power. My budget is below ₹18 lakh on road. Please suggest how I should go about this.

Autocar India

•10h

For your aged parents, the Mahindra Thar Roxx can indeed be uncomfortable. Getting in and out requires effort because of the high step-in height, and since it’s based on a body-on-frame chassis, the ride tends to be bumpy. There is noticeable body roll as well, which can make senior passengers uneasy, especially on rough roads.The Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI is a sensible alternative within your ₹18 lakh on-road budget. It offers strong safety credentials, solid build quality and is genuinely fun to drive. The 1.0 turbo-petrol has good low- and mid-range punch, making it enjoyable both on highways and mountain roads. It’s stable at high speeds and feels planted in corners.On bad roads, you will need to be a bit careful, as it’s still a sedan, but the ground clearance is decent enough for most situations if driven sensibly. If your usage is a mix of highways, hills and occasional rough patches, and you want a safer, more comfortable and still engaging option, the Virtus is a well-balanced way to go.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Volkswagen Virtus