Latest questions answered by experts

I have a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, and I am extremely satisfied with its mileage (900-1000 km from 45 liters). However, I am losing the joy of driving. I migrated to this car after owning a Swift Dzire Diesel and an XL6. The mismatch between engine revs and acceleration is becoming unpleasant. Overtaking feels riskier, and even the brakes feel spongy. I have experienced a few unpleasant situations because of this. As a result, I have reduced my overall speed, making the safety of my family a bigger priority. But the driver in me is unhappy. Should I upgrade to the Duster Hybrid, the Hycross Hybrid, or the newly launched Sierra EV? Also, do diesel engines still make sense today?

•24m

From what you've described, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid has impressed you with its efficiency but left you wanting more from behind the wheel. If driving enjoyment is back on your priority list, the Duster Hybrid looks like the most natural upgrade. It is expected to offer a much more engaging driving experience while retaining the fuel efficiency benefits of a strong hybrid.The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid will certainly improve on comfort, refinement and performance, but it won't fundamentally change the character you're looking for. It is still geared towards relaxed family motoring rather than enthusiastic driving.The Tata Sierra EV is an interesting option and has now been launched. It promises strong performance, a premium cabin and a spacious interior. However, if the "driver in you" misses the involvement and confidence of your earlier diesel cars, we'd still wait to experience how the Duster Hybrid drives before making a decision.As for diesels, we don't think they should be ruled out altogether. With the right usage, they continue to make sense. However, given your appreciation for the fuel economy of your Grand Vitara and the direction the market is heading, we'd lean towards a strong hybrid rather than going back to diesel.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Sierra EV

Renault Duster

•1d

With a monthly running of 7,000 km, what is the most economical and practical option among an EV, CNG car, or petrol car? If I choose a petrol SUV, should I buy the Tata Sierra Adventure Petrol Manual or the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol Manual?

•1h

7,000km of driving per month is extremely high usage that works out to well over 200km per day. That immediately rules out EVs, as even though most of them can cover more than 200-300km on a single charge, you would have to charge almost every day, and this kind of usage is likely to shorten the battery's life cycle considerably. Petrol, too, would be an expensive option, as running costs will be high, depending on the nature of your driving. If it is primarily on the highway, this can be offset considerably. Of your two choices - the Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos, we would recommend the Seltos in petrol manual guise, as it is far more efficient than the Tata car, which is essential for your extremely high usage. The better options, then, are CNG or diesel, which have far more reasonable running costs. If CNG, we'd recommend the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, whose underfloor CNG tanks don't compromise on boot space. However, the disadvantage is that it won't be very strong out on the highway, and you're limited to low and mid-spec variants of the car. If diesel, we'd recommend the Kia Seltos again, and while you can get this engine in higher variants, the price will be much higher.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

•1d

I want to buy my first car. I have shortlisted the Kia Sonet. Should I wait for the 2027 version of the Kia Sonet? I did not like the Kia Syros because of its looks.

•2h

2027 is a long time to wait, and without an exact launch timeline available, we don't advise doing so, especially as there are other good options available today. The first is the current Kia Sonet, which already feels up to date. It's a compact, easy-to-park SUV with wide service support, although the rear seat is not very wide for three adults, and the ride can feel firm on bad roads.Yes, the Syros's looks have divided opinion and hurt its sales potential, but behind the looks is a superb compact SUV - extremely spacious and practical, well equipped and high on quality, so if might be worth considering. However, the one we would recommend is the Hyundai Venue, which is essentially the same as the next-gen Sonet, but available today. It shares the same new-gen Global K1 platform as the Syros, which will be used for the new Sonet as well, and with this comes the latest E&E architecture and tech. They all use the same powertrains too - a 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. Plus, it doesn't have the awkward looks of the Syros, and fixes the Sonet's two biggest weaknesses - rear seat space and ride comfort. Overall, we think you should choose the Venue now.

I booked the Hyundai Venue HX10 AT Diesel. Now, I am confused about whether I made the wrong decision after comparing it with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. I need your opinion on this. I chose the Venue because of its feature list. My usage is evenly split between city and highway driving, with a monthly running of around 2,000 km. Please suggest a good car within a budget of Rs. 20 lakh.

•2h

With a monthly running of around 2,000km split equally between the city and highway, a diesel automatic is well suited to your usage. The Venue HX10 Diesel AT offers a good feature list, is easy to drive and should return excellent fuel efficiency.That said, if your budget is up to Rs. 20 lakh, we'd recommend stretching to the Kia Seltos Diesel Automatic. It uses the same proven 1.5-litre diesel engine and torque-converter automatic as the Venue, but offers a more spacious cabin, better rear-seat comfort, a more premium interior and superior highway manners. If you plan to keep the car for several years, it is the more complete package.The Mahindra XUV 3XO Diesel Automatic is another strong option. It feels more substantial than the Venue, offers excellent safety credentials and a comfortable ride. However, we'd still give the Seltos the edge for its overall refinement, cabin quality and long-term ownership experience.The Hyundai Creta Diesel Automatic is also an excellent choice, but with a new-generation model expected sooner than the Seltos, we'd lean towards the Kia if you're buying today.

I need a car under Rs. 20 lakh that delivers a mileage of at least 20kpl. My main priorities are a comfortable ride and good fuel efficiency. I am open to a hybrid, diesel, or petrol car.

•3h

Pick the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid. It will actually give you 20+ kpl without trying, especially in the city where it drives on electric power a lot, and its calm, quiet powertrain and soft suspension make rough roads and driving in traffic feel easier than most cars in your budget. You also get the peace of low running costs and proven Toyota support.In real use, expect around 22-25 kpl in the city and roughly 20-22 kpl on highways at steady speeds. The back seat is comfy, the ride is absorbent, and the hybrid is effortless in stop-go driving, which is where most owners spend time. One thing to know: it is not a quick car when you floor it, and the boot is a bit smaller than petrol-only rivals because of the battery.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

•2d

My monthly running is around 2,500 km. My budget is Rs. 10 lakh. Around 70% of my driving is in the city, and 30% is on highways. Kindly suggest a car with a good safety profile.

•4h

Go for the Tata Altroz. With 2,500km a month, you will want to keep fuel costs in check, and with this car you get a choice of petrol, CNG and diesel with this car. It is one of the few cars in the Rs. 10 lakh range that has a 5-star crash rating, and it feels solid and surefooted on long runs.The diesel engine has a strong mid‑range pull for overtakes, you can expect around 20-22kpl on highways if you aren't too heavy with your right foot, but you will only get an entry variant in your budget and it requires additional maintenance. Thus, a more economical choice might be petrol or CNG; try all three and decide which works best. The Altroz rides comfortably over rough patches so long trips are less tiring. Space is good for a small family and the boot is usable for weekend bags.If you want more bang for your buck, there is the Tata Punch. You won't get a diesel, and it is smaller in the cabin and boot, but you will get more features in your budget. Alternatively, there is also the Nissan Magnite, which has also got a 5-star NCAP rating, and comes with an efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine.

Tata Altroz

Nissan Magnite

Tata Punch