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Mumbai
NA

Nagaram

•3d

I tried a test drive of the Baleno vs Punch 2026. I felt the Baleno was more comfortable to ride in, and the engine was very smooth. I could really feel the vehicle, whereas the Punch felt boxy, with some body roll, and I couldn’t feel the engine as much, though the overall package is good. I am a family of five, and this will be my first car. Which one should I choose? Are there any other cars I should consider? I felt the Hyundai i20 might be pricey and lower in mileage, so I didn’t check it.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•12m

Based on what you felt during the test drive, we would suggest going for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The fact that you found it more comfortable and the engine smoother is very important, especially since this is your first car. The Baleno is easier to drive, feels more natural and refined, and for daily use, that makes a big difference.For a family of five, the Baleno also works better. It offers a more spacious rear seat, feels wider, and overall comfort for passengers is better than that of the Tata Punch. The Punch, as you noticed, feels a bit tall and boxy, and the body roll you experienced is normal because of its higher stance.The Punch is a good car in terms of package and build, but it is better suited if you prioritise bad roads and a higher driving position. For regular city use and comfort, the Baleno is the more sensible choice.Regarding the Hyundai i20, you are right that it is more expensive and slightly lower on efficiency. However, it is also a very refined and premium option. If your budget allows, it is worth a look, but it is not necessary since the Baleno already fits your needs very well.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Baleno
VehicleTata Punch
VehicleHyundai i20
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
BA

Balaji

•3d

Hi, I am in the market for buying a compact SUV. I am a proud Kia Carens 1.5 TGDi owner as well. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos NA 1.5 IVT (HTK or HTK(O)) to drive in Bengaluru (a lot of traffic). I personally like the new Duster as well. I have test-driven the Seltos and am yet to see the Duster in action. Being a Kia owner, I really like the new Seltos, but I have postponed the buying decision because of the Duster. I would happily choose the Techno+ or Iconic variant. My only concern is that the Duster has a DCT (wet clutch), but I am not sure about its reliability in the long run. Seven months of standard warranty gives some peace of mind, but I still have concerns about overheating issues in DCTs (like Kia’s). Kindly share your suggestions on choosing a reliable car. Thanks!

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•41m

For your usage in Bengaluru traffic and focus on long-term reliability, we would suggest going ahead with the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA IVT (HTK/HTK(O)) rather than waiting for the new Duster. The Seltos’ naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT/CVT gearbox is one of the smoothest combinations in this segment.In heavy stop-and-go traffic, it feels very easy and predictable to drive, with none of the hesitation or heat-related concerns that are sometimes associated with dual-clutch transmissions. Since you already own a Kia Carens, you are also familiar with Kia’s after-sales experience, which adds a layer of confidence for long-term ownership.That said, the new Renault Duster is a very interesting option and worth considering. On paper, it looks like a strong package with a more powerful turbo-petrol engine, expected to offer strong performance, a solid ride quality and a more rugged overall character. We would suggest test-driving the Duster before making a final decision.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleKia Carens
VehicleRenault Duster
SH

Shruti

•1d

Which of the following is the best option, considering mainly city driving, daily 30km, once-a-month highway drives, and a family of four: Skoda Kylaq, Venue, Citroen Basalt, Maruti Jimny, and Kia Sonet.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1h

For your usage of mainly city driving (30km daily) with occasional highway trips and a family of four, we would suggest going for the Skoda Kylaq.The Kylaq offers a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin for four adults, and the torque converter automatic is smooth, which makes it very easy to drive in city traffic. It is also compact enough, so parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces won’t be an issue. On highways, too, it feels stable and enjoyable to drive.The Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue are good options for the city as well, but both use a DCT automatic, which is not as smooth at low speeds as a torque converter, especially in stop-and-go traffic.The Citroen Basalt is actually great value for money and offers excellent cabin space, making it very comfortable for a family. However, it is a larger car, so it won’t be as easy to park and manoeuvre in the city. If you prioritise space and comfort over ease of driving, it is definitely worth considering.The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is not suitable for your needs. It is primarily an off-roader, has heavier steering, and is not as easy to drive in the city. The ride is also bouncy, and overall, practicality is limited for family use.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleCitroen Basalt
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Jimny
DR

Dr Ravi S Nande

•1d

I am a first-time car buyer, and am confused between Victoris ZXI+(O) AT and new Kia Seltos HTX(A) IVT. My driving is mostly in the city with occasional long trips for vacation. Kindly advise.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1h

Between the two, we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos HTX(A) IVT.For a first-time buyer with mostly city driving, the Kia Seltos makes things easier thanks to its smooth IVT automatic gearbox and light controls, which reduce stress in traffic. It is also more spacious and comfortable, and the larger boot makes it more practical for your occasional long trips.The Seltos also feels more premium inside and better equipped, which adds to the overall ownership experience.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is still a good option, especially if your priority is fuel efficiency and wider service reach, but in terms of overall comfort, premiumness and ease of driving, the Seltos has the edge.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
VP

Veluchamy P

•1d

Dear Autocar Team, I am currently using a Tata Altroz XT Petrol (2022). Due to my height (6.2 feet), I am required to push the driver's seat to its maximum extent, which results in restricted visibility on the right side while driving. I am now planning to purchase a new car, and after comparing options such as Nexon, XUV 3XO, and Hyundai Venue, I have shortlisted the Kia Sonet HTK(O) Diesel (Manual), as it appears to offer good value for money. However, I have some concerns regarding rear seat space and overall driving comfort for my height. In this regard, I request your expert advice on whether this would be a suitable choice, or if there are better alternatives available within an on-road budget of ₹12 lakhs. My usage is predominantly city driving (around 70%), with occasional highway travel (approximately 30%). Most of the time I drive alone, and occasionally with my wife. I would greatly appreciate your guidance and recommendations. Thanking you in advance.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2h

While the Kia Sonet Diesel HTK (O) is a good value-for-money car, it may not be the best choice for your height. At 6.2 feet, you will likely have to push the seat all the way back, just like in your Tata Altroz. In that position, the Sonet’s cabin can feel a bit tight, and visibility issues may still persist. Also, once the driver's seat is pushed fully back, the rear seat space becomes quite limited, which may not be ideal even for occasional use.Instead, we would suggest looking at the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel. It offers a wider cabin and more driver space, which will make a noticeable difference for your height. Even with the seat pushed all the way back, there is still usable space in the rear, making it a more practical choice overall. The wide cabin also makes it a genuine 5-seater, unlike many compact SUVs.The diesel engine is punchy and enjoyable to drive, and it works well for both city and highway usage. It feels strong in the mid-range, which makes overtaking easier and driving more effortless. The only real drawback is the boot space, which is on the smaller side compared to rivals, especially for larger luggage . If you frequently travel with a lot of bags, this is something you should keep in mind.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleTata Altroz
VI

Vishal

•1d

I am planning to buy the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7T. My monthly running is 500km. Should I go for petrol or diesel? I am also confused between AX7T and AX7L. Please suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2h

Considering your monthly running of around 500 km, we would suggest going for the petrol automatic. Your usage is quite limited, so opting for a diesel does not really make sense, as you won’t be able to justify the higher cost. Also, with low and mostly city usage, diesel engines can sometimes face issues related to their emission systems.The petrol engine, on the other hand, will feel more refined and smoother, especially in everyday city driving, which you will appreciate with your usage pattern.Between the AX7T and AX7L, if your budget permits, go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L. It adds more premium features, which enhance the overall ownership experience and make the car feel more premium in the long run.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO