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Asked by: Ashish Vats

I want to buy a new car with good features, strong safety, attractive looks, and fuel economy. I have shortlisted two models-the Maruti Victoris ZXI+ (O) and the Toyota Hybridder petrol (V) model, and I’m not sure which one to choose. Please help me decide.

The two SUVs you've shortlisted are virtually the same under the skin, so choosing between them really comes down to preference. They both meet your criteria of safety, good looks and economy. The Maruti Victoris has the slight edge on the Toyota Hyryder thanks to its slightly lower pricing, more modern tech and longer features list - including ADAS with Level 2 Autonomous driving. While the Victoris has scored a 5-star rating from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP. The Hyryder is yet to be tested, but as they share the same mechanical make-up, its overall score shouldn't be too far off.
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Autocar India team
14 Jan' 26
Asked by: Dhiraj

I work in industrial product sales and travel around 80km daily. My budget for a bike is ₹2.5 lakh. Please suggest suitable options.

If you want a standard street bike, then in your price range, you can get machines like the Honda CB300F, Bajaj Pulsar N250, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and Yamaha XSR155. Depending on the look and comfort each bike offers you, you can pick and choose between them - all are proven, reliable machines from reputable makes, so you should be good in the long run, by and large.In the adventure bike class, the new TVS Apache RTX 300 and Hero Xpulse 210 make for good options to look at, and these two will be more comfortable and spacious than the roadsters suggested above, although if you are a shorter rider, their tall seats might not be ideal for you.Take a test ride of these bikes to see which one suits you best before making a decision.
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Autocar India team
13 Jan' 26
Asked by: Siva

I want to upgrade to a new bike in the 150 to 200cc range. I weigh 58kg and prefer a lightweight bike like the Shine SP. I want a stylish, retro-looking bike that offers good comfort for city commuting. I do not do long rides or off-road riding. I have a family, so pillion comfort is important, and a child may sit in front. I do not want a regular Shine, Pulsar or Unicorn. I like bikes such as the Hunter and Triumph, but they seem heavy for me. Please suggest suitable options.

If you want a neo-retro, lightweight bike in the 150-200cc displacement category, the Yamaha XSR155 fits the bill quite well. It returns excellent fuel economy, has punchy performance and is decently comfortable - except over bad patches of road where its stiff suspension does make its presence felt.Take a test ride of this Yamaha bike with your pillion to see if it feels suitable for your needs.
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Autocar India team
13 Jan' 26
Asked by: Sharath KS

Hi, I am confused between the Harley-Davidson X440, Honda CB350 and TVS Apache RTX 300. I am 40 years old, and my daily usage is around 30km. I want to start touring on a motorcycle, with rides of around 350km, and pillion comfort is important. I have mostly been riding an Ntorq scooter and consider myself a beginner since it has been a long time since I rode a bike. Please advise.

Since you consider yourself a beginner, the TVS Apache RTX 300 may not be the best fit. It is a tall and top-heavy machine, which can rob newer riders of confidence. However, as a package, it is the most well-rounded machine of the three bikes you are considering, especially when it comes to touring with a pillion onboard.The Honda CB350RS and Harley-Davidson X440 are neo-retro roadsters with torquey engines, upright ergonomics and decently plush suspension, which will make for a better fit for a newer, less experienced rider like yourself with their low seat heights and therefore, centre of gravity too. For similar reasons, the Royal Enfield Bullet and Classic 350 are also worth considering. We recommend you take a thorough test ride of everything you're considering with a pillion onboard before making a purchase.
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Autocar India team
13 Jan' 26
Asked by: shankar

I commute 76km daily and am considering the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 or the Interceptor 650. Please suggest which bike would be better for my usage. I am also open to alternatives.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 would be a far more comfortable option than the Interceptor 650, especially for your long daily commute due to its plush and sophisticated suspension, upright ergonomics and some wind protection. It will also be more fuel-efficient, which is something that will be important given your high daily running.In a similar vein, we would also recommend you look at the new Royal Enfield Scram 440 because it has great comfort - aside from the seat, which is a quick and inexpensive fix - as well as decent performance and fuel economy at a much lower price than both the Himalayan and the Interceptor.If you want to look outside the Royal Enfield brand, bikes like the Hero Xpulse 210, and TVS Apache RTX 300 will be our recommendations for their plush suspension, good fuel economy and upright rider's triangles.A test ride of these bikes should help you decide which is the best fit for you.
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Autocar India team
13 Jan' 26
Asked by: Pranav M L

Hi all! I am planning to buy a KTM 200 Duke. I see fewer 200 Dukes on the road compared to the 250. Is there any reason to avoid the 200 Duke? Should I instead go for the Duke 250 or any similar bike under ₹2.5 lakh?

The KTM 200 Duke still remains a wonderful entry-level sport naked to buy even after all these years, and since it is based on the Gen 2 Duke architecture, it is actually a more spacious machine - which is a helpful thing for taller riders - than the 250 Duke.However, aside from that, the 250 Duke is a step up over its younger sibling in just about every measurable parameter and is a very engaging machine to ride.In the context of truly sporty naked bikes, aside from the KTMs mentioned above, you really don't have many other options. If you want a different riding experience from the 250 Duke with similar performance levels, then the Triumph Speed T4 is an option to consider.Take a test ride of these bikes to determine which is the best for you.
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Autocar India team
13 Jan' 26
Asked by: Arindam

My brother wants to buy a new car with a strict budget of ₹20 lakh. The budget cannot be extended any further. His daily driving is within the city, with highway use being very rare. He drives about 45km every day. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall, and we are a family of four. Please recommend a suitable car within this budget.

The new Kia Seltos with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and IVT (automatic) is the one to get. It feels thoroughly modern, offers the latest features and technology, and is more spacious and comfortable than before. The Petrol-IVT combination works seamlessly and delivers a smooth driving experience. This powertrain is available across a wide price band, hence you will certainly find more than one variant within your budget.
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Autocar India team
13 Jan' 26
Asked by: Bala

I am a first-time car buyer. Although I have a driving licence, I am not very confident while driving, especially in city traffic and during parking. I am considering buying a used car first to gain confidence and then upgrading to a new one later. I feel more comfortable with an automatic transmission as it allows me to focus on steering and speed control. However, some people have advised me to learn from a manual first. I am almost 6 feet tall and was initially considering the Wagon R, but a few friends suggested the Ignis instead. I am confused about whether to buy a manual or an automatic and which car to choose. I am confident that I can drive an automatic hatchback better than a manual, even if I buy a new one. Please advise.

You are right - if you are not confident about driving, it is better to get a used car first to polish your skills and then graduate to a new car. Also, as you've correctly mentioned, get an automatic car instead, so that you can focus on steering and controlling the speed of the car, leaving you fewer processes to think about (pressing the clutch and changing gears).Contrary to what your friends have suggested, get a Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. Sure, it might not feel like an aspirational buy due to its low-frills approach; however, it is hugely practical. Being a tall-boy design, it will be well-suited for your height, and its boxy structure will make it very easy for you to get a good judgment of its dimensions. Spare parts and maintenance costs will also be pocket-friendly.Once you're comfortable with driving, you could upgrade to a newer, more expensive car. Also, being an in-demand car, this Maruti car will be easier to sell later and is likely to fetch a reasonable resale price.
AI
Autocar India team
13 Jan' 26
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