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Asked by: Criss Hi team, I purchased a Tata Nexon Creative+S (manual) 2023 model in December 2024 due to discounts. I recently drove the AMT variant of the Nexon (top-end) from Ooty to Masinagudi and back, and completely fell in love with the ease of driving it. Now I only want an automatic. I want to upgrade my vehicle and, with the advent of the Sierra, new Seltos, new 7XO, and the petrol Adventure+ Safari, what should I choose? Mostly the city use and highway once a month. Since you are familiar and happy with your Tata Nexon, it's probably a good idea to stick with Tata Motors and check out the new Tata Sierra, which is launching tomorrow. It is a size and segment up on the Nexon, so it should feel like a considerable upgrade. This Tata car is also expected to come with larger 1.5-litre petrol engines, naturally aspirated and turbocharged, although the 1.5-litre diesel engine is expected to be the same.The Mahindra XUV700 or XUV 7XO facelift is expected to gain a lot of tech from the XEV 9e and 9s, including a triple-screen infotainment system, but that aside, it should largely be the same.Similarly, the Tata Safari petrol will gain the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine as the Sierra, but should otherwise be the same.The new Kia Seltos is, for now, an unknown quantity, but it is expected to grow in size, as well as tech, which also likely means a jump in price. Hence, given most of your usage is in the city, we recommend going with the Sierra, as it will be a big enough upgrade without having to get an overly large SUV. Asked by: Abhishek Bhalla Hi, I drive between Pune and Mumbai at least 16 times a month, with a monthly running of around 5,000 km. I was exploring an EV like the 9e or the Harrier for this kind of usage, but I still want to consider alternative options, maybe a hybrid or a diesel. What would you suggest? I’m okay with a budget of 25-30 lakh. If you are comfortable with an EV and have easy access to charging, the electric options are sure worth a look. Your running costs will be lowest with an electric car. The Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e are good options within your budget. We did find the Mahindra XEV 9e to be the more complete package. You can read the Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e comparison article for detailed insights.Among diesel options, the Mahindra XUV 700 AT is a good buy for your needs. It's got a strong diesel engine, a smooth auto gearbox and is generally a good highway car. The Tata Harrier/Safari AT are also good but don't quite match the XUV on refinement. You could also consider the Hyundai Creta AT. While it's not as punchy as the XUV 700, the engine-gearbox combo is really good and fuel economy is a highlight. Hybrid options include the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris, and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. There are also mid-spec versions of the Toyota Innova HyCross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto within your budget.Great fuel economy is a given on the hybrids, but the drive experience on the highway isn't as satisfying as what you'd get on the electric and hybrid options listed above. Asked by: SIDDARTH BALASUBRAMANI Hi! I’m planning to buy a hatchback or sub-4m SUV for mostly solo highway driving, around 4,500 km per month. I’m looking for a comfortable automatic car with good mileage that can seat 4 people comfortably. I’ve shortlisted the Toyota Glanza V AMT since it offers a Maruti engine (which I’ve always liked) without being a Maruti-branded car, something my family prefers to avoid. Given this context, do you think the Glanza is the right choice in 2025, or would you recommend any other non-Maruti options? If the badge is enough to convince your family that it isn't a Maruti Suzuki, and you would like to purchase the Toyota Glanza, then go right ahead, because it is a very capable premium hatchback. Its 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is one of the smoothest and most efficient around, as you no doubt know, and it is also quite well loaded with features and spacious as well.However, since you do a lot of highway driving, you should also consider the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, which, once again, is a Maruti Suzuki Fronx with a Toyota badge.You might have to up your budget a bit here, but the advantage is higher ground clearance as well as the option of the punchier 1.0 Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine, which is efficient, but will give you a bit more punch out on the highway. Asked by: Senthil I want to buy an automatic car and drive about 50 km daily in the city, with 3–4 highway trips a year. I have shortlisted the Nexon Pure+ AMT, XUV 3XO AT, Brezza AT, Amaze VX CVT, and Fronx Delta AMT. Mileage and build quality are important to me. Please advise which one would suit me best. Of your shortlisted options, the Honda Amaze CVT is the best bet. Its 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine is among the more fuel-efficient of the cars selected here, with only the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta AMT offering higher mileage. However, the Fronx AMT gearbox is not as smooth as the Amaze's CVT, which will be beneficial in city driving. The Amaze, like all Honda cars, has good build quality, with high-quality materials and great fit and finish. Asked by: Sagnik Sarkar Hello Team Autocar, I own a 2019 Maruti Swift ZXI (MT) and have been driving it happily for six years. Due to Mumbai’s bumper-to-bumper traffic, I’m planning to switch to an automatic. I drive about 1,000 km per month in the city and roughly 1,500 km every two months on the highway. Please suggest an automatic car within a ₹13 lakh budget, prioritising comfort and mileage. Given your requirements, you should consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It falls within your budget, it has a comfortable and spacious cabin and being a Maruti Suzuki car, you'll appreciate the familiarity with your current car and the stress-free ownership experience it comes with. The Brezza is powered by a refined 103hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine that's mated to a smooth, 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The SUV also comes with Maruti's Smart Hybrid system, which includes auto engine/start stop as well as torque assist to aid performance and boost fuel efficiency. As such, the Maruti Brezza mileage for petrol-AT is 19.80kpl (company claimed). Asked by: Karan sharma I’m planning to buy a manual SUV under ₹14 lakh (on-road). My driving split is 70% city / 30% highway, with monthly running ≤ 1,200 km and a target city mileage of around 14 kmpl. Should I choose petrol or diesel for cost and long-term suitability? I’m confused between the Skoda Kylaq, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, and new-gen Hyundai Venue. Also, is it better to buy a base model of an upper-segment SUV or a feature-loaded variant of a sub-4-m SUV for my needs? From the cars you have shortlisted, none are likely to return 14kpl in the city from their turbo-petrol variants, unless there is very light traffic in your city. Hence, if mileage is a priority, go for their diesel versions. This rules out the petrol-only Skoda Kylaq. The new-gen Hyundai Venue is a big step up over the previous one, and you should definitely consider it. What's more is that Hyundai's 1.5-litre diesel engine is more efficient than the Mahindra XUV3XO. Coming to the second part of your question, it all boils down to personal preference. Whether you want the space and a larger car, or you want all the modern features, and you don't mind compromising on cabin room. Ideally, drive all the cars that fit into your budget, and pick the one that you like the best. Asked by: George I’m really impressed with the practicality of CNG cars, even though they require compromising on boot space. But why are there no automatic variants in CNG cars? Please correct me if I’m wrong, in case any models are available. Is this because of the power loss in CNG mode? CNGs cars and SUVs have come a long way in the past few years. Carmakers like Tata, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki all offer models with underbody CNG tanks, which means you don't have to compromise on boot space. As for CNG automatics, there are currently three models for sale in India in three different body styles. The Tata Tiago CNG AMT (Rs 7.23 lakh-8.07 lakh, ex-showroom) is a hatchback, the Tata Tigor CNG AMT (Rs 8.19 lakh-8.74 lakh, ex-showroom) is a compact sedan, while the Nissan Magnite CNG AMT (Rs 6.89 lakh-9.70 lakh, ex-showroom) is a compact SUV. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts 
