Latest questions
Asked by: Venugopal I was planning to buy a Mahindra XUV 9e (EV), but I heard that the XEV 9s will be launched on the 26th of this month. Should I wait for the 9s or go ahead and buy the 9e now? Yes, Mahindra will launch the new XEV 9S on November 26, and it's worth your while to wait for one. To talk about differences, where the XEV 9e sports an SUV-coupe shape, the XEV 9S will have a more conventional SUV look. In fact, the basic stance will be very similar to the petrol//diesel Mahindra XUV700. The other big difference from the 9e will be the inclusion of a third row of seats. How much space is there at the back, and how practical the last row is, are things we'll report once it is launched, so stay tuned.In other respects, such as batteries, motor and equipment, the XEV 9e and XEV 9S will be identical. Asked by: Marazbaan Dastur I plan to upgrade to a sub-4-metre SUV next year and am deciding between the top trims of the Skoda Kylaq and the new Hyundai Venue. My budget is ₹15–18 lakh; the Kylaq’s top trim is about ₹2 lakh cheaper than the Venue’s. Should I pick the cheaper Kylaq top model or pay the extra ₹2 lakh for the Venue top trim for the additional features? Please compare value-for-money, features, reliability, after-sales service, resale value, and driving experience. The Skoda Kylaq and Hyundai Venue are good options, and both have their own highlights. The differences between the two are clear if you consider like-priced variants, that is, Kylaq AT Prestige and Venue Turbo DCT HX8. The Kylaq feels tougher in its build and is the more exciting compact SUV to drive. The Venue, on the other hand, is pleasant to drive but feels more upmarket inside and gets more tech too. The fully-loaded Venue HX10 does wow for all the new-age features it packs in. Level 2 ADAS, the slick curved displays, 360-degree camera and more do uplift the overall experience and make the Venue feel fresh and modern. If you're someone who wants the latest and likes gadgets and gizmos, the jump to the top-spec version is worth it. However, if the features are things you can live without, the HX8 makes for a far better deal from the Venue range. Asked by: Amit Kumar We’re a family of four planning to buy a 7-seater automatic within a ₹20–25 lakh budget. Our priorities are a 5-star safety rating, essential safety features and possibly ADAS (though we’re unsure how relevant ADAS is on Indian roads). Usage will be city driving, weekly ~200 km runs, and 5–10 long trips a year. We’re confused between the Mahindra XUV700, Toyota Rumion and Kia Carens because of concerns about XUV700’s service, Carens’ safety rating, and Rumion being similar to the Ertiga. Which should we pick? Given your requirements, you should choose between the Mahindra XUV700 and the Tata Safari. Both three-row SUVs come with a full, 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, both come featured-packed, and both get ADAS tech as well. Both SUVs will also be comfy for your family on highway trips, but the Mahindra car will be a bit easier to drive in the city thanks to its lighter controls. And unlike the Tata Safari, the Mahindra XUV700 can also be had with a petrol engine, and it comes with an AWD option. Asked by: Soumya Sinha I have followed your writing for two decades and now request your advice: Among hatchbacks and crossovers with 1.2 NA engines — from MS (Ignis, Swift, Baleno, Fronx), Hyundai (Grand i10 Nios, i20, Exter), Tata (Tiago, Altroz, Punch), and Citroen (C3 1.2 NA) — which is the most fun to drive? I personally feel that the older Swift with its 1.2 K12 engine was best, but with the current Z-series 3-pot engine things are less exciting. Considering performance, is Ignis perhaps the best of the lot now, thanks to its light weight and decent road manners? The Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Baleno share the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, which is known for its smoothness, refinement, free-revving nature and fuel efficiency. The Ignis is relatively smaller in size than the Baleno, and with its light controls, will be a touch easier to drive and park in tight spaces. That said, the new Maruti Suzuki Swift is still an excellent, fun-to-drive option, with a nicer steering (it returns to centre more naturally than the Ignis' unit), and its darty nature. Its 3-cylinder petrol engine is also very good in terms of drivability; yes, it doesn't revv as freely as the 4-cylinder 1.2 unit, but if you don't regularly spin the engine beyond 4000rpm, it'll keep you satisfied. Do drive the new Swift once, it might just be the one for you. Asked by: Shailesh R I want to upgrade to a car that offers noticeably better ride comfort and suspension refinement while keeping the same exterior dimensions as my current car. The Citroen C3 has a very good ride, and it is within the dimensions of your current car. However, it would not feel like an upgrade, more a lateral move at best, so take a good look at it and see how you think about the car. You can also look at the Tata Altroz, which also offers a very good ride. If you want to stick with an SUV body style, then have a look at the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The car looks and feels quite different from your older model, both inside and out. The ride quality has also improved. It is soft and pliant at low speeds. Though at higher speeds over crests and undulations, there will be some pitch and lift. If your running is mostly in the city, this would not be a problem and assuming you are happy with the Maruti Suzuki car experience, the new Brezza would do well. Asked by: Babu I’m a senior citizen looking for a reliable automatic car within a ₹15 lakh on-road budget. My annual running is about 10,000–15,000 km, mostly outside the city. I need a smooth, safe, easy-to-handle car with proven reliability and comfortable long-distance driving. Which automatic models would you recommend? Given your requirements, you should check out the new Hyundai Venue. In your budget of Rs 15 lakh, you can get it with either a petrol automatic powertrain, or a diesel automatic, whichever is your preference. However, the diesel would be of a lower specification with fewer features for the price. Still, both versions are smooth and incredibly easy to drive, while also being comfortable and stable on the highway. Hyundai cars are also known to be pretty reliable, and with a wide service network across the country, you'll never be too far away from help if you need it. Asked by: Ramkumar Hello, we are a family of four with a 2-year-old. I’m looking for a sub-4-metre SUV that delivers a comfortable, confident ride in both city and on the highway. My usage is about 60% city (Bengaluru traffic) and 40% highway, roughly 1,000 km/month. My budget is ₹10–12 lakh on-road (Bengaluru). I’ve shortlisted the Hyundai Venue HX5 Turbo MT and the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5. We already own an i10 Nios, so I trust Hyundai for trouble-free ownership, but I have reservations about the 3XO. Which should I choose? Both are among the best compact SUVs on the market, and you wouldn't go wrong with either. The XUV 3XO is more comfortable and more engaging to drive, with more space in the back seat. However, since your use is 60 per cent in Bengaluru city traffic, the lighter, smoother Hyundai Venue powertrain might suit you better, and in the other areas, it's not too far behind the XUV either. And if you're happy and familiar with the Hyundai car ecosystem, it's best to stick with them; there may be some loyalty benefits from your dealer at the time of purchase as well. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts 
