Latest questions
Asked by: Shibashish Mukhe I currently drive a Kia Seltos HTE (base variant) and get around 8 to 9 kmpl in city conditions in Kolkata. Are there any hybrid options expected in the Seltos segment in the next 8 to 9 months? Will sedans like the Virtus or Verna get hybrid options? Are there plans for a Honda Elevate hybrid, MG Hector hybrid, or a Creta hybrid? Unfortunately, there are no new hybrid midsize SUVs launching in the next 8-9 months; however, they will come later. The new Kia Seltos hybrid is coming, but not before late 2026 or early 2027, as Kia is working on localising the hybrid system to lower the price before the launch. The Honda Elevate will not receive a hybrid powertrain until its next generation, which is unlikely before 2028.The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia could eventually get hybrid technology, but that too is still a few years away. The Hyundai Verna is unlikely to receive a hybrid even with its upcoming facelift. The MG Hector Hybrid is in limbo and was not launched with the recent update, which proved to be just a minor facelift.The Hyundai Creta will likely get a hybrid, but only when the next-generation model launches, likely around 2027. Tata and Mahindra are both said to be working on hybrid powertrains, but again, with launches only in the distant future. Asked by: CHANDRASHEKAR I own a 2016 Renault Duster RxS diesel manual that has run 1.3 lakh km. My daily driving is around 40 km, with monthly trips of about 300 to 400 km. It is due for service, the suspension feels weak, and I may need to replace the clutch. The tyres were changed around four years ago, and it has only one airbag. Should I retain the car and carry out repairs, or opt for a new one? If buying new, should I go for petrol or diesel, considering my usage will reduce significantly over the next five years? It's not worth holding on to your 2016 Renault Duster diesel MT as it is almost 10 years old and at 1,30,000km, has already lived its best life. As the model is long discontinued, parts availability will prove to be an issue in time; given its age, bigger issues will start to crop up (such as the suspension, as you have pointed out), and yes, it's not as safe as modern cars with higher mandated safety standards.Apart from all this, with ever-tightening emissions regulations, an old diesel engine like the 1.5 K9K will become increasingly difficult in the future.It's a great time for an upgrade, as there are many new models arriving soon. For one, the new-gen Renault Duster will arrive on January 26, and promises to have everything we loved about the old car with more creature comforts. It will no longer have a diesel engine, however, but given that your usage is going to be lower, it could work out just fine for you.If you must still have a diesel, check out the new Kia Seltos, which will be launched on January 2, 2026. While not the most powerful engine, it is smooth and refined, and the Seltos, on the whole, is an excellent package. Asked by: Pawan I have been using an i20 Sportz for the last 15 years and it has only clocked 87,000 km. I am now planning to buy a new car within a budget of ₹15-16 lakh, preferably automatic. My prime concerns are mileage, maintenance, and safety. My driving will increase compared to my previous car, probably around 1,000-2,000 km per month, mostly on highways and sometimes in the city. Please suggest some good options. The new Kia Seltos with the 1.5 litre petrol and IVT (automatic) is the one you should consider. It is available across multiple variants, and you should find a decently equipped variant in your budget. The new Seltos is more spacious and rides better than the outgoing car, too. If you want something smaller yet fully loaded, you can consider the new Venue Turbo-DCT. Asked by: Anantha I am looking to exchange my WagonR petrol automatic for a compact SUV. My car usage is 80% in city traffic for daily office commuting, with an average of 600 km per month. My priorities are safety, ease of driving, and reliability so the car runs every day without unexpected breakdowns. I am considering the Hyundai Venue, Skoda Kylaq, and Mahindra 3XO. Please provide your opinion. The Skoda Kylaq nicely meets your priorities. Unlike others in the segment, the Skoda Kylaq comes equipped with a torque converter gearbox, which is the smoothest type to have. You will appreciate this, given that most of your driving is in city traffic. As for safety, the car is well equipped and has secured a 5-star BNCAP rating too. While Skoda has not been known for its reliability, the Kylaq has so far been performing well. And as for easy to drive, the Kylaq will not disappoint you as it feels light enough for the city, and the dimensions are nice and compact. Asked by: Ragz I already own a Creta Electric and am now a fan of electric vehicles. I need a new 7-seater for around ₹22-24 lakh. My running will be very low - about 500 km per month, plus 3-4 long trips a year of around 350 km one way. I’m confused between the Mahindra 7XO and the 9S (2P pack, 70 kWh), as they seem very similar, and the decision will mostly depend on final pricing. Which one should I buy? Are there any other options you can suggest? The Mahindra XEV 9S is a large car, but its last row isn't comfortable for adults over long drives. Hence, if you need a comfortable seven-seater for long drives, consider the Turbo petrol versions of the Kia Carens Clavis and Tata Safari instead. There's also the Kia Carens Clavis EV in this range, which shares its battery+motor with the Creta Electric. However, on your 350km+ highway drives, you will have to stop and charge once, as its real-world highway range is about 345km as per our tests Asked by: Shrey Aggarwal Hi, I am currently driving a Ford Figo Aspire Diesel and want to upgrade to a new car. My budget is around ₹18–22 lakh. I am considering the XEV9e, XEV9s, or the new Seltos Turbo Petrol. My running is mostly in the city, about 600 km per month. I need good driving dynamics and am open to other options. Please suggest. If you don't need an additional row of seats, opt for the Mahindra XEV 9E instead of the Mahindra XEV 9S, for its driving manners. It is quick, the steering makes it surprisingly easy to drive, and its ride-handling balance truly feels world-class. There are some good discounts available on the XEV 9E, so you could get a good deal. The new Kia Seltos turbo-petrol is an excellent option too. However, no ICE vehicle can match the smoothness and seamlessness of an EV, and simply for that reason, the XEV 9E is the better option. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts 
