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Asked by: John Jayant M My parents (both 62) want to replace their old Spark with a new car. Requirements: automatic transmission, high ground clearance, good mileage, a refined engine, and reliable service. They’ve shortlisted the Tata Exter (4-cyl) and Tata Punch (3-cyl). Their concerns are the Punch’s 3-cylinder engine and service, and the Exter’s lack of body-safety ratings. They prefer a compact, easy-to-handle car (not bulky). Budget is under ₹10 lakh on-road. Any other recommendations? As you've mentioned, the Hyundai Exter is the smoother and more refined car of the two, thanks to its four-cylinder petrol engine. Its transmission is also relatively more seamless, and overall, Hyundai cars have a better reputation for their sales and support network too. Other options you could shortlist are the Maruti Fronx or Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor 1.2 petrol AMT. Asked by: Debanjan Ghosh What is the major difference in driving feel between the WagonR 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engines? The car will be used mostly in the city with an occasional monthly highway trip. I am also considering the Tata Tiago - any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you. The 1.2-litre K-Series engine in the Maruti Wagon R makes it feel noticeably peppier and relatively more effortless than the 1.0-litre petrol version. Also, being a four-cylinder unit, it is a bit smoother and more refined as well. Yes, the 1.0 will be a bit more efficient than the 1.2; however, if you like to drive and if it falls within your budget, quite simply go for the 1.2. The Tata Tiago has its strengths, like a good sound system, and better driving manners than a Wagon R; however, in terms of space, user-friendliness, smoothness and overall sales and support, the Maruti car is the one to go for. Asked by: Prashant My running is less than 1000 km per month I have shortlisted some of the cars 1. Kia syros 2. New Hundai venue 3. Tata nexon 4. Maruti breeza Within 12 lakh in same price range which will be best and safest value for money family car among these and which will be better petrol, diesel or cng It'll be best to stick to petrol, as the premium you will be paying for a diesel or CNG won't be justified for a mere 1000km monthly run. Between the four cars you've listed, the Hyundai Venue seems to be the most rounded option in terms of space, comfort, features and sophistication. The new Venue hasn't been crash tested as yet, however, like others, it packs in all the essential safety kit like 6 airbags, ESP, hill-start assist, etc. Asked by: Dhruv Biswas We currently own a 2018 Brezza and are looking to upgrade. Our budget is around ₹15-16 lakh. The car would probably be used twice a week for about 60 km each time, with occasional road trips. We want to avoid a Maruti this time and are aiming for a safer option. Given that you are looking at an upgrade from a compact SUV like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, it would be worthwhile looking at the larger mid-size SUV segment. However, bear in mind, then, that you would likely have to stretch your budget a bit to get a good amount of features. We would advise holding off on your purchase for a little longer if possible, as there are several exciting new cars launching very soon. First is the Tata Sierra, a good-looking and well-equipped SUV whose full price list is expected later this month. Then there is the all-new Kia Seltos, which promises to be larger and even better equipped than today's car. And finally is the new Renault Duster, which promises the same robust SUV feel and value proposition as the original, with more modern features. All should be big on safety, although official crash test ratings remain to be seen. Asked by: Sathish I’m a new driver looking for a premium automatic hatchback within a ₹10 lakh budget. I’ve shortlisted the Baleno Zeta AGS, Tata Altroz Creative AMT, and Hyundai i20 Sportz iVT. Considering fuel efficiency, reliability, safety, comfort for long drives, and ease of driving as a beginner, which of these three is the best option? The Maruti Baleno AGS is a proven, reliable hatchback, which will be the most fuel-efficient option from the bunch. It offers good space, comfort and is likely to deliver a trouble-free ownership experience. Between the three, it is the best option for a new driver. You could also consider a Toyota Glanza, which is the badge-engineered Baleno, but comes with beige-black interiors. Asked by: Rajesh I’m planning my first car for family use (5 members) with a budget under ₹15 lakh. I need a reliable, low-maintenance compact SUV with decent mileage and comfortable front and rear seating. I’m learning to drive, so supportive features for beginners are important. Expected usage is ~500 km per month plus quarterly trips of about 500 km. I’m considering options like the Citroen Aircross X, Kia Seltos, Sonet, Creta, or the upcoming Duster. Please suggest. Out of the cars you have shortlisted, we suggest the Citroen Aircross X. Even the top variant fits within your budget, and the car itself is a well-rounded product. It is comfortable thanks to supportive seats front and back, and there is ample space. The wide cabin also allows five people to sit comfortably.Another good five-seater in your budget is the Mahindra 3XO. Its wide and spacious cabin seats five in good comfort, and its shorter length makes it easier to park. However, the boot is on the smaller side, which you should keep in mind.Regarding the upcoming Renault Duster, it is one of the most anticipated launches early next year. If you are willing to wait and check it out before deciding, it would make a lot of sense. Asked by: rikhath baig Hello Car Expert, I’m planning to purchase a new car in 2026 and can wait up to a year. My driving is mostly within the city, so I need a spacious, comfortable car with modern features and an automatic transmission. My on-road budget is capped at ₹15 lakh, and my yearly usage is around 5,000-6,000 km. I’m considering the Mahindra XUV 3XO, Skoda Kylaq, and Kia Sonet, but I may have missed other suitable options. Of your three shortlisted cars, the Mahindra XUV 3XO checks the most boxes. It has a very spacious cabin - although not a very spacious boot - and has a comfortable ride and loads of features. As for longevity, any car can be kept for 10+ years if you drive it carefully, maintain it well and have it serviced regularly. That said, Mahindra's aftersales and service isn't as well-regarded as, say, Maruti or Hyundai's, so that's something to keep in mind. You should also consider the newly launched Hyundai Venue, which also meets all your requirements very well, and comes with more modern tech inside the cabin. Asked by: Karan I own a 2018 Ford Endeavour 3.2L 4x4 and absolutely love its ride quality and smoothness. I have driven it for 1.3 lakh km. Due to government regulations and some issues with the car, I now want to replace it. However, I am unable to decide on a new SUV with 4x4 and an automatic transmission that can offer the same road presence and ride quality, or at least come close. The Fortuner is a close contender for road presence, but it offers poor ride quality, low value for money and underwhelming interiors for its high price. Please suggest suitable options. The Ford Endeavour 3.2L truly delivered a premium experience that remains unmatched, even today. As a replacement, the MG Gloster comes close in terms of its road presence, refinement, features, and ride and handling balance.If you're open to a 5-seater 4x4 petrol-AT SUV at a much higher price point, you could look at the tough-as-nails Jeep Grand Cherokee - it is a very competent car. Can’t decide which car to buy? 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