autocar-logo
Mumbai
RA

Raju avn

•3d

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Dzire automatic (top-end variant). My usage will be mostly on highways, and my budget is around ₹12 lakh (on-road). Could you please advise whether the Dzire automatic is a good choice in terms of mileage, comfort, and maintenance costs? Also, are there any better alternatives I should consider within this budget?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•8h

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is a good pick for you. It is among the most fuel-efficient cars on sale in India, and what also strengthens its case is Maruti's fantastic service network, after-sales experience and low maintenance costs. The Dzire is also a good value for the money, packing in plenty of features. Space and comfort are good, and there's reasonable boot space too, which will come in handy on intercity drives. There's also the confidence of knowing it's a Global NCAP 5-star rated model. What isn't ideal is the AMT gearbox. It's fine in easy-going driving, but you will feel a pause between gearshifts when you want a quick overtake. If you want a smoother experience and don't mind spending a bit more (and compromising on fuel economy), you could also look at the Honda Amaze CVT.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Dzire
PB

P Basak

•3d

Hi Autocar, I am willing to purchase a Hyundai Venue HX 8 Petrol MT(Turbo) for city & occasional highway drive. I am a new driver having just got my license & this will be my 1st car. How is the car in terms of driving experience and safety? Is there any other option I should consider?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•9h

The Hyundai Venue Turbo MT HX8 is a good buy. The Venue is an easy-to-drive compact SUV that will put you at ease behind the wheel. Performance is good, and the manual gearbox is nice enough to use. However, you should consider the Venue Turbo DCT, whose automatic transmission will add a great deal of convenience to your commutes. The Turbo DCT HX8 costs about Rs 1.2 lakh more than the Turbo MT HX8 and is worth the stretch if you don't mind spending more on your car.In other aspects, the Venue comes across as a well-rounded package and is our pick among compact SUVs.

VehicleHyundai Venue
AD

Adithya

•4d

Hi Autocar Team, I have recently moved from the UK to Hyderabad and am planning to buy a car for my family. We are a family of five (2 adults and 3 kids aged 11, 3, and 3), and my parents also live in the same apartment, so we often travel together. My usage will be around 80% city driving, with an annual running of approximately 6,000-8,000 km. I am looking for a safe 7-seater that is comfortable, enjoyable to drive (I am used to driving a VW Golf DSG), and capable of handling bad roads while offering a smooth ride for all passengers. I am currently confused between the Kia Clavis EV and the Mahindra XEV 9e. I prefer EVs due to their driving experience, but I am concerned about depreciation and resale value after 3 years. My budget is around ₹25-30 lakh. I am also considering an alternative strategy-buying a smaller EV like the Tata Punch EV for city use and using the remaining budget for a good 7-seater (new or used).

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•10h

The Kia Carens Clavis EV will be the better pick for your needs. It's got the better third row seating and a more user-friendly cabin. Performance is good, and ride comfort is decent despite a slight firmness in the suspension set-up. The Mahindra XEV 9S has more wow factor, is quicker accelerating and has a longer range, but isn't as good a 7 seater as the Clavis EV. Your concern about EV depreciation isn't unfounded. In the fast-evolving EV world, current hardware and tech become outdated sooner, and this is part of the reason why EVs lose value faster than ICE vehicles. If this is not a dealbreaker for you, you will find an EV to suit your needs better than an ICE car. While we'd recommend one car for the family, you could also consider the combo of a Tata Punch EV and a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga AT VXI.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis EV
Kia Carens Clavis EV
Kia Carens Clavis EV
EC

Eswaran Chidambaram

•4d

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of around ₹23-25 lakh and am considering a mid-size SUV. I am inclined towards the Kia Seltos due to its overall reliability compared to the Tata Sierra. However, I am confused between the DCT and IVT automatic options. My usage will be around 40% in the city and 60% on highways. My main concern is the long-term reliability of Hyundai/Kia’s DCT gearbox, especially in Indian conditions. I am also unsure whether choosing the IVT would lead to missing out on performance.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•10h

We suggest you go for the Kia Seltos Turbo-DCT. While the DCT isn't quite as seamless as the 1.5 NA's IVT unit at low speeds, gearshifts are still smooth enough. It's in higher speed highway environs that the Turbo-DCT will appeal significantly more to you. The turbo-petrol engine's 160hp feels a lot more effortless than the 115hp NA petrol engine, and the added performance really counts for a lot on long-distance journeys. Drive with enthusiasm, and you'll also get a far more connected experience from the DCT. Hyundai/Kia's dry-clutch DCT did have overheating issues in the past, but software updates have reduced occurrences. Follow the manufacturer's protocol for shifting to P/N on halts, and you won't have problems.

VehicleKia Seltos