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Asked by: Sandip Gunjikar I'm looking to upgrade to a diesel car, but my budget is below 12-13 lakhs. I am not interested in features like ADAS, etc. Basic features like a reverse camera, sensors, a touchscreen, and ventilated seats will suffice. I am looking for either an urban SUV or an MPV. Daily running is about 100 km. What should I go for? The Mahindra XUV 3XO in AX5 guise will be a good option for you. It gets a strong and punchy diesel engine, a good set of features and a spacious cabin as well.The boot space is not the best, but otherwise, this Mahindra car is well-equipped and gets the basics right. The 6-speed manual gearbox is smooth, the clutch is light, and ride comfort is very good too. 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: 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: Zoeb Hussain My dad bought an Innova in 2017. It is still running very well without issues, with the odometer close to 2.5 lakh km. It is a diesel top-end variant from that time. Being a 7-seater, it is helpful for our large family, with sufficient boot space as well. We now want to change the car. Usage is close to 100-150 km a day, a mix of city and highway driving. Which car would you suggest? We are looking for an automatic transmission, and after using the Innova, reliability is key. Given your high mileage and the fact that you would likely keep your new car for a long period of time, too, we would recommend you stick with Toyota and look at the Innova HyCross.Go with the strong hybrid powertrain, as this would help lower your running costs, and you could look at the Hycross VX variant, as this is a good value for money option and is available in both 7 and 8 seater configurations.If you would like to opt for the powered ottoman seat version, then opt for the ZX variant. Asked by: Piyush Hello, Autocar. As a car fan, I’ve been a reader for quite some time. I want to buy a new car for my parents, who are first-time drivers, so an automatic is a must. I want a hatchback that is easy to drive and low on maintenance. Most of the driving will be on the highway or from the village to the nearby town. I’ve shortlisted the new Suzuki Swift ZXI AMT. Please share your opinion. Is there any other option you would suggest, if not the Swift? The Maruti Suzuki Swift that you have shortlisted is a decent option for your parents. The controls are light and easy to operate, and the engine is tuned for efficiency rather than performance. Thus, your parents, who are first-time drivers, would find this a good car to use.The only issue is the AMT gearbox, which is not a smooth shifter. Take a test drive and see how they feel about this. If you are open to an electric car, you can opt for the Tata Punch EV. It would offer a smooth and easy drive, and the high seating point would offer good visibility. 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. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts 
