Latest questions
Asked by: Rikkin I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of ₹25 lakh on-road for an EV and ₹20 lakh on-road for a petrol car. I am considering petrol expenses of around ₹5 lakh. I am confused between the Sierra and the 9S. Please advise. The Tata Sierra engine worth going for is the 1.5-litre turbocharged one, but that is outside the budget you’ve mentioned. At this price point, you’ll have to make do with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which puts out 105hp. The performance is smooth and linear, but it isn’t very exciting.Instead, we recommend the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack One Above 79kWh. Its claimed range of 521km (with an expected real-world range of around 420km) is sufficient for daily usage, and the fast-charging capability ensures highway trips are not stressful. It also delivers strong performance, a comfortable ride, well-weighted steering, and an overall enjoyable driving experience, with enough space for family and friends to travel comfortably. Asked by: MKD I am looking for a reliable car under ₹16 lakh (on-road) for long-term use (10 to 12 years). My monthly running is 2000 km, primarily on highways. Which car should I go for? The Honda Elevate will fit your requirements well. It should prove to be reliable and dependable in the long run, and within your budget, you can opt for the VX variant, which comes fairly well-equipped. This Honda car also gets features, like a single-pane sunroof, wireless charger, 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, and more.Another safe option is the Hyundai Creta. Even in the EX(O) variant, it offers a panoramic sunroof, but it does miss out on a few features compared to the Elevate. Asked by: Ramchandrahasa Hi team, I really enjoy the Autocar weekly podcast; it’s very entertaining. Wanted to check on my new car purchase. I previously owned an Altroz DCA but sold it as it was ergonomically unsuitable for my height of 6 feet and wider build. I am now looking for a new car in the ₹15 to 20 lakh range, preferably an SUV, with a focus on safety, reliability, and ease of driving for city use and occasional highway runs. My daily city driving is around 70 km. Is there a manual that is light and easy to use, or should I opt for an automatic? Thank you for your kind words on the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast!Given your requirements, we'd recommend the Hyundai Creta IVT or the new Kia Seltos IVT. Their CVT gearbox (IVT as the carmakers' brand them) is very smooth and works really well with the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Both models are known for their reliability and are easy to drive. Of the two, the Kia Seltos is newer (prices will be announced on January 2) and has its advantages in a roomier cabin, a more comfortable ride, and a few more features. Among the manual gearbox options, models from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota have light clutches and easy-to-shift manual gearboxes. Even so, the experience won't be as convenient as a good automatic transmission. Asked by: Aryan Singh Hi Autocar India team, I’m currently in the market for a Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT. Dealers are quoting around ₹23.5 to 24 lakh on-road, with negotiations coming down to roughly ₹21-21.5 lakh. With the next-generation Seltos expected to be launched soon, my confusion is whether paying ~₹21 lakh for the current GTX Plus DCT still makes sense, or if it’s better to wait for the new model pricing to be announced and then decide. Would love your perspective on what a realistic “good deal” looks like. Prices for the new Kia Seltos will only be announced on January 2, 2026. It's safe to assume prices will be higher than the current model by about Rs 25,000 to 50,000. In effect, opting for the current-gen Kia Seltos can save you Rs 3 lakh or more, which seems like a good deal. You could push to get the price further down, as the dealer will be in a rush to clear old Seltos stock before sales of the new one start.The new Seltos does improve on rear seat space and ride comfort, but the drive experience isn't very different. In fact, the overall sensation is of a car that's incrementally better rather than one that takes a huge leap forward. If you don't mind a firm ride and rear seat space isn't a deal-breaker, the outgoing Seltos at a big discount is the more sensible pick. Asked by: Vikrant Procha Hi, I am planning to buy a new petrol car for my parents, which will be mostly driven by my father. My budget is ₹8 to 8.5 lakh. I am also planning to sell the car later using an exchange offer. Should I buy the car in December 2025 or wait until next year? Should I go for an automatic or a manual? I prefer a high seat position! Given that the car will be used primarily by your parents, ease of entry and exit, good visibility, and stress-free ownership are aspects we'd prioritise. The best option is the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, which will fit your parents' requirements well.We'd recommend the more powerful 1.2-litre engine that delivers stronger performance. Opting for an automatic depends on how open your father would be to switching to an auto. The switch from manual to auto requires a few days, as drivers need to get used to not using the left foot (it's best to keep the left leg folded over during this transition period to avoid inadvertently pressing the brake pedal). The benefit is a far more convenient driving experience. The Wagon R’s AMT automatic is worth checking out. Other cars you could keep on your shortlist include the Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts 
