Latest questions
Asked by: Rakesh Kumar I want to buy a diesel car from Kia, preferably the Syros or Sonet. However, my usage is around 7,000 km per year. Which car would suit my requirements better, petrol or diesel? I prefer diesel because I used a Hyundai diesel car for 10 years earlier. Both the Kia Seltos and Sonet diesels are competent and enjoyable, but with your usage of around 7,000km a year, a diesel simply doesn’t make financial or mechanical sense. The higher upfront cost of the diesel will take a long time to recover at that mileage, and you also won’t be using the engine in the way modern diesels are designed for.A key concern is the DPF (diesel particulate filter). This sits in the exhaust and traps soot; every so often, it needs to get hot enough to burn that soot off in a process called regeneration. This typically happens when the car is driven for a sustained period at higher speeds and with the exhaust fully up to temperature. If your running is mostly short, low-speed trips, the DPF may not regenerate properly, leading to soot build-up, warning lights, reduced performance and, in the worst case, an expensive repair or replacement.Given your usage, a petrol car makes far more sense. The 1.0 turbo-petrol with the 7-speed DCT gives you a strong mid-range punch that feels very close to a diesel in everyday driving, but without the DPF worries. It is smooth, refined and well suited to mixed city and highway use.Between the Kia Sonet and Seltos, the Sonet is the better fit if you usually drive alone or with just one passenger; it’s more compact, easier to park and generally costs less to buy like-for-like. The Seltos is the one to pick if you regularly travel with family, thanks to its extra space, bigger boot and more “proper SUV” feel, though some variants are noticeably pricier. Asked by: Sahil Bansal I am looking to purchase an SUV for my family. My usage is 1,000 to 2,000 km per month. I am currently considering the Creta SX Premium IVT and the Kia Seltos HTX (O) IVT. Which one would you recommend? I was also planning to look at the Tata Sierra as an option. I am confused about whether to buy the car in December 2025 or January 2026. We would suggest waiting until January 2026, by which time both the updated Kia Seltos and the new Tata Sierra will be on sale. The Creta remains the most proven, well-rounded midsize SUV in this segment and is still the safest, no-surprises choice for a family car.However, the Tata Sierra, with its spacious cabin, long feature list, and new petrol engines, along with the refreshed Seltos, which gains more features and variants and is expected to offer better space and value, are both very promising alternatives to the Hyundai Creta and are well worth considering before you make a final decision. So if you want to play it safe, go for the Creta now; if you are open to waiting a bit, the Sierra and new Seltos are certainly worth the wait. Asked by: Nav Hi, I would like your advice based on my usage. I want to upgrade my garage to two city cars and one highway car. My current city car is a Swift diesel AMT with a usage of 1,200 km per month, and my highway car is a Kia Seltos with a usage of 1,000 km per month. I now want to replace both cars and get two EVs for city use, namely the Tiago EV and the Sierra EV. For highway use, I am looking at the BMW M340i because it has adaptive suspension. Do you think it is comfortable for long highway journeys? Please suggest suitable cars for my usage. The Tiago EV is a sensible, affordable city runabout that works very well for errands and short urban commutes, and that’s exactly how we would recommend you use it. The Tata Sierra EV, meanwhile, is still some time away – launch is expected in 2026 – but on paper it promises a strong combination of space, range and features, and should be priced competitively when it arrives. However, it’s too early to comment on how it will drive as we haven’t driven the production car yet.The BMW M340i is a very quick, engaging sports sedan that can double up as a daily driver, and the adaptive suspension has definitely improved its usability. That said, it still feels a bit firm and always “on its toes”, so it isn’t the most relaxed choice if you prioritise long, laid-back highway cruising.One of our favourite sporty everyday sedans in this space is the Audi S5; it offers strong performance but with a more compliant ride and more easy-going manners, so it’s worth considering as your highway car. Asked by: Nipun Sharda I am planning to buy a luxury SUV, and my budget is between Rs 1.4 and 1.6 crore. I am mainly confused between the Range Rover Sport, Mercedes GLS, and BMW X7. Which one would be the best choice? The Range Rover Sport is the one I’d steer you towards. While all three SUVs are highly capable and deliver the luxury and performance you’d expect at this price point, the Range Rover Sport stands apart in a few key areas. Its design has an undeniable sense of occasion - understated yet distinctive - and it carries a level of road presence the German SUVs can’t quite match. The cabin feels properly special too, with exquisite materials, a minimalist layout and a plushness that immediately sets it apart.Out on the road, the Range Rover Sport blends performance and comfort exceptionally well. The ride quality is superb, gliding over bad patches with an effortlessness that makes long journeys genuinely relaxing.Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are both extremely competent and offer more seats and practicality, but they lack the sense of class and emotional appeal that the Range Rover delivers so naturally.If your priority is an SUV that not only performs but also feels luxurious, distinctive and a cut above in terms of desirability, the Range Rover Sport is the clear choice. Asked by: Faisal A I need to upgrade to a new car with a budget below Rs 20 lakh. I need a ride comfort similar to the Duster, a diesel-like driving experience, but with better reliability and after-sales service. I also need a 360-degree camera and a sunroof. Please share your suggestions. Since you’ve been driving a Renault Duster for almost a decade and clearly like what it offers, the most logical upgrade is the all-new Renault Duster, which is set to launch on January 26, 2026. While the new model won’t come with a diesel engine, it will offer a choice of strong 1.0 and 1.3 turbo-petrol motors, both paired with a smooth torque-converter automatic gearbox that should make everyday driving effortless.It’s also expected to come with a sunroof, and although a 360-degree camera hasn’t been confirmed yet, given the competition, it’s very likely Renault will offer it. If ride comfort and familiarity matter to you, this new Duster is worth waiting for. Asked by: Bharat My budget is Rs 20 lakh. I am looking for an all-wheel-drive car as I frequently travel to the mountains and need a safe, comfortable and reliable family car. Safety, comfort and reliability are my top priorities. There are not many AWD or 4x4 vehicles that meet all your requirements perfectly, but there are some to consider. Your best option is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, the ZXI Plus AWD AT variant, although you will have to stretch your budget slightly.It is a 5-star rated car from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP, so you're well covered on safety, and overall, it is a well equipped and comfortable family car. As a bonus, it comes with Maruti's renowned reliability and low running costs.Alternatively, you could consider the Mahindra Thar Roxx, the MX5 2.2 Diesel MT 4x4 variant, which is also safe and offers more space and a more robust 4x4 system, but it's not as reliable or comfortable as the Maruti Suzuki.Or you could look at the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, which is a capable off-roader and falls easily in your budget, but it is not as comfortable, and its small size makes it less practical as a family car. Asked by: Avinash Bagla Hi Autocar team, I own multiple cars, all diesel and petrol driven, but I now want to buy an electric car. My usage will be approximately 1,500 km per month. I have shortlisted the Mahindra XEV 9e and 9S, but am unable to decide between the two. I am heavily built with a height of 6 feet 1 inch. In your reviews, Nikhil Bhatia mentions that the suspension of the 9S is softer, so I am confused. Kindly help. Both the Mahindra XEV 9e and XEV 9S are suitable for a big, built person like you. However, the Mahindra XEV 9S is set up softer than the XEV 9e, and there is more vertical movement that you will experience at higher speeds.It is not to the point of discomfort, but something that you will notice. If you don’t need the third row of seats and are sensitive to ride comfort and body movements, the XEV 9e will be the better pick for you. 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. Can’t decide which car to buy? 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