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Asked by: Goutham Gopinathan I’m planning to buy a new car and I live in Chennai, with a budget of 15 to 19 lakhs. I have shortlisted the Kia Sonet HTX and the Skoda Slavia R 1.0. I like the Slavia, but I’m a bit concerned about its mileage. Could you provide me with the expected mileage for the Slavia 1.0 in both automatic and manual versions? Additionally, I’d like to know the mileage for both petrol and diesel versions of the Kia Sonet, including the automatic and manual options. My monthly usage is between 1000 and 1500 km. Thank you! In Autocar India’s real-world tests, the Skoda Slavia 1.0-litre petrol manual delivers an overall mileage of 13kpl (combined city and highway), while the automatic returns 11.95kpl. The manual is more efficient because it has a direct mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels, whereas the automatic uses a torque converter, which, by nature, has some energy losses due to fluid coupling, especially in stop-start urban conditions. The Kia Sonet 1.0-litre turbo-petrol delivers 13.5kpl in manual form and 14.05kpl with the DCT (dual-clutch automatic). The 1.5-litre diesel is more efficient, giving 17.1kpl for the manual and 16.3kpl for the automatic. The diesel Sonet is not only frugal but also surprisingly enjoyable to drive. It has a smooth and refined 6-speed torque converter automatic, which complements the diesel engine’s strong torque delivery well. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the Sonet diesel is the better option. It’s also well-equipped and has a good-quality interior. However, the Slavia is in a different league when it comes to space, comfort, and overall driving experience. It rides better, feels more planted at high speeds, and offers a more premium feel with strong performance and good safety credentials. That said, turbo-petrol engines like the Slavia’s are sensitive to driving style—drive it hard, and the fuel economy can drop quickly. Based on your monthly running of 1,000 to 1,500km, a diesel Sonet makes a lot of practical sense. But if you’re looking for a bigger, more comfortable car with a more engaging driving experience, the Slavia is still a compelling option—just be ready for slightly higher fuel bills. Hope this helps you make an informed choice. Asked by: Dipan Roy I want to buy a small automatic car, and that too a CVT. I am confused between the i20 IVT and the Amaze CVT. I would like to know which is the better engine gearbox combo, in terms of drivability and reliability. My driving style is relaxed and mainly within the city. Please advise. Thanks. Both the Honda Amaze CVT and Hyundai i20 IVT are well-suited to city driving, but we feel the Amaze has the edge when it comes to the engine-gearbox combination. Its CVT is a bit more responsive and efficient, especially at low to medium speeds, which makes it ideal for a relaxed, urban driving style like yours. The Honda Amaze is also slightly more spacious, has a larger boot, and offers a more absorbent and settled ride over rough roads. The Hyundai i20, on the other hand, impresses with its more upmarket cabin, better quality materials, and a more premium feel overall. Its IVT gearbox is smooth and refined too, but the Amaze’s setup feels more natural and better suited to everyday city use. If comfort, efficiency, and reliability are your top priorities, the Amaze CVT would be our pick. But if you value interior quality and a more feature-rich cabin, the i20 IVT makes a strong case, too. You can’t go wrong with either, but the Amaze fits your brief just that bit better. Asked by: Naga Pavan Kumar I have a Ritz diesel car that I've hardly used, having driven just 33000 kms over the past 15 years. Should I apply for a fitness extension or sell my old car and consider getting a new one? If I decide to buy a new car, should I go for the Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, or Venue? I'm 6'4. Given that your Maruti Ritz diesel is now 15 years old, it’s likely to depreciate further. We recommend selling it rather than applying for a fitness extension, as the resale value will only decline from here on, and diesel vehicle regulations may become more restrictive over time. Regarding a replacement, considering your height (6'4"), the Hyundai Venue may feel too cramped, particularly in the rear seat and headroom department. A better fit for you would be either the Hyundai Creta or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, both of which offer significantly more space and comfort. Between the two, the Hyundai Creta remains the most well-rounded midsize SUV, especially in its 1.5-litre petrol CVT variant. It’s smooth, refined, and perfectly suited for low running, assuming your future usage remains similar to the 2,200 km per year you've averaged with the Ritz. Asked by: Aditya Nambiar Planning to buy a used Tata Hexa automatic (XMA/XTA, 2017–2019), which I’ve loved for years. Though options like XUV700, used XUV500, Crysta, Hycross, Harrier, and Safari exist, none appeal to me like the Hexa. I admire its bold, muscular, polarising design, strong features, and tank-like build—it still feels like Tata’s best-built car. Based on ownership feedback, the automatic is smoother, quicker, and more convenient than the manual. I’ve shortlisted 3–4 autos. Is it still a sensible buy in 2025? Dear Mr. Nambiar, We completely understand your admiration for the Tata Hexa—it has a unique charm and presence that set it apart, even among more recent SUVs. Its body-on-frame construction gives it a robust, go-anywhere feel, and the cabin exudes a sense of luxury that few Tata cars have managed to replicate since. The automatic versions, in particular, are known for their smoothness and convenience. However, being practical, we wouldn’t recommend going ahead with a used Hexa in 2025. The model has been discontinued for over five years now, and as time goes on, sourcing spare parts and finding trained technicians could become increasingly difficult. Tata vehicles, the Hexa included, also don’t age particularly well, and there’s a risk of being saddled with high maintenance costs and reliability issues as the kilometres pile up. Among current options, the Tata Safari comes closest in terms of character, but we agree—it doesn’t quite have the same majestic, tank-like aura of the Hexa. Still, if long-term peace of mind and support matter, you’d be better off considering something more recent and still in production. Asked by: Unnikrishnan Gop We currently own a Kia Seltos GT Line Turbo Petrol and a BMW X3. Now, we're looking to add a sub-₹10 lakh automatic car, strictly for city use. We've test-driven the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Citroën C3 Turbo, MG Comet, Maruti Celerio, Ignis, and Swift. However, we prefer to stick with ICE vehicles. Among these, which one would be the better choice? The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is an excellent choice with a good quality interior and a refined and smooth powertrain. Its controls are light and easy, and it is compact enough to park in tight spaces, too. Its AMT (automated manual transmission) is among the smoother ones out there. The Citroen C3 Turbo-AT is a punchier, peppier car with excellent ride quality and a smoother automatic gearbox. However, make sure there is a Citroen touchpoint near you before making the purchase. Asked by: Deep I have 2 queries: Query 1: In the sub-4-metre SUV segment, which model offers the best combination of safety features, advanced ADAS technology, the highest seating position, and the longest warranty coverage? Query 2: For SUVs above 4 metres with a maximum budget of ₹20 lakh, which is the best option in terms of safety features, ADAS, and the longest warranty coverage? Automatic transmission is mandatory, and the recommendation should factor in a daily average drive of 100 km. Query 1: Most brands offer a 3-year standard warranty. The Kia Syros diesel automatic is an excellent choice, taking all your requirements into account. Query 2: For Rs 20 lakh, it is unlikely to get top variants with ADAS and diesel-auto powertrains in the above 4m segment. The Syros diesel automatic remains your best bet. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts 
