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Asked by: Shrikanth Bhat I own a 2014 Skoda Rapid Petrol AT, which has done 73,000 km. I’m considering selling it due to multiple issues and switching to a petrol automatic SUV. We are a family of four, and usage will mostly be within Bangalore, with one or two highway trips a month. My budget is ₹15 lakh (on-road). Here are my options: Brezza AT – Sensible choice, but performance and safety are concerns Honda Elevate – Cabin noise is a downside Kiger – Concerned about maintenance Venue – Lacks space I’m not interested in the Nexon or 3XO. Please advise. You can go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and there’s no reason to be concerned about its safety or structural integrity. The only drawback is that it might feel a bit dull to drive. On the upside, it’s a well-rounded and sensible choice in this segment. If you're looking for something that feels as solid as your Skoda Rapid, the Skoda Kylaq is also a good option, though it doesn’t feel as spacious as the Brezza, particularly at the rear. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza price in Bangalore for the petrol automatic variant ranges from Rs 13.81 lakh to Rs 17.28 lakh. Meanwhile, the Skoda Kylaq price in Bangalore for the petrol automatic variant ranges from Rs 13.57 lakh to Rs 17.29 lakh. Asked by: Prakash I want to buy a 7-seater petrol car with all the essential features in Pune. My daily running is around 20 km (80% city, 20% highway). I currently own a Hyundai Xcent SX Petrol with a CNG kit. We are a group of four adults and one large Golden Retriever, so space is a priority. My priorities are acceptable third-row space, good mileage, strong service support, and reasonable running costs. Please suggest among the Hector Plus Savvy Pro, Clavis HTX+, XUV700 AX7, Alcazar, or any other suitable options. The Kia Carens Clavis meets all your requirements. It offers ample space across all three rows, making it a strong fit for your family and pet. If you choose the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine, it will be the most economical option in terms of both upfront cost and running expenses. Do note that the automatic transmission is only available with the turbo-petrol engine, which is a stronger performer but won’t be as fuel-efficient as the NA petrol. The Mahindra XUV700, meanwhile, is significantly more expensive than the Clavis NA. It’s also larger, more powerful, and belongs to a higher segment. So it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a spacious car that’s easier to drive and park, or if you’re willing to spend more for the size and performance of the XUV700. Asked by: vishu I wanted to know if Honda has changed its strategy in India for the long term and plans to launch the Elevate Strong Hybrid next year. No. The Honda Elevate hybrid will not be launched in India, as it was proving too expensive due to its many imported components. However, you are right that Honda is revisiting its strong hybrid strategy, especially with slowing demand for EVs and growing interest in hybrids in the market. The company is currently developing an all-new platform (codename: PF2) that will support both hybrid and EV powertrains. This platform will underpin the next-generation Honda City, which will include a hybrid variant. The good news is that, unlike the current City e:HEV, the next-gen hybrid will be more affordable, thanks to greater localisation of components. You can read more about the upcoming Honda hybrids, including new SUVs and the next-gen City hybrid, which will be significantly localised. That said, this is still some time away, and no products based on the PF2 platform are expected to launch this year or next. Asked by: Nathan Saldanha Please suggest a good tyre upgrade for my Skoda Rapid. The stock tyres are Goodyear Assurance 195/55 R16. My priorities are ride comfort, low NVH, and long tyre life, in that order. My driving is primarily on cemented highways, up to 120 km/h. Also, is upgrading to a 205/55 section tyre for a wider stance advisable? Upsizing to a 205/55 R16 profile will not only marginally increase your car’s ground clearance, but also improve braking and handling thanks to the wider contact patch. But, doing so may negatively impact your car’s fuel efficiency. You will find multiple tyre brands depending on your budget. Michelin and Pirelli are the most expensive options. Domestic brands are more affordable, while mid-range choices include Yokohama, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Vredestein, and Continental, among others. To make an informed decision, you can refer to our guide on how to choose the right tyre for your car. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts 
