Latest questions
Asked by: Ramesh I own a 2022 Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI automatic and previously had a 2014 VW Vento 1.6 TDI, which was a great car. I'm planning to buy a new diesel car within the next 2 years, with a budget of ₹40–45 lakh. I really like the Skoda Octavia, but I'm unsure if the diesel variant will be available. Should I consider buying a car like the Tata Safari and compromise on driving pleasure, or wait for the Octavia diesel? Volkswagen Group cars have not offered diesel engines in India for some time, and that situation is unlikely to change in the future. Therefore, it is improbable that the next-generation Octavia will come with a diesel option.Considering your current and previous cars, it is clear that you value strong performance. If you are specifically looking for a diesel, Mahindra’s diesel engines, particularly the one in the XUV700, are among the most impressive.Alternatively, by stretching your budget slightly, you could consider the Hyundai Tucson, which features a powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic. Asked by: Sachin Gupta I'm torn between the Toyota Hilux and the Fortuner. Most of my driving is within the city or on highways, but the substantial discounts on the Hilux make it an appealing option. My primary concerns with the Hilux are: 1. Uncomfortable rear seats 2. Leaf spring suspension at the rear 3. A turning radius of 5.4 meters 4. High cost of accessories Given these factors, would it be more prudent to opt for the Fortuner, or is the Hilux still a viable choice despite these drawbacks? Rationally, the Toyota Fortuner is the better choice between the two. It has a smaller turning radius, 580 cm versus the Hilux’s 640 cm, and its 4.7-meter length is shorter than the Hilux’s 5.3 meters, making it easier to park and manoeuvre in city conditions. The rear seatbacks are a bit upright and do not recline, and the car seats only five.In contrast, the Hilux’s cargo bed is open, so luggage isn’t protected from the environment or theft if you stop, for example, for a meal. The Toyota Hilux makes sense only if you genuinely need to transport cargo or how much you want to give in to your heart, as it does have a cool and unique image. Asked by: Guddu I'm planning to purchase a new car within a budget of ₹12 lakh, primarily for long-distance driving of approximately 200 km every alternate day (100 km each way), with 70% on highways and 30% in city traffic. My priorities are fuel efficiency, comfort, and safety. Which cars should I prefer based on mileage, comfort, and safety in priority order? The Maruti Victoris base variant fits your needs - it comes with all the essential features such as a touchscreen, climate control, rear AC vents, and keyless entry. Additionally, it features key safety equipment, including six airbags, ESP, and hill-start assist. The petrol-manual combination is also expected to deliver impressive fuel efficiency. If you want a better-equipped car from a lower segment, consider the Maruti Dzire. Asked by: Mithun We own a 2010 Maruti Ritz with 1.6 lakh km on the odometer and are considering an upgrade, especially after the GST 2.0 changes. We've set our sights on the Kia Sonet 1.2 MT HTK-O due to its appealing looks and features. However, we've come across YouTube reviews mentioning that the 1.2L engine is underpowered, has poor mileage, and has a stiff suspension. Additionally, there are concerns about high service costs and expensive spare parts. We're also considering the Maruti Baleno/Glanza (top model), Hyundai Venue S+ Opt, Hyundai i20 Sportz, and Honda Amaze VX as alternatives. Could you provide an expert opinion on these options? We haven’t driven the 1.2-litre version of the Kia Sonet yet, but we’ve experienced the same engine in the Hyundai i20. Given that the Sonet is slightly larger and heavier, it isn’t expected to feel particularly powerful. For city commutes and bumper-to-bumper traffic, however, it should be adequate. On highways, you might notice it could use a bit more power. If you frequently drive on highways, we recommend the Sonet 1.0-litre Turbo IMT HTK variant, which is slightly pricier but noticeably stronger. The other options you mentioned also come with 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engines and won’t feel much different from the 1.2-litre Sonet. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts 
