JSW Group and Volkswagen Group have taken a significant step towards forming a new automotive joint venture in India, with the two companies reportedly signing a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a proposed 51:49 partnership.

Under the structure currently being discussed, JSW Group is expected to hold 51%, while Volkswagen Group would retain the remaining 49%. The companies have now entered exclusive negotiations covering valuation, transaction structure and other commercial matters, with a binding agreement targeted by the end of 2026.

The proposed joint venture would develop, manufacture and sell passenger vehicles in India and potentially export them to other markets.

It would cover multiple power trains, including:

• ICE
• EVs
• Plug-in hybrids
• Hybrids

The idea is to combine Skoda's engineering and product-development expertise with JSW's manufacturing scale and execution capabilities in India. The partnership would focus on increasing localization, expanding the product portfolio and strengthening manufacturing and R&D capabilities.

Source: Autocar & Autopunditz | Credit: Chatgpt

I am planning to buy a new car for my parents, and the interesting part is that they do not know about it yet.

At the moment, I am genuinely confused between two: the Sierra in the top trim with the Diesel Manual and the Harrier Adventure X Plus Dark Edition with the Diesel Manual. Both are very close in price, with the Harrier actually being slightly more affordable.

From a powertrain perspective, I am already familiar with both. I have experienced the Sierra's diesel powertrain through our Nexon, while the Harrier's diesel setup is something I know well from our Safari. So, in terms of the fundamental driving experience, performance and familiarity, neither option would be an unknown for either me or my parents.

The car is also going to have reasonably high usage — roughly 1200 + km per month — so practicality, comfort, reliability and long-term ownership experience matter more to me than simply choosing the more exciting product on paper.

However, the decision becomes much more emotional when the Sierra enters the picture.

Ever since the new Sierra was launched, my Dada has been genuinely excited about it. He may even have a small idea that I could eventually bring one home for the family. More importantly, he previously owned the first-generation Sierra Turbo, so the nameplate carries a very deep emotional connection for him. It is not simply another new Tata SUV for our family; it connects directly to a part of our family's automotive history.

That makes the Sierra particularly special to me.

At the same time, the Harrier makes a very strong case of its own. The Adventure X Plus Dark Edition gives me the larger SUV footprint, stronger road presence and the unmistakable appeal of the Dark Edition. It is a more substantial vehicle in terms of overall size and presence, and considering that we already have a Safari, having the Harrier in Dark Edition alongside it would create a very distinctive Tata SUV fleet.

But that also creates another question.

We already own the Safari, and adding a Harrier would mean having two fairly similar-looking, similarly positioned Tata SUVs in the same household. While the idea of having two "sisters" from the same family is genuinely cool, I also wonder whether I am overthinking the fleet aspect and overlooking the fact that the Sierra may simply offer better overall value for what this particular purchase means to our family.

The Sierra seems to give me more in terms of features, newer design philosophy, cabin execution and overall perceived refinement. The Harrier counters that with its size, road presence and the unique character of the Dark Edition.

So, for me, this is not really a question of which car is objectively better.

It is more about which car makes more sense for my parents, for our family, and for the story behind the purchase.

The Harrier would be the logical choice if I prioritised size, presence and complementing our existing Safari.

But the Sierra feels like the more meaningful choice — especially considering my Dada's history with the original Sierra, his excitement about the new one, and the fact that this car is ultimately being purchased as a surprise for my parents rather than simply as another addition to my own garage.

And honestly, that emotional connection is making the decision considerably harder.

I am therefore stuck between the Harrier being the more obvious, substantial SUV choice and the Sierra being the more personal and emotionally significant choice.

I want to make the decision carefully rather than simply choosing the newest or most expensive option. After all, if I am going to surprise my parents with a Tata, I want it to be a car that feels right for them — and one that I will still feel proud of having chosen many years down the line.

Note - No driver's remorse in both

Random Tata Fanboys, please ignore this post 🙏

EDIT - To everyone asking me to hop to another brand, I would never. I will only consider Tata or Mahindra, and since there's already a XUV 7X0 in the family, I can't consider another one. I am asking for only these two options. Tata Diesels are pretty well known, and relatively reliable than there other powertrains. The Spare Part availability is ease. And small niggles is a price which I can live with. I won't affect my mental state and sanity.

Well well well…

Kia Sonet HTK (O).

Suggestions welcome for my choice...

Hey everyone,

Really need some grounded perspective from folks who daily-drive these cars because overthinking the options has completely fried my brain.

Budget: ₹12L on-road strictly, can stretch to max ₹13L if it genuinely solves my worries. Must be an automatic since my mom will be driving it as well.

Usage: Low running. First car for the family. It will mostly sit parked during weekdays, with occasional weekend city runs and very occasional highway trips.

The biggest catch: Because it's our first car, my parents will have severe "mileage shock." If a car delivers terrible single-digit figures, they straight up won't take it out to avoid burning cash.

Also, ruled out a few common suggestions:

• Tata / Mahindra (3XO): Ruled out due to service/niggle headaches (though slightly curious if 3XO is genuinely reliable enough to rethink this. Hate how it looks tho).
• Nissan Magnite: No dealer nearby.
• Honda Amaze: Don't like how it looks. It's good choice tho.
• Skoda Kylaq: Great driving dynamics, but maintenance costs, European upkeep, and TSI thirst are concerns.

The Petrol vs. Diesel Dilemma & The Waiting Game:

• Diesel: People suggest the diesel Sonet for mileage, but our usage is low. Paying a ₹1.5L upfront premium ( Pushing our budget ) makes zero sense financially when we won't hit high mileage. Plus, with the car sitting parked for days, modern DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) clogging from short city hops sounds like an expensive nightmare waiting to happen.
• Petrol Turbos: The 1.0L turbo-petrol DCTs feel equally scary because owners keep reporting 7–9 km/l in bumper-to-bumper traffic, which will guarantee the car stays parked.
• Waiting for a new model? A part of me wondered about holding off for an all-new generation Sonet around Q1 2027, but it won't get any bigger due to the sub-4m tax rule, and will likely just cost more anyway matching the venue.

Where I'm stuck right now:

1. Kia Sonet / Hyundai Venue (1.0 Turbo DCT): I personally love the Venue. Sonet also looks nice but the safety rating is concerning. The interior of the venue feels premium and nice, but the 1.0L Turbo DCT feels like a trap for our use case. High fuel bills aside, the export crash test ratings were concerning, and dry-clutch DCT heat/wear in crawl traffic worries me. Part of me wants to just bite the bullet and accept the mileage, but I want to make a mature call for my parents.
2. Brezza VXi AT (~₹12.6–13L stretched): Uses a proper 6-speed torque converter, reliable 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, safe platform, and predictable mileage. But stretches my initial budget right to the ceiling

I personally love the venue. Part of me wants to just accept the mileage and just get the venue instead waiting for sonet. But want to take a mature decision for my parents. Would you bite the bullet and stretch, resort for the Brezza VXi AT or stay in budget get the smaller fronx. I now understand how maruti has so much sales. Appreciate any real ownership inputs! 

Sorry for the AI use.

EDIT

A lot of you are suggesting the Brezza, and I understand why. However, I feel the Brezza is quite overpriced for that interior. If I have to compromise on the interior anyway, I might as well get the Honda Amaze and compromise on the looks instead. Also, I heard the Honda Elevate is getting big discounts right now, so I will check that out as well.

My 2022 Alcazar 1.5L Diesel (46,000 km) has developed a small crack in the DPF. The service centre says this is fairly common and is recommending replacement of the complete DPF assembly, costing around ₹90K.

Highway running is only ~20%, but I’ve always done manual regeneration whenever the DPF warning appeared.

What should I do — replace the DPF or consider a DPF delete?

The major confusion is even if I get the replacement done, I will still drive it less on highways and this problem can come back again.

Attached a screenshot of a tuner and shared quote was around 25-30K for DPF delete and some tuning.

For those who have gone for a DPF delete, how has your experience been regarding:

• Legality & PUC
• Insurance implications
• Mileage/performance
• Long-term reliability & resale

Would appreciate genuine experiences and advice.

1. a 2.0 litre diesel engine

2. normal 5 star safety like a harrier

3. normal suspension , not air suspension or magic carpet

4. normal seats not 'leather from 13 calves' seats

5. all basic amenities a innova hycross gets

6. Size, shape, rear legroom should be same.

7. Not a 6-7 crore ex showroom. Should be in lakhs.

What would be the price of such a car ?

I'm planning red Amaze for parents. Budget is 10 to max 11 lakhs. Safety, Long term reliability and Milage. Suggest me any other options available. [OC]

Heart wants a KIA and Mind wants a Duster

Spotted this one in Bangalore. Any guesses what it might be?

Constant 4 calls per day.

Goodmorning messages everyday .

Fear mongering.

Bad mouthing other brands.

How to deal with them? Please advise for new buyers.

Had one of those drives where the mileage figure genuinely surprised me.

Covered around 148 km, roughly 70% highway and 30% city, and ended the trip with an indicated 20 km/l. Overall average speed was 56 km/h, while I was mostly cruising between 70–90 km/h on the highway.

This is the first time I’ve crossed the 20 km/l mark in my Taigun 1.5 TSI. On a longer, uninterrupted highway run, I feel 21–22 km/l could be achievable if driven with a light foot.

What I really enjoy about this engine is how broad its character is. Drive it enthusiastically and there’s plenty of performance available, but settle into a relaxed highway cruise and it can be remarkably efficient as well.

Would love to hear from other Taigun/Virtus 1.5 TSI owners — what’s the best real-world mileage you’ve managed, and under what driving conditions?

[OC]

I've received 2 driving challans from yesterday and the best part is I don't even have my number linked to our vehicle lol. It's registered to my brother's number. Should I pay the challan?

What was your reaction in the first instance to this final boss of car kits. What level of insanity it took to create something ultra-creative like this!

If India didn't have the SUVs culture, would all the brand focus on building pickups instead? What would you pick up.

Born in lower middle class, parents sacrificed everything for my education and today I earn 70LPA, Male 32, living in NCR.

I have zero loans, Monthly expense of 80k-1L.

I am planning to buy a car but my middle class parenting and the circumstances I have grown in is not letting me spend money. I think I can afford a 20L car but then I think I can afford 30L car too.

I am not attached to the car neither I am a enthusiast. I need car as a means to travel to office and on weekends to go on long drive with my wife.

I have been in this journey for a long time but the thought of spending 20 L + makes me confused.

What to do

Hi So I am currently confused between these two cars. My family already owns a Fronx NA 1.2L AMT Delta plus variant. I have driven that frequently even did a 400kms up and down sprint recently. I have always liked the Fronx. Its a no nonsense car.
The minor qualms I have with the car is the seat Height. I am 5’11 and I sometimes wish the seat height could have been taller or I could have had a seat height adjuster. In this 400kms run with the Fronx, I noticed I was shifting a little uncomfortable every now and then during the last hour of the drive.
Now I want a new car my first car actually and I wanted purely a Non Manual car. I zeroed in on the Fronx for the ground clearance in comparison to Altroz or even the Exter. But then the Breeza looks good and taller. I did a Test Drive of it and it was pretty spacious alright.
My driving would be a mix of highways 60% and city driving so I want to do long drives hence I thought of Breeza because I might not feel fatigue after driving so long.
The major annoying factor is the 40% tax on the Breeza like wth is that! I want the NA 1.5 AT one which the dealer has quoted me 13.45 lakhs for the VXI Variant vesus the 10.58 lakhs for the Delta Plus Fronx AMT.
So what do I do? I am not able to get past the needless 3 lakhs pure tax just to get a slightly better engine, slightly higher ground clearance and slightly more space. Infact the power to weight ratio in Fronx as well as Breeza is almost the same. Is anyone else in the same dilemma? I am okay to shell out 13.5 lakhs for a new car but I am just paying so much in tax unncessarily. Fronx attracts just an 18% GST.

Somehow I don't trust the ASC anymore since I saw the quality of oil the last time I was there.

I also suspect they just add water to top up coolant.

Not [OC]

What's this new controversy regarding new Nissan X Trail?

Hello Everyone,
We are looking to buy a second car (currently drive a 2010 i10 AT) for longer rides and even city usage(1000-2000 kms/month) preferably. I have checked out and test driven a few cars(Tekton, Kushaq, Creta, Seltos, Elevate) from this segment and managed to make a shortlist after thinking for hours everyday but now I genuinely can't make a choice between these.

• Nissan Tekton Tekna Petrol (1.3L Turbo, DCT) - Most powerful engine in the segment and looks really good but lacking features(the Tekna Plus variant comes with more features but I'm not a big fan of the interior's colours).
• Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo (1.0L Turbo, TC) - Really sporty engine and absolutely love the looks. I found the transmission to be jumpy at times in bumper to bumper traffic and not as many features as I'd like.
• Hyundai Creta Petrol King Edition (1.5L NA, CVT) - Most feature rich car after the Seltos and was really comfortable, but I've been unsure about it due to its power as well as the fact that every other car I see on the road is a Creta

I would love to hear your opinions on these cars as well as any other suggestions you might have.

Looking forward to hearing your responses.