Autocar India
JA

Jay

4d

I am a first-time car buyer with a budget of Rs. 12 lakh. I would appreciate one suggestion each for an EV and an ICE vehicle, with different cars and not variants. My requirements are that the car should have an automatic transmission, a rear camera with parking guidelines, and should comfortably seat a family of four. It will be used primarily for city commutes, generally under 30 kilometers, and should have good air conditioning. I am absolutely flexible regarding rear AC vents and a blind spot monitor, as these are not necessary features. My EV options include the Tata Tiago EV 2026 facelift and the Tata Punch EV. My ICE options include the Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i10, and Suzuki Swift. Please prioritize the EV option.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
47m

Among the electric options, shortlist the Tata Punch EV. As an automatic, any EV will be far smoother than any comparable ICE vehicle. In the mid variants you get a rear camera with guidelines. And being a high-riding car, getting in and out is easy. The Punch EV is also comfy to seat four. From the ICE options, choose the Maruti Baleno AMT. It has the roomiest back seat, so space for four adults is better (than even the Punch EV), and its ride comfort is also nicer than the Swift or i10. Higher trims add the rear camera with guidelines, so just pick the one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that while the AMT gets you the convenience of an automatic, it will not feel as smooth or seamless as the EV.In summary, if you can arrange for home charging, pick the Punch EV. Else, the Baleno AMT is a good buy.

VehicleTata Punch EV
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Baleno
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Swift
SB

Sanjay B

3d

I am planning to upgrade from a Baleno (2019) and have been very happy with this car. I have a company lease policy wherein I can buy a car with ex-showroom price up to 18 lakhs. I'm looking to get a nice and safe 5 or 7 seater vehicle. I don't mind about fuel efficiency as fuel cost is covered by my company. However, I do need the panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats. I'm really confused with the options available, so can you please help me? My driving would be mostly within Hyderabad city with occasional highway trips maybe once in 3 months (~1200km). We are a family of 4 (2 boys aged 6 and 3 years) and once in a while, my parents / parents-in-laws come down which is why I am also considering a 7 seater.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1h

None of the 6 or 7-seater cars under Rs. 18 lakh ex-showroom, have both, panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats. If you're willing to sacrifice ventilated seats, you can get both, Kia Carens Clavis HTK+ O and Hyundai Alcazar Prestige DCT, both in their turbo-petrol DCT avatars, in your budget. However, since both these features are a must-have, you will have to settle for 5-seater instead. You could consider a Kia Seltos HTX Turbo-Petrol DCT (ex-showroom price is Rs 17.7 lakh), which gets the two features that you're looking for, along with a lot more modern niceties. The car is spacious, comfortable, and its cabin feels upmarket too. Also, opt for the turbo-petrol, as it will deliver effortless performance, especially during your occasional highway trips.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHyundai Alcazar