Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy my first car and am new to driving. I live in Chennai and will primarily use the car in city traffic on weekends (around 80% city and 20% highway). I have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Automatic (top model). My maximum budget is ₹7 lakh (on-road). We are a family of four, all under 5'6" in height. My key requirements are: Easy drivability Decent driving dynamics Peppy performance Hassle-free ownership experience I was advised to consider a used car within this budget, but I am unsure due to the uncertainty involved, especially as I am new to car buying and have not found a satisfactory used option yet. Could you please suggest suitable alternatives to the Alto K10 within my budget? Also, should I go ahead with a new car like the Alto K10 or wait and look for a good used car instead?

Autocar India

•1d

Get the Alto K10 AMT. For solo Delhi city use, its small size is the real win - it squeezes into tight gaps, parking won't be an issue, and the light steering makes driving in traffic easy. It uses the same engine and automatic as the Celerio, but the Alto is lighter, so it feels a touch nippier off the line and returns better mileage in stop-go runs. In Delhi heat, the smaller cabin cools quicker too, which you will appreciate.One honest downside: the Alto’s cabin is narrower, the boot is smaller and ride over bad patches is okay, not great. The Celerio has a softer ride and roomier cabin. So if you often carry passengers or luggage, or want a slightly cushier ride, the Celerio is nicer.But if it’s mostly you, the Alto K10 AMT is the smarter, more affordable choice.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Autocar India

•2d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXI. For most buyers, the VXI+ doesn’t justify the extra Rs. 50,000 because the big add-on is the 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and some minor trim bits, while everything that matters for daily use stays the same. You get the same engine, safety kit, AC, power steering, front power windows and remote locking, so the drive and ownership feel do not change. If you want phone mirroring, a good coupler-to-coupler head unit from Maruti Genuine Accessories or a reputed brand will cost far less than Rs. 50,000, still keep things neat, and you can even add a reverse camera within that budget. Resale difference between VXI and VXI+ on this car is usually small, so you won’t “recover” that extra spend later.Buy the VXI+ only if you specifically want a factory-fitted screen and seamless integration with no fiddling, or you hate aftermarket work. It looks cleaner, and you avoid any chance of wiring errors. Otherwise, the VXI is the clear value pick and lets you spend the savings on better tyres or accessories you will actually use.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Autocar India

•6h

Yes, the electric Hyundai Creta will suit you quite nicely. The car has a very well-tuned electric drivetrain that is easy to drive. In the city, controls are light enough, and the ride is good. To support the additional weight of the battery, the Creta Electric’s suspension is stiffer than the ICE version’s, but it doesn’t translate into an uncomfortable ride. You can feel some firmness at low speeds, but road shocks are well in check, and what’s nice is that the stiffness has eliminated unnecessary (secondary) body movements, and even at highway speeds, the Creta Electric doesn’t lose its poise. So on your long trips, too, you will enjoy the driving experience. In true Hyundai fashion, the car is also well equipped and feels nice, and it feels nice and airy inside.

Hyundai Creta Electric