SP

Sumesh Pal

8w

I am confused between an automatic and a manual car. I have shortlisted the Amaze automatic and the Brezza manual. This is my first car. Which one should I buy?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7w
If you are a new driver, we would recommend you go for an automatic car as it will make your driving experience much easier. The Honda Amaze CVT uses a smooth automatic gearbox that works well with the engine. The Amaze is a pleasant package with ample room within a small and user-friendly size.
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza does offer more cabin space and more ground clearance within a similar footprint. The Brezza's relatively high seating also helps give good visibility and adds to confidence levels. The Brezza's manual gearbox is nice in its own right, with easy gearshifts and a light clutch. However, the experience will not be as convenient as an automatic like on the Honda Amaze CVT.  
Honda Amaze

Honda Amaze

SU

Suhas

7w

There is no reason whatsoever in today's city traffic to consider a manual over an automatic unless you like unhealthy exercises like pressing clutch and fiddling with gear handle. In fact it makes no sense on a highway too. I drove manual for 3 decades. It was a pleasure leaving that nonsense behind and moving to an automatic

NK

Naveen Kondaveti

6w

Yes Automatic is best these days..

RS

R SRINIVASAN

6w

Automatic gear made a very delayed debut in India. It was mainly because of negative reviews given by motor magazines. Automatic is the best anytime.

More questions on similar cars

SS

Sai Sri Harsha

1d

I want to buy a car for my parents (60 years old), who are currently using a Tata Tiago petrol. Their monthly usage is around 200-400km, and the car will be driver-driven. I have shortlisted the Baleno, Amaze, and Dzire. Budget is ₹10 lakh. We plan to keep the car for at least 10 years.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
11h

Pick Honda Amaze VX MT. For your parents’ age and your low monthly running with a driver, it is the most comfortable choice from your shortlist within this budget and will feel like a nice upgrade from the Tiago.Compared to your Tata Tiago, the Amaze will feel roomier in the back, the seat is wider, and the ride is calmer over bumps. The door opening is large, and the seat height is friendly, so getting in and out is easy for 60-year-olds. The petrol engine is smooth and quiet in the city, and since a driver will handle the gears, a manual transmission works fine. It also offers great build quality and a large boot, and Honda cars are reliable and long-lasting.Pick the Maruti Suzuki Baleno if a longer features list matters more, as you'll get a higher variant at this price. Maruti’s service network is the widest, which helps for long-term ownership and easy parts availability almost anywhere.When you test drive, let your parents sit in the back, do a few speed breakers and rough patches, and check how easy it is for them to step in and out. That will make the choice clear.

VehicleHonda Amaze
VehicleTata Tiago
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Baleno
KV

K V NARAYANAN

4d

I have shortlisted the Honda Amaze VX CVT, as I am looking for a sub-4m car that is good to drive, senior-friendly, and suitable for occasional long drives. My monthly running will be around 500 km. Is this a good choice for my needs?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
15h

Go ahead with the Honda Amaze VX CVT; it is a very good choice for your needs. The CVT is seamless in operation, very user-friendly, and the cabin is quite spacious for its class. The steering is light, the controls are easy, and visibility is good, so low-speed traffic and parking are simple. The ride is comfortable on most roads, and the boot is large enough for luggage on the occasional highway trip. With only about 500km a month, a petrol automatic like this makes the most sense, and Honda’s service reach and long-term reliability add peace of mind.One thing to be aware of: fuel efficiency isn’t as good as its main rival, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. In our real-world testing, the Amaze managed 13.28kpl (combined), while the Dzire delivered 15.41kpl (combined). If that is a priority, then consider the Dzire instead, but do note you will be getting an AMT, which is inferior to the Amaze’s CVT.Overall, the Amaze VX CVT fits your brief best. On the test drive, focus on seat comfort, how easy it is to get in and out, and how smoothly it moves at very low speeds.

VehicleHonda Amaze
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Dzire
JV

Jigar Vaidya

3d

I am planning to buy a car within a budget of ₹12 lakh and am currently considering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI and the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5. However, I am confused between the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine. My driving usage will be approximately 60% on highways and 40% in the city, with a monthly travel of around 1,000 km. I would like to know which engine option would be better suited for my usage in terms of performance, fuel efficiency (mileage), and overall value for money.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

With your 60% highway use and Rs 12 lakh budget, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 turbo petrol gives you stronger performance and better value. The 1.2 turbo pulls harder from low speeds, so overtakes feel easy even with family and luggage, and you won’t need to change gears as often. It also feels steady at speed, which suits your frequent highway runs.A few things to know about this engine: being a 3‑cylinder, you may feel a bit more vibration at idle, and the engine sounds a touch louder than the Maruti's. If you drive fast and press the accelerator hard, the turbo will use more fuel. If you cruise calmly, highway mileage will be similar to the Maruti Brezza.Pick the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI if you value a smoother, quieter engine and slightly better real‑world mileage more than outright punch. Its 1.5 petrol is very easy in the city and feels relaxed, but on the highway, you will need to downshift for quick overtakes with a full load. Maruti’s service reach is also wider, which helps long‑term peace of mind.Given your usage, the XUV 3XO AX5 fits better.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza

Posted on: 20 Feb 2026