Autocar India
RD

R Dhanasekaran

7w

I am using Alto for 18 years. I want to upgrade to AMT car with 10-12 lakhs budget. Mostly city ride with occasional highway trips. I like smooth ride with better road visibility. Short listed Amaze, Fronx etc. Please suggest choices

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7w

Even though you were thinking of an AMT, the Honda Amaze actually comes with a CVT automatic, which is significantly smoother and more refined than a traditional AMT which the Maruti Suzuki Fronx comes with. From a city driving perspective, the seamless nature of the CVT makes everyday traffic much more effortless and relaxed, especially compared to AMT gearboxes that can feel jerky in stop-and-go conditions.

On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx scores highly on practicality and ride comfort. Its SUV-like seating position gives you better road visibility, the cabin feels more spacious, and the rear seats fold flat when you need to carry larger luggage. The Fronx also generally feels more comfortable over rough urban roads and highways compared to the Amaze.

If your priority is the smoothest possible automatic experience for city traffic, the Amaze’s CVT makes it a very easy and stress-free car to live with. But if you value better ride comfort, higher seating position, more space and everyday practicality, then the Fronx is the more well-rounded choice

Honda Amaze Front Left Three Quarter

Honda Amaze

RU

RAJ UTTAMSINGH

7w

Pls consider mannual option also. I am using Amaze petrol model since last 2-2.5 years. Its amazing like its name. Could hv bought automatic in basic varient for a lower but chose to go for top end mannual. Have used Honda city petrol mannual 2001 model & skoda laura 1.9 2007 mannual diesel for 12 years and drove almost 1,50,000 kms

NK

Naveen Kondaveti

7w

Using manual in City is a nightmare.. Please go with Amaze CVT.. It's best in class and you will love the automatic

RD

R Dhanasekaran

7w

Thanking you for your kind suggestion. Can you please comment on maintenance cost in the long run for both these models as I plan to use my next car for next 10 years at least and also suggest any alternative to Amaze and Fronx.

NK

Naveen Kondaveti

7w

Amaze CVT.. Go with it.. Fronx has got the less maintenance compared to Honda

More questions on similar cars

SS

Sai Sri Harsha

3d

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
2d

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

6d

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
2d

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
SI

Sivaram

1d

Hi Autocar Team, I am 35 years old and relatively new to driving, with around 6 months of experience. I am planning to buy my first car with a budget of up to ₹15 lakh. My key requirements are: Automatic transmission (preferred) Mostly city driving Suitable for a family of 4–5 members Comfortable and easy to drive for a beginner I have explored several options, but am quite confused. My considerations are: Nissan Magnite CVT – Good value, but concerns about service network, overall quality, and whether the 1.0-litre engine will feel underpowered with full load Tata Punch AMT – Like the high driving position and build quality, but concerned about service experience and AMT performance Hyundai i20 CVT – Well-rounded, but worried about low ground clearance and missing features like a 360-degree camera and ventilated seats Honda Amaze CVT – Smooth and reliable, but unsure about managing a sedan as a beginner and ground clearance concerns Hyundai Venue DCT – Appealing, but feels expensive for what it offers Maruti options (Fronx, Baleno, etc.) – Practical, but feel basic compared to feature-loaded rivals As a first-time buyer, I am finding it difficult to decide which compromises are acceptable. I am looking for a reliable, easy-to-drive automatic car with low-stress ownership (service and maintenance), suitable for city use and occasional family trips. I am also open to other suggestions, including Citroën, Mahindra, or even EVs if they make sense. Could you please guide me on the best option for my needs?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
9h

Mostly city use, a few family trips and a Rs 15 lakh cap, in that situation, the Maruti Fronx 1.0 turbo automatic, ideally the Alpha 6-speed auto, fits your brief best. It uses a smooth torque-converter automatic, so it is very easy for a beginner in stop-and-go traffic. The 1.0 turbo has enough pull for four or five people on an occasional highway run, so you will not feel it struggle the way some small non-turbo engines can with a full load. And for low-stress ownership, Maruti’s service reach and costs are hard to beat, which takes the worry out of maintenance in the long run.A few trade-offs to note for your use: five adults plus luggage will feel tight, so longer trips need some smart packing. Also, in the mid trim, you will miss some extras like a 360-degree camera or ventilated seats, though the basics you need every day are covered.On the cars you listed: the Nissan Magnite CVT drives well for the price, but Nissan’s network is thinner. The Tata Punch AMT is great for tough roads, but the AMT can feel a bit jerky in traffic. The Hyundai Venue DCT drives well but gets pricey, and dual-clutch gearboxes can feel a bit hesitant in slow city use. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good alternative too, with a smooth torque-converter automatic, high seating and a manageable size.Overall, for your city-first routine and peace of mind, the Fronx 1.0 turbo automatic lines up best with what you want.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
VehicleNissan Magnite
VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleTata Punch
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO

Posted on: 23 Feb 2026