I currently own a 2020 Tata Tiago AMT, which has served me well. Now, I'm looking for a replacement for it, something under 15 lakhs, suitable for 60% city use. I'm not currently looking to switch to EVs, and preferably not a Mahindra or Tata product, since my experience with them has not served me well. So kindly suggest an apt replacement.

Autocar India

•3h

The 1.0 TSI turbo petrol engine in the Skoda Kylaq is punchy. If you are looking at the automatic, its 6-speed torque converter is far better suited to everyday Indian driving than Hyundai’s dry clutch DCT, especially in traffic. The Kylaq also gives you SUV practicality and a 5 star Bharat NCAP safety rating.The Hyundai i20 N Line is still a genuinely fun car and feels sharp and nippy to drive, but at Rs 14 lakh. It starts feeling expensive for what is still ultimately a premium hatchback, especially when the Kylaq gives you stronger overall value.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai i20

Autocar India

•1d

It really depends on how much down payment you are comfortable putting in, because your EMI target of Rs 15,000 to 20,000 can get you very different cars depending on the loan tenure and upfront payment.That said, for a first car that is easy to drive, safe, comfortable and still feels special, one of the strongest picks today is the Skoda Kylaq Signature automatic. Skoda’s official pricing puts the Signature automatic in a range where, with roughly Rs 2.3 down payment and a 7 year loan, your EMI can sit broadly in your target bracket. The turbo petrol engine feels punchy without being intimidating, the torque converter automatic is smooth and fuss free, and the size is just right for a first time buyer.If you want to spend less and prioritise maximum ease of use, the Hyundai i20 IVT is another excellent first car. It is easier to drive than most SUVs, the IVT automatic is extremely smooth in traffic, and ownership is straightforward. You give up the higher seating position of an SUV, but for urban use, it is arguably an even easier first car.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai i20

Autocar India

•2d

A daily 50 km commute in heavy stop-and-go traffic is exactly the kind of usage where an automatic makes the biggest difference, so upgrading from your 9-year-old i20 manual to an automatic is a sensible move for better comfort and lower driving fatigue. In your Rs. 10-12 lakh budget, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT is the neatest fit. It is very easy to drive in traffic, the steering is light, the gearbox takes the hard work out of slow moves, and the ride is comfortable over broken roads. Coming from your older i20, it will feel quieter and more relaxed, and it’s also easy to park. Running costs and service reach are simple too, which matters when you drive every day.Two things to note: the AMT's shift can feel slow, and if you want a higher seat and extra ground clearance, you may want a taller car instead.If you prefer to stay with Hyundai, look at the i20 CVT as well. For a higher seating position within budget, the Tata Punch AMT is a good second choice. Overall, for your city commute, the Baleno AMT lines up best.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Hyundai i20

Tata Punch