My running is 50 km daily in the city, mostly in traffic between Delhi and Gurgaon. Sometimes, once a quarter, I go for a long drive on the highway. Currently, I'm driving a Tata Nexon Petrol. I'm planning to upgrade my car. My budget is 12-14 lakh. Can you please advise which car is good for city rides? My preferences are 1st - safety, 2nd - features, 3rd - mileage. The car should be under 4m and an SUV.

Autocar India

•9h

For mostly city use within a 15-17 lakh on-road budget, where comfort, space and ease of driving matter most, the Honda Elevate automatic fits best. The automatic is very smooth at low speeds, so stop-go driving feels calm, and compared to your Kwid, the seat is higher, the cabin is wider, and the ride is more comfortable over bad roads. Power is not wild, but it is a big step up from your Kwid and feels relaxed in the city.A quick word on gearbox types for your use: for pure city traffic, the automatics in the Elevate and Creta feel smoother because there are no obvious gear changes. Torque‑converter automatics in the Kylaq and XUV 3XO are also smooth, but you will feel a few more gear changes at low speeds.The trade-offs with the Elevate are that the engine does not feel particularly quick when pushed hard, and the cabin does not feel as premium as the Creta’s.If you can stretch, the Hyundai Creta automatic adds a plusher cabin and a bit more space. If you want more punch for less money and can live with a smaller back seat, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic is the value pick. Overall, for your city commute and budget, the Elevate automatic lines up best.

Honda Elevate

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•1d

Since you're looking for an easy, comfortable automatic car under Rs. 15 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI AT is the one you should be looking at. It is very easy to drive in traffic thanks to the light controls, the torque converter automatic shifts smoothly, and the tall seat makes getting in and out easy for a 60-year-old. The ride is calm over broken roads, so daily runs and longer trips feel less tiring. Maruti’s wide service network and low part costs also make life easier over 8-10 years, and resale is usually strong.Two things to note: it is not the quickest thanks to the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that puts out just 103hp, and if the ZXI is over your budget in your city, you'll have to settle for the VXI automatic that will feel a bit basic inside. Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro AT only if he wants stronger pull and more features for the money. Overall, for comfort, ease, low upkeep and trust, go for the Brezza automatic.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•1d

Given your 70% highway use, frequent hill drives, comfort and safety needs, and street parking in a tier-3 town, the Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol manual is the strongest fit for the next 8-10 years. It feels solid and safe and has a 5-star crash safety rating, stays steady at highway speeds, and its higher seat makes it easy for seniors to get in and out. The driver seat is height adjustable so you get a clear view out, so you won't have any trouble given your 5ft height. On climbs and descents the manual gives you good control, the engine pulls well from low speeds, and the ride stays comfy even over rough surfaces. The substantial ground clearance also helps on rough village roads and to clear tall speed breakers, and Mahindra’s service reach is fairly wide outside big cities.Do note though, the XUV 3XO has a small boot in comparison to rivals, so highway trips with your family will require some planning. If you want an easier ownership experience, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza manual is a fine alternative. It’s very easy to see out and park, rides comfortably, and service support is everywhere, though its engine isn't as punchy and it's not as feature-rich.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO