I currently drive a Swift petrol 2016 LXi. My budget is a maximum of 17, where hoping I will get a resale value of 2 lakhs on the Swift, and 15 will be made in a loan. Changing cars because I want an automatic car. My driving is mostly 10k yearly. My driving pattern is local riding of 100km on working days in a week, mostly sedative driving. Weekend ride to the hometown of 400km to and from, which is a little aggressive, takes quick overtakes. As swift is capable of doing it. Since I don't have experience with turbo cars, where they are reliable in the long term. I am looking forward to using the car for the next 10 years. While suggesting, also recommend the type of automatic gearbox to choose. My father owns a VW Virtus 1.0 Highline. I don't use that car much. So the new car should compete with that car too, and family or I should feel downgraded from that car. Also, the new one should not be a sedan. What are my options currently, and should I wait for any upcoming cars? My priorities are a decent engine for the long term, maintenance should also be decent, as I feel Virtus maintenance is not something I can manage, coming from using a swift, decent fuel economy, decent power, confidence on steep hills, and good resale value. Keeping this order on priority, suggest to me some cars.

Autocar India

•22h

Being a Fiat Punto Evo owner, you're likely to lean towards the Citroen Aircross for its outstanding ride-handling balance, overall comfort, and its strong turbo-petrol powertrain. Fundamentally, it is excellent, and with the new interiors and feature set, it does make you feel like you've spent your money well. The only downside and perhaps the biggest deal-breaker for many is that its sales and support network is limited, compared to other brands. But if you have a Citroen touchpoint close to you, this is a car you must surely consider.In comparison, the Honda Elevate will be a more conventional option. What's nice is that its ride quality and long-distance comfort are quite good too, and its 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers strong performance.

Citroen Aircross

Honda Elevate

Autocar India

•1d

Given your specific requirements and budget, you should consider the Honda Elevate V MT. It comes with a simple 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with four cylinders. It feels smooth and easy to drive in traffic and has enough punch for those rare highway runs. The higher seat offers a good view out, and the good ground clearance makes dealing with bad roads easy, while its size is still friendly for city parking. Rear space is good, the backrest angle is comfortable, and the entry to the cabin isn't very high, all of which your parents will appreciate.However, if your parents’ comfort takes top priority, the Kia Carens Premium 1.5 petrol is the alternative to consider for its reclining and sliding second row and softer ride. It’s easier for elders to get in and out, but it's harder to park.

Honda Elevate

Kia Carens

Autocar India

•1d

With a Rs. 20 lakh budget and your usage pattern, the Volkswagen Virtus GT 1.5 DSG automatic suits you better. The strong 1.5 turbo engine pulls cleanly for quick overtakes which makes highway drives fun. It stays steady at speed, and the comfy front seats as well as spacious boot work well for long trips. In the city, the automatic gearbox helps make driving in traffic easy and the car does not feel big to place or park either.Two things to note. The dual‑clutch automatic doesn't feel as smooth in slow speed traffic as a torque‑converter or a CVT. Also, the rear seat is not as spacious as the Elevate, so the Virtus is best for four adults.If long-term peace of mind is your priority over fun-to-drive, the Honda Elevate automatic is the safer pick. It is easy to drive in town, rides well on bad roads, and Honda ownership is simple, but the engine feels more sedate in comparison.

Volkswagen Virtus

Honda Elevate