I want to buy my first car for around ₹10 lakh. I will also be learning how to drive. Considering safety and long-term endurance, which car should I choose as my first one?

Autocar India

•19w

Considering your requirements of safety and long-term endurance, there are still a few options within the Rs 10 lakh price range. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is a good option, which has received a 5-star crash test rating from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. It's also reliable and easy to drive, with an efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine. However, if you prefer an SUV-like body style, consider the Nissan Magnite, which has also received a 5-star Global NCAP rating. Its 1.0-litre petrol engine is not as smooth as Maruti's 1.2, but it should be reliable over time.

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Maruti Suzuki

Dzire

from ₹7.38 Lakh

Hyundai

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Amrendra Kumar

•2w

Hello, I am looking to buy a car within a budget of ₹11-12 lakh on-road. I prefer an automatic car with good boot space, a refined and hassle-free engine, decent interiors, and good mileage. If possible within the budget, I would also prefer a car with a good safety rating.

Autocar India

•22h

For your budget and requirements, the Honda Amaze CVT is one of the strongest options. It offers a smooth CVT gearbox, a refined 1.2-litre petrol engine and a spacious 420-litre boot, making it very practical for both daily use and occasional trips. The driving experience is easy and stress-free, especially in city conditions, and it also benefits from a full 5-star rating in BNCAP, which adds to the overall sense of security. The only limitation is that performance is more relaxed than sporty, so overtakes on highways will need some planning when fully loaded.Another option worth considering is the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. It is well priced, has also scored a 5-star safety rating, and offers a more sorted ride quality along with a more spacious cabin. However, its 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine is not as smooth or refined as the Amaze’s 4-cylinder unit, and the AMT transmission feels a bit more basic compared to the seamless nature of the Amaze’s CVT.

Honda Amaze

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Shiva Kunal

•3d

My budget is around ₹13 lakh on-road. Can you please suggest a car with good mileage and a boot space of around 350 litres or more?

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi+ MT. It stays well within your Rs 13 lakh budget, delivers a 24.79kpl ARAI efficiency, and offers a roomy 382‑litre boot.The Dzire also offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, and it has received a 5-star crash safety rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. You also get the peace of mind associated with Maruti ownership. The one thing you give up is the high ground clearance and elevated seating position you'd get in a compact SUV.If you want SUV-like clearance and a taller driving position, consider the Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK+(O) petrol instead. It has a claimed ARAI mileage of 18.83kpl, and its 385‑litre boot can fit in more cargo than you'd think.

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Shashank

•1w

Hello experts, I want to know if the new Duster 1L turbo engine will be good for city driving, or if it will feel underpowered, as my driving is 85% in the city.

Autocar India

•3h

The new Renault Duster 1.0 turbo-petrol should be acceptable in the city, but it is not the most effortless choice for predominantly urban use like yours.The 1.0 turbo makes about 99hp and 160-166Nm, and the torque comes in from around 2,000rpm, so performance at low revs will feel merely adequate rather than strong. You will need to work the gearbox to keep the engine in its power band, especially with a full load or on inclines, and that can get tiring in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic. The good bit is that the clutch is light and the engine reasonably refined, so it won’t feel cumbersome or heavy in daily use.However, there is no automatic with the 1.0 turbo. It comes only with a 6‑speed manual, which is a drawback for an 85% city‑running profile. If you prioritise smoothness and ease over outright punch, an automatic CVT in this segment will suit you better.The Kia Seltos 1.5 iVT offers seamless, jerk‑free power delivery and feels very smooth and responsive in typical city driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol CVT, which has the same gearbox as the Seltos, is another good option. Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta make urban driving more relaxing, even if performance is only adequate rather than exciting.

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Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

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