I currently own a 2012 Ford Fiesta Classic 1.4 CLXi diesel. I recently underwent spine surgery for lumbar disc protrusions and have been advised not to ride two-wheelers. My budget is ₹8-10 lakh for a car with automatic transmission, excellent shock absorbers for back comfort, high reliability, low maintenance, and maximum safety features. My daily use is about 4 km in town, and I may do up to 400 km per month on long drives. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•4w

You should choose between the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the updated Tata Punch. The Baleno scores very well on low-speed ride comfort, and seat comfort is also very good. The Baleno's engine is peppier, and its AMT is also nicer in typical city driving.

The Tata Punch AMT is a model of interest because of its elevated seating position. The high seating position makes it easy to get into and out of the car. The Punch feels tough, and ride comfort is good, particularly on bad patches of road. While both models get 6 airbags as standard, the Punch additionally boasts a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹6.65 Lakh

Tata

Punch facelift

from ₹6.67 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Piyush Gorani

•2d

I own two cars: a Brezza petrol TC and a Baleno Zeta CNG. My daily run is 60-70 km in the city, mostly on good roads. I am thinking of replacing the Baleno with another CNG car that has a better driving stance and higher ground clearance, as I sometimes get tired driving the Baleno for long hours. The Brezza is mostly used for outstation family vacations. Please recommend a good CNG car under ₹13 lakhs that is feature-rich and reliable. Some must-have features for me are white LED projector headlamps, alloy wheels, and a good stock speaker system.

Autocar India

•1d

Given your requirements, you should consider the Tata Punch CNG AMT. The Punch offers a ground clearance of 193mm, LED headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and an excellent 8-speaker audio system. Other notable features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, 6 airbags and a 360-degree camera.The Punch CNG AMT is powered by a 1.2-litre engine paired with a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox. Being a CNG, you'll still benefit from the lower running costs, but unlike your Maruti Baleno CNG, this is an automatic, so it will be more convenient and comfortable for you to drive for long durations. Tata Punch CNG AMT prices range from Rs 9.95 lakh to Rs 12.30 lakh (on-road, Delhi).

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Vineel Deshpande

•2d

I am planning to buy a new car, replacing my Nano, and have shortlisted the Baleno, i20, Altroz, and Punch. The Punch and Altroz facelifts have already been launched, and I have taken test drives of both. I am more inclined towards the Baleno after the test drive, but I want to know when its facelift is expected in 2026.

Autocar India

•1d

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is due for a facelift, given that the current model has been on sale since 2022. However, it is not expected to arrive anytime soon. So if you like the Baleno, go for it.The Baleno is spacious, comfortable and being a Maruti car, it will be reliable and stress-free to maintain. This hatchback is powered by a 90hp, 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine that can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic.The Baleno is fuel-efficient too, with the petrol MT claimed to deliver 22.35 kpl and the petrol AMT claimed to deliver 22.94 kpl. It's even available with a CNG option that has a claimed mileage of 30.61km/kg. Maruti Baleno prices range from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 9.10 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Nitin Khuller

•1d

Want to buy a new car in the range of Rs 15 to 20 lakh. My driving is around 25,000 km per year, mostly on highways. We are a family of four. Good fuel economy is essential. Please advise which car I should buy.

Autocar India

•6m

Since you frequent highways and the economy is a priority, a diesel SUV would be a good choice for you. In the Rs 15-20 lakh price range, the Kia Seltos is the newest option and has the right makings with a strong diesel engine, a well-equipped cabin and Kia's widespread network. The HTK (O) trim comes well packed with features that you would need and makes for a strong case.The Tata Sierra is also an option to consider if the Seltos' design is a bit too over the top for you. The Sierra has lots of room in the cabin, and the diesel engine is refined and punchy as well.If both these dont sit well with you, the Hyundai Creta is the safest bet. It has a clean, no-nonsense design, a well-equipped cabin and the same strong diesel engine as the Seltos. It will also hold its value better since the Creta brand name is much stronger.All three have good room in the cabin, and boot space for four is sufficient too.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Tata Sierra

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