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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.

Asked by: Prabhakar G

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. 

 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team14 Jan' 26

Latest questions

Asked by: Satyanarayana

I am selling my current vehicle, a 2013 Ford EcoSport petrol automatic. My usage is about 1,000 km per month, with 80% in the city and 20% on highways. I have narrowed it down to the Maruti Brezza petrol automatic (6-AT), Hyundai Creta petrol 1.5 IVT, and Creta petrol automatic DCT. I am confused between IVT and AT transmissions - specifically, which is more reliable and hassle-free to maintain. I want to keep the vehicle for more than 10 years. My driving is relaxed and family-oriented, and I am 58 years old. Can you suggest which to choose?

Of the options on your shortlist, the Hyundai Creta IVT is the best. Hyundai's CVT (IVT as they market it) is excellent, delivering a smooth experience, especially in city driving. It's free from the rubberband effect (rapid rise in engine revs without a corresponding rise in road speed) that CVTs are notorious for. Also, it works well in sync with the engine and adapts well to your driving style. Do note that, given that you want to keep the car for over 10 years, the Hyundai Creta that's towards the end of its life might not make the ideal choice. The new-gen Creta is about a year away, meaning opting for a current-gen car will have you miss the advancements made to all aspects of the model. We suggest you consider the new Kia Seltos IVT, which shares its engine and gearbox with the Creta IVT. By virtue of being built on a new-gen platform and being larger in size, the Seltos IVT makes for a more wholesome package for similar money.
AI
Autocar India team
18 Jan' 26
Asked by: Rajdeep

I want to buy a car. I’m a first-time car buyer, and I’m not sure of the exact budget yet, but I’m thinking about ₹10-12 lakh. Most of my driving will be on weekend trips and some in the city. From what I’ve seen online, I like the Tata Nexon and 3XO. I’ve driven the Nexon a lot and liked it, but I have no reference for the 3XO. I don’t want to buy a Maruti because my father has a Baleno, and I’ve driven that a lot too. I’m looking for a manual car and, as infrastructure is not adequate, I’m not interested in an EV. What car should I buy?

A compact SUV is a good first car to buy. The sub 4-meter footprint makes it easy to manage in crowded streets, and most of the models today offer sufficient space inside and a good level of performance. Which car you buy really comes down to some specific requirements, since you have already experienced the Tata Nexon and like it, you can safely go ahead and buy it. The car is a good all-rounder; however, if you would like livelier performance and more space for rear passengers, then the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the better option, just bear in mind the mileage will not be as good as the Nexon.
AI
Autocar India team
18 Jan' 26
Asked by: Ashutosh Sharan

I am 39 years old and 160 cm (5′5″) tall. I have been happily riding a Honda (or Bajaj) Avenger 220 for the last 12 years, and I want to upgrade. Although I really want a Super Meteor 650, it’s too heavy and would be difficult for me to maneuver, so it’s not a practical choice. I prefer cruiser-style bikes and have been exploring the Keeway V302. Please suggest a good bike with at least 350 cc.

The Keeway V302C is a unique offering with its V-twin engine and mean, bobber looks, and it is also a rare sight on our roads, which might persuade you to get one. However, in our experience, there are a lot of areas where this bike needs work. Its rear suspension has very little travel, leading to a jarring ride over less-than-perfect roads. Its fit and finish, as well as overall build quality, cannot justify its Rs 4.15 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag, and Keeway has a minuscule dealer network across India. Also, the V302C isn't a machine that has cemented its reputation for reliability like other, more mainstream rivals. All this being said, we recommend you steer clear of the Keeway V302C and, for that matter, other Chinese-origin bikes on sale in India. Sadly, the cruiser space in the middleweight displacement segment has seen very few entrants and aside from the Super Meteor, you are limited to the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 (Rs 6.16 lakh) and Vulcan S (Rs 8.13 lakh), the only two offerings from a reputed make under the Rs 10 lakh mark. Other options will require you to significantly increase your budget.
AI
Autocar India team
18 Jan' 26
Asked by: Shreyas

I am looking to buy a new car with a maximum budget of ₹10-15 lakh. I want a car with a 4- or 5-star safety rating that delivers a decent fuel average. My usage will be mostly on weekends, with a maximum of 500-700 km per month. I want an automatic car, but not an AMT. My shortlist includes: Skoda Kyalq Signature Plus/Prestige TC 3XO AX5L Tata Nexon Creative Plus PS Dark 7 DCA Please suggest the best option.

Unfortunately, none of the turbo petrol options you listed will be very efficient. Given your limited running, this should not be a concern.We would recommend choosing between the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Both are engaging to drive, offer strong turbo petrol engines, smooth 6-speed torque converter automatics, and a comfortable ride.The key difference is space. The Mahindra is the better five-seater thanks to its wider body, while the Skoda offers a larger and more practical boot.The Tata Nexon remains one of the highest-selling cars in the segment, but it is also among the oldest and is due for an update.
AI
Autocar India team
18 Jan' 26
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