Hello Autocar Team, I am planning to buy an automatic car with an on-road budget of ₹12 lakh in Coimbatore. Around 80% of my driving will be in the city, and this car will be driven by a new license holder. I would prefer to avoid AMT gearboxes and am looking for a car that offers good safety and a smooth driving experience. I am not interested in sedans. Could you please suggest the best options for my requirements?

Autocar India

•9h

There's actually quite a variety of automatic hatchbacks within your budget. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and its twin, the Toyota Glanza, are well-rounded products. Good ride comfort and excellent fuel economy are highlights, and the AMT gearbox is good enough for average driving. However, gearshifts aren't the smoothest, and you'll feel this over a quick overtaking manoeuvre. If you are open to the Citroen brand, the C3 is a great option. Its 1.2-litre engine and torque converter auto gearbox combo is excellent, and ride comfort is also very good.You could also look at the Tata Altroz DCA in Creative S trim. The dual-clutch auto gearbox is very smooth and well-suited to city use. There's also a toughness to the package that gives great confidence at highway speeds.We are also fans of the smooth and polished Hyundai i20 CVT, but the Sportz(O) that fits your budget isn't an ideal choice as it misses out on the safety of a rear wiper. Finally, if you have the option to install an EV charger at home or office, the Tata Tiago EV is also an option to consider. Being all-electric, it's super smooth and very refined. However, it works best as a city car.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Toyota Glanza

Citroen C3

Tata Altroz

Hyundai i20

Tata Tiago EV

Autocar India

•1h

Considering your 60% highway and 40% city usage, we would suggest going for the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 turbo petrol.The turbo engine offers much stronger performance, especially on the highway. Overtakes feel quicker and more effortless, which is important for highway driving. It also comes with a proper 6-speed automatic, which is smoother and more refined compared to the AMT offered with the 1.2 engine, making it better suited for both city and highway use.The 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, on the other hand, is smoother and simpler, but it feels less powerful, especially on highways. The AMT gearbox is convenient but not as smooth as the automatic offered with the turbo variant.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Autocar India

•8h

The Tata Nexon would suit you well. It has a host of safety features like 6 airbags and electronic stability program (ESP), and has earned a 5-star safety rating from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP for adult and child occupant protection in the crash testing protocol.As safety is your first priority, the Nexon would do you well. Since you want a car with a 360-degree camera, opt for the Creative trim, which will come in around your budget. The Nexon also has a good and stable ride, which at higher speeds has good body control, so your highway drives would be safe and comfortable too.

Tata Nexon