autocar-logo
Delhi
VS

varun sachdev

15w

I am looking to buy a petrol automatic car with a budget of up to ₹8 lakh. I travel about 90 km daily in heavy city traffic (Gurgaon–Noida). Is the Hyundai Exter a good option, or can you suggest a better alternative, as mileage is a priority? I’m not interested in cars as small as the Celerio.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
15w

The Hyundai Exter is a good all-rounder and will be a nice upgrade from your existing Maruti Wagon R. However, considering you drive a lot in peak traffic, an automatic would be ideal, so you could consider stretching your budget for the automatic version of the Exter. 

However, if you want to stick closer to your 8 lakh budget, consider the Renault Kiger 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. The automatic version would be only slightly above the 8 lakh mark, but you will get a car that is compact enough for the city, spacious inside, and has a good ride.

In both cases, the gearbox will be an automated manual (AMT), so there will not be a significant mileage difference compared to the manual versions.     

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Exter

Explore cars mentioned

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Got a suggestion for varun?

Add a Comment

Latest questions people are discussing

VP

VISHNUDAS P

3d

I want to buy an automatic car mainly for city use with a budget of around ₹10 lakh. I shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, but I have heard rumours that its production might be stopped. Is there any update on this, and what are some good alternatives to the Ignis?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
16h

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is still in production. It is worth noting that the Ignis is a bit long in the tooth now, and sales are very low, especially so by Maruti standards. Thus, there could be a possibility of it being discontinued or updated. In any case, being a Maruti model that has been on sale for a while now, you would still be able to get it serviced for a fairly long period of time.If you are, however, worried about this, you could consider the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch, which are two cars that will offer similar benefits of being compact, high-riding and available with an automatic transmission.

VehicleHyundai Exter
VehicleTata Punch
KR

Krishnav

2d

I have been looking for a secondary car, primarily to be driven in the city. A petrol automatic would be preferred. Mileage is not a very big criterion. Good engine performance, features and a hassle-free ownership experience are on the must-have list. We are looking for something compact and easy to maneuver in the city and park in tight spaces. Budget is around ₹15 lakh, plus or minus a lakh. A lack of dealerships in the city we reside in restricts us to only a few brands: Maruti Suzuki (Nexa too), Kia, Hyundai, Mahindra, Toyota and Tata. We test drove the Hyundai Venue (new gen), Kia Sonet and also looked at the Toyota Fronx and Nexon. Which car would you kindly suggest?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3h

The Hyundai Venue is a good option to consider. It is compact, has a good feature list, and the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy and fun to drive. The DCT automatic gearbox is also smooth and quick to respond. Being the newest entrant to the compact SUV segment, it gets a modern cabin that is well-equipped and gets all the features you would want.This Hyundai car also has decent space at the rear, and the ride comfort and sales and service experience is good, too. Overall, it is a well-rounded package that does everything the way you'd want it to. The HX 8 trim is one shy of the top-spec, but it will fit in your budget and offer a long equipment list.

VehicleHyundai Venue
DE

Debasish

3d

I am new to car driving and have a budget of under ₹10 lakh. My priorities are good mileage, safety, low maintenance, comfort, and an automatic transmission. My usage will be 50% city and 50% highway, with a monthly running of around 1,000-1,400 km. Kindly suggest a suitable car.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
18h

We would recommend you look at the Nissan Magnite. Since you are new to driving, the higher seating would offer you a good view outside and a slightly more secure feel compared to hatchbacks or a sedan. The interiors are comfy and spacious enough for a family of four, and since your driving is on highways and city roads, the ride and handling balance of the Magnite will benefit you. Highway stability is good, and while the city ride can be firm, it does not feel uncomfortable at any point. Opt for the 1.0 litre non-turbo engine as it offers sufficient performance for a relaxed driving style and would be more fuel efficient than the turbo engine. Within your budget, you would also get a decently equipped variant. The Magnite is also a safe car well-equipped with safety features, and it also scored a 5-star rating in the GNCAP tests. Reliability is also good, Nissan's dealer network is not widespread, thus make sure you have a dealer in your area who has a good reputation too. If not, consider the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, as a sedan, you will not get that higher seating, but it will meet your other requirements of safety, low maintenance and comfort.

VehicleNissan Magnite
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Dzire

Posted on: 27 Nov 2025