I am planning to buy a new sedan with a budget of around ₹9 lakh. I am specifically looking for a car with a 5-star safety rating and an automatic gearbox. Could you please suggest the best options available within this budget?

Autocar India

•1d

The Honda Amaze CVT is a great option for you for several reasons. For one, it's got a powerful AC unit as well as rear AC vents, which together do a great job of cooling the relatively compact cabin quickly. It's got a 416-litre boot that's well shaped and can accommodate quite a lot of luggage. While it doesn't have a surround camera like its rival, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, it does have a pretty crisp rear-view camera and rear parking sensors. Also, its compact dimensions, large mirrors, and good general outward visibility mean parking is not a chore.It's uncertain what may have caused the wobbling you've experienced while overtaking at high speeds, or in which car, but that won't be an issue here. The Amaze's 1.2-litre petrol is smooth, as is its CVT automatic, which is a highlight in this segment. The chassis and suspension are robust and work well both in the city and out on the highway. You could also consider the Maruti Dzire, which has good space and features, but its AMT gearbox is nowhere near as smooth as the Honda's CVT.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTK (O) IVT for primarily city use with some highway trips; it is the smoothest and easiest automatic in this budget right now. The CVT is jerk-free and seamless in stop-go traffic, and the light steering and good all-around make driving easy. For your occasional highway runs, it feels steady at usual cruising speeds, though overtakes do require a bit of planning.One thing to be aware of: it isn't the most spirited performer, tuned more for relaxed driving. If you want a bit more performance from an NA CVT powertrain, then the Honda Elevate is a good choice too.Overall, the Kia Seltos fits your brief best and will keep daily city driving stress-free while still being comfortable on the highway.

Honda Elevate

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Honda Elevate for your height and age, it is the easiest to get in and out of, and the back seat is the most comfortable and roomiest of your shortlist. The doors open wide, and it is easy to get in and out. The back seat has good headroom for a 6-foot passenger and a relaxed, slightly high seating position that supports the thighs well on longer rides.Do note that seating three abreast is a squeeze, and the centre passenger has to do without a headrest and a three-point seatbelt (lap belt only). If you are open to some other options, then consider the new Kia Seltos. It has more legroom in the back seat than the Elevate, and it is wider, so three passengers will be more comfortable. Higher trims also get rear sunblinds and the ability to recline the rear seat, which is also nice to have.When you test it, focus on the back seat and do a few get-in/get-out cycles from both sides.

Honda Elevate