I want an automatic car with a budget up to ₹13 lakh on-road. I’m torn between the Kia Sonet HTX DCT and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire (top AT/AGS). My driving is mostly city (70-80%), so fuel average and safety are my top concerns. Which should I choose, and are there better alternatives within my budget?

Autocar India

•14h

Go ahead with the Honda Amaze VX CVT; it is a very good choice for your needs. The CVT is seamless in operation, very user-friendly, and the cabin is quite spacious for its class. The steering is light, the controls are easy, and visibility is good, so low-speed traffic and parking are simple. The ride is comfortable on most roads, and the boot is large enough for luggage on the occasional highway trip. With only about 500km a month, a petrol automatic like this makes the most sense, and Honda’s service reach and long-term reliability add peace of mind.One thing to be aware of: fuel efficiency isn’t as good as its main rival, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. In our real-world testing, the Amaze managed 13.28kpl (combined), while the Dzire delivered 15.41kpl (combined). If that is a priority, then consider the Dzire instead, but do note you will be getting an AMT, which is inferior to the Amaze’s CVT.Overall, the Amaze VX CVT fits your brief best. On the test drive, focus on seat comfort, how easy it is to get in and out, and how smoothly it moves at very low speeds.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

•5h

With your 120 km daily running, your choice of a CNG automatic is spot on. It will keep running costs low while still being easy to drive in traffic. The Tata Punch suits this role well with its comfortable ride and robust nature.The Accomplished S Plus variant is the most feature-loaded, with a larger touchscreen and added convenience features. If you specifically want a more premium feel and those extra features matter to you, then the top variant does make sense.That said, from a value-for-money perspective, mid variants like Adventure or Adventure S make a lot of sense as they already cover the essentials and are significantly more affordable, making them a better fit for high running usage like yours.If you are open to alternatives, the Hyundai Exter CNG AMT is worth a look for a smoother engine, and the Maruti Fronx CNG offers better performance and space, but only with a manual gearbox.Overall, for your usage, the Punch CNG AMT is a good choice, but the mid variant strikes the best balance, while the top variant is only worth it if you prioritise features over value.

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Autocar India

•10h

Just to clarify, in your Rs 15 lakh budget, a strong hybrid or plug-in hybrid option won't be available, and you would have to opt for versions with a mild hybrid system, with an integrated starter generator (ISG), a secondary lithium-ion battery and engine stop-start function, which are also beneficial for fuel savings and emissions, though not to the extent of a strong hybrid.That being said, go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi+ AT. For Delhi traffic, it fits your parents best. It's compact like the Grand i10 but gives a higher seat for better view, light steering for tight streets, and a smooth 6‑speed automatic that takes the stress out of stop-start traffic. The mild-hybrid system of this Maruti car helps the engine switch off at long signals and start again quietly, which keeps the drive calm. We'd advise you to move up to the ZXi+ for the full set of features, though it is slightly outside your budget.You could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 Turbo Petrol Alpha AT. It comes with a mild-hybrid setup, is slightly more affordable, and offers a punchier engine, though it isn’t as spacious as the Brezza. As for the Grand Vitara, for your budget, you simply don't get a high enough variant, nor do you get as much seating space in the back as you do in the Brezza. Overall, for your budget and easy service with low running costs, the Brezza ZXi+ AT is a simple, stress-free upgrade.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx