Hello, I am planning to buy a new car within a budget of ₹12-13 lakh. Currently, I own a Hyundai i20 Active and a Kia Seltos, both petrol. My daily driving is around 90-100 km, with 60% highway and 40% city usage. I am looking for a car that offers good fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and reliable long-term ownership. I am also open to considering an EV if it makes sense for my usage. Could you please suggest the best suitable option for my needs?

Autocar India

•8h

You should consider the Hyundai Venue HX6 1.0 Turbo DCT. Within your Rs 12-14 lakh budget, it gives you a sunroof, ventilated seats and many more features besides. For your daily drives, the Venue's high seating, good visibility and light controls make light work of traffic. And on your weekend trips, the 120hp turbo-petrol engine will provide some excitement. It also feels steady at highway speeds, and the ride handles bad patches well. Features are strong for the price, and Hyundai’s service reach in Chennai is wide and hassle-free.One thing to be aware of is that the DCT can feel a bit jerky at very low speeds, and this highlights the engine's turbo lag. But you will soon learn to drive around this, though.Another alternative is the Kia Sonet HTX 1.0 Turbo DCT. Though it uses the same powertrain, it is a little cheaper than its rival from Hyundai, which is built on a new-gen platform, and thus could provide better value. It too gets ventilated seats and a sunroof, but bear in mind its rear seat isn't as spacious as the Venue's, and the ride is noticeably stiffer.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

•9h

If you'd like to upgrade from your Eon within the Hyundai brand, you could consider the Hyundai Venue 1.2-litre petrol-manual. The well-equipped HX5+ variant falls within your Rs 12 lakh budget, and it feels very modern, spacious and like a huge upgrade over your outgoing car.If you prefer a hatchback, you could consider a Maruti Baleno or Toyota Glanza. Both of which are spacious, well-rounded hatchbacks, and with Toyota and Maruti's widespread support network, your ownership experience is likely to be trouble-free.

Hyundai Venue

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Toyota Glanza

Autocar India

•2d

If you're open to diesel options, you could consider the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet. Both share their engine and gearbox options. Opt for the manual version of either for maximum efficiency.An excellent electric option is the Punch EV. If you can arrange for home charging, your running costs will be very low - something you will surely appreciate given your usage.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris CNG can also be considered. Its engine is reliable, and the CNG will keep per km costs in check.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Tata Punch EV