I am new to driving and want to buy my first car. My average daily running will be around 60 to 80 km. I’m 6 feet tall, so comfort and safety are important to me. My budget is around Rs 7–8 lakh, and I’ll be buying the car on loan. Please suggest some good options that offer comfort, safety, and strong resale value in case I decide to exchange it in the future. Thank you, experts.

Autocar India

•13h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R VXi 1.0 AMT - for a short 12 km office run, it uses less fuel, is very easy in traffic, and gives all the basics without spending extra. Since you already have a Hyundai Verna for longer trips, the Wagon R’s small size and tall seat make daily city driving and parking simple. The AMT's shifts are relatively smooth, if a bit slow, but it will make driving in stop-and-go traffic a lot less tiresome. If you don't encounter much traffic on your route, then the manual will be fine too. The VXi has the basics: good AC, power windows, remote locking, rear parking sensors, and a simple Bluetooth music setup with a Smartplay dock available to mount your phone. Maruti’s wide service network and low-cost parts also make it a safe and easy second car to own.One thing to be aware of: the Wagon R can feel a little basic, and if you want something with a bit more style, then the Maruti Suzuki Swift is a better bet.Test drive both the manual and AMT and see which works better for your use.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Autocar India

•5h

Go for the Maruti Victoris VXi manual as it fits your Rs 14 lakh budget and represents a step up from your i20. You will sit higher, see the road better, and it deals with bad roads and speed breakers better than the i20, yet it is still relatively easy to park and thread through traffic. The controls are light, the petrol engine feels smooth and calm in the city, and Maruti’s wide service network makes ownership simple almost anywhere. One thing to be aware of: the engine is more about smoothness than speed, so if you're on a highway with four people and luggage, you may need to plan your overtakes. While the Victoris VXi MT will be ideal, if you want to benefit from lower running costs, consider the Victoris LXi CNG. If a big part of your 1,500 km is highway and you want lower fuel bills and stronger pull at low speeds, look at the Kia Sonet diesel manual mid variant. It suits long runs well, though the ride can feel a bit firm on sharp bumps. If you want to stay with Hyundai, check the Venue diesel manual, which is mechanically identical to the Sonet.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

•8h

Go for the Hyundai Creta Electric for your 50 km Mumbai commute, an EV is the easiest and most comfortable to drive while keeping running costs low. In traffic, it pulls away smoothly, feels very quiet inside, and with a rated range of 420km to 510km, depending on which battery you choose, charging requirements will be minimal. The driving position is commanding, visibility is good, the steering is light, and the ride handles bumps well, which helps on broken city roads. One thing you have to make sure of, however, is that a charger can be installed at your home, which is essential to EV ownership today. If you're uncertain about the charging, consider a strong hybrid like the Maruti Suzuki Victoris. It also delivers very low running costs (though not quite as low as an EV), and the advantage is that you don't have to charge it.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Maruti Suzuki Victoris