I am planning to buy my first car. My net annual income is around ₹11 lakh. Could you please suggest which brand and model I should consider? My main criteria are fuel efficiency (petrol), ride comfort, good looks, suitability for a taller driver like me, reliability and safety for the next 8-10 years, and low hassle in terms of service and maintenance.

Autocar India

•20h

Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI+ AT fits your list better. In daily use, it will return much better mileage than the Mahindra XUV 3XO turbo automatic, especially in city traffic where the Maruti’s 1.5 and mild-hybrid tune are kinder on fuel. Its steering is lighter and smoother at low speeds, so parking and tight lanes feel easier. And over years, Maruti service and parts usually work out cheaper, so maintenance is friendlier on the wallet.You will get a 360 camera in these trims, so that box is ticked either way.The one reason to pick the XUV 3XO AX5L AT is if you value stronger performance for highway overtakes and a more tech feel. The Mahindra’s turbo motor and the automatic feel livelier, but you pay at the pump.If your priority stack is mileage, low upkeep and an easy, smooth steer, go Brezza. If you want punch and features first, go 3XO.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•17h

If you're planning to buy an i20 today, I would not wait specifically for the next-generation model unless you're willing to hold off for at least a year. Recent spy shots confirm Hyundai is developing an all new i20, with a redesigned interior, updated technology and the possibility of a hybrid powertrain in the future. However, the launch still appears some way off.The current i20 was facelifted in 2023 and remains one of the most premium hatchbacks in the segment, with a strong feature list, good refinement and a comfortable driving experience. Hyundai has continued updating the model and even revised variants and pricing this year, suggesting the current car still has some life left in the market.

Hyundai i20

Autocar India

•8h

The important thing to understand is that while the government has notified standards for fuels up to E30, it has not mandated an immediate switch to E30 fuel. In fact, the government has asked ARAI to conduct long-term testing on how E25 affects existing E10 and E20 vehicles before taking any further decisions. The study is expected to assess durability, mileage, engine health and long-term reliability over tens of thousands of kilometers.There is also a strong possibility that consumers will be offered a choice of fuel blends at petrol pumps rather than a sudden replacement of E20 with E30. Discussions are already underway around offering multiple ethanol blend options based on vehicle compatibility. Even if higher ethanol blends eventually arrive later in the decade, manufacturers, fuel companies and regulators will have to provide a transition path because millions of E20-compatible vehicles will still be on the road.Between the two cars, we would actually lean towards the Baleno AMT. The Baleno's 4-cylinder petrol engine is noticeably smoother and more refined than the Dzire's 3-cylinder unit, which makes a difference in everyday driving. It also has one of the better calibrated AMT gearboxes in the segment, feeling smoother and more predictable than many rivals. For elderly parents, the Baleno's wide-opening doors, comfortable ride and easy drivability are all strong positives.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Dzire