Autocar India
AB

Akshay Bhat

•1d

Which petrol automatic would you recommend for 60% city usage (daily 10-20kms) and highways 40%? My budget is around 16L. I need good mileage, a spacious boot and a commanding driving position. I need a reliable vehicle with good after-sales service. Resale value should also be good after 5 years. Should I consider an EV - the 8% road tax for EVs added in Karnataka is an added expense! OR do you suggest I should wait for some time, considering upcoming BS7 norms, % of ethanol blending madness, poor charging network, rapidly improving EV technology leading to poor resale, etc?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•3h

We would recommend the Honda Elevate V CVT for your needs. It fits your 60 percent city and 40 percent highway usage very naturally with a smooth, easy automatic that keeps daily drives stress-free and feels relaxed on longer runs. It also gives you that commanding driving position, a spacious cabin and a genuinely useful boot, and over time it will keep ownership simple thanks to Honda’s strong reliability and low maintenance reputation. It is a straightforward, no-drama car that focuses on comfort and ease rather than unnecessary complexity. Considering your usage, going electric right now does not make much sense due to the higher cost of buying in your location, charging dependency and resale uncertainty. 

As for BS7 or ethanol changes, there is no need to wait, as current petrol cars are already well adapted to future norms. If you are willing to stretch your budget, the Hyundai Creta is worth considering as it feels more premium and feature-rich, but in comparable automatic variants, it does sit noticeably higher on price and does not fundamentally improve your day-to-day usability. The only real downside with the Elevate is that the interior feels a bit plain for the price. But overall, it is an easy, dependable car that will just work for you every single day without fuss.

Honda Elevate

Honda Elevate

Explore cars mentioned

Honda Elevate

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.82 Lakh

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai

Creta

from ₹12.78 Lakh

AB

Akshay Bhat

•3h

But the Elevate CVT mileage would be lesser than Victoris AT or even the Seltos iVT? Would you still advice to go with the Elevate?

AB

Akshay Bhat

•1h

Also, cannot consider the Creta as it isnt 5 ⭐ safety rated, sorry forgot to mention that I am looking at safer cars too.

More questions on similar cars

AB

Abhi

•2d

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a 5-seater SUV within a budget of ₹18–19 lakh. I currently own a 15-year-old Honda City and am looking to upgrade. My key requirements are: Automatic transmission Petrol or hybrid powertrain Comfortable rear seat space (especially for second-row passengers) My usage is around 500 km per month, mostly within the city, with occasional outstation trips every couple of months. Please suggest a suitable SUV that meets these requirements.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

You should consider the Honda Elevate ZX CVT. Coming from your Honda City, you'll appreciate the familiarity when it comes to the drive experience and after-sales service. It gets a peppy 1.5-litre petrol engine that's paired to a smooth CVT automatic gearbox, which makes it easy and stress-free to drive. The Elevate also has a comfy rear seat, and getting in/out of the cabin is easy, which your parents will appreciate. The Honda also feels composed going over broken roads and at highway speeds. Alternatively, you can even consider the Hyundai Creta SX IVT, which offers a smoother drive and a more refined cabin.

VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleHonda City
VehicleHyundai Creta
RA

Ram

•2d

I am using the Honda Amaze diesel CVT. I plan to change my car. My average driving in a month is 1750km. I am going for a mid-size SUV. Kindly guide. Should I go for the Honda Elevate?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•6h

Budget permitting, you should go for the Honda Elevate ZX CVT. It is the easiest, most hassle-free upgrade from your Amaze for a mid-size SUV. You are used to a diesel CVT, and the Elevate’s CVT keeps that smooth, calm feel in traffic. The higher seat and good all-around view make city driving and parking simple, and the suspension handles bad roads well. Size-wise, it is not too big, so it is easy to live with, but it still gives you more space and ground clearance than your Amaze. Honda’s engines are reliable, and service quality is generally consistent in most cities.One thing to be aware of is that, coming from a diesel, the Elevate's naturally aspirated petrol engine will not feel as strong at low speeds with a full load or on steep hills, and you will need to press the accelerator more. Also, your monthly use is high, so petrol running costs will be higher than your Amaze diesel.If fuel cost is your top worry at 1,750 km a month, look at the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, again, budget permitting. It is very smooth and uses a lot less fuel in the city. If you do frequent highway runs with family and luggage and want that strong pull you had in your diesel, the Kia Seltos diesel automatic is the better fit.Do a back-to-back drive. Take four people, climb a flyover and try a quick overtake. If the Elevate’s pull and refinement feel fine to you there, you’ll be happy with it.

VehicleHonda Amaze
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
SM

Sagar Malsane

•4d

I want to sell my existing Honda Jazz petrol and want to purchase a new SUV. My budget range is 15-20 lakh. My workplace is within 4km, and travel is limited to Pune city. Occasionally, I travel to Mumbai or Nashik. I am particularly concerned about Indian roads and hence looking for an SUV. A few names that come to my mind are: Creta, Seltos, Duster, etc.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7h

You should pick the Kia Seltos HTX Petrol CVT. For your Pune city use and the occasional Mumbai/Nashik run, it is the most comfortable and easy-to-live-with choice in your budget. Moving up from your Honda Jazz, you will appreciate the higher seating position, better view of the road, and extra ground clearance for broken patches and tall speed breakers. The IVT automatic is very smooth in stop-and-go Pune traffic and makes short office trips effortless. Ride comfort has also improved with the new generation. The steering is light in the city, and Kia’s service reach in and around Pune is strong.One thing to be aware of is that the IVT is tuned for smoothness, not speed, so quick overtakes need a firmer press on the accelerator. If you want a similar experience with a bit more performance, then consider the Honda Elevate CVT.On your test drive, take speed breakers and broken patches at low speeds, and also try a few slow stop-go starts.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda Elevate

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Posted on: 16 Apr 2026