We’re planning to buy our first family car with a budget of ₹9 lakh. We live in a semi-urban area and are looking for a safe car (preferably with a Global NCAP rating), affordable service, and low maintenance. Features like six airbags and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are a must.

Autocar India

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For your budget and requirements, the Honda Amaze CVT is one of the strongest options. It offers a smooth CVT gearbox, a refined 1.2-litre petrol engine and a spacious 420-litre boot, making it very practical for both daily use and occasional trips. The driving experience is easy and stress-free, especially in city conditions, and it also benefits from a full 5-star rating in BNCAP, which adds to the overall sense of security. The only limitation is that performance is more relaxed than sporty, so overtakes on highways will need some planning when fully loaded.Another option worth considering is the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. It is well priced, has also scored a 5-star safety rating, and offers a more sorted ride quality along with a more spacious cabin. However, its 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine is not as smooth or refined as the Amaze’s 4-cylinder unit, and the AMT transmission feels a bit more basic compared to the seamless nature of the Amaze’s CVT.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

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Go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi+ MT. It stays well within your Rs 13 lakh budget, delivers a 24.79kpl ARAI efficiency, and offers a roomy 382‑litre boot.The Dzire also offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, and it has received a 5-star crash safety rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. You also get the peace of mind associated with Maruti ownership. The one thing you give up is the high ground clearance and elevated seating position you'd get in a compact SUV.If you want SUV-like clearance and a taller driving position, consider the Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK+(O) petrol instead. It has a claimed ARAI mileage of 18.83kpl, and its 385‑litre boot can fit in more cargo than you'd think.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

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The new Renault Duster 1.0 turbo-petrol should be acceptable in the city, but it is not the most effortless choice for predominantly urban use like yours.The 1.0 turbo makes about 99hp and 160-166Nm, and the torque comes in from around 2,000rpm, so performance at low revs will feel merely adequate rather than strong. You will need to work the gearbox to keep the engine in its power band, especially with a full load or on inclines, and that can get tiring in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic. The good bit is that the clutch is light and the engine reasonably refined, so it won’t feel cumbersome or heavy in daily use.However, there is no automatic with the 1.0 turbo. It comes only with a 6‑speed manual, which is a drawback for an 85% city‑running profile. If you prioritise smoothness and ease over outright punch, an automatic CVT in this segment will suit you better.The Kia Seltos 1.5 iVT offers seamless, jerk‑free power delivery and feels very smooth and responsive in typical city driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol CVT, which has the same gearbox as the Seltos, is another good option. Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta make urban driving more relaxing, even if performance is only adequate rather than exciting.

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta