I am planning to buy a small car like the MG Comet for my daily commute, as both my home and workplace are located in narrow lanes. However, I would like to explore alternatives other than the MG Comet.

autocar.india

•10h

Go for the Tata Punch EV; at Rs 12 lakh, it is the most complete first EV you can buy. It fits your budget even with the larger battery, so you get a real 300-plus km range in normal city use and the comfort of fast charging for the odd long day. It is a proper 5‑door subcompact SUV with space for a family and a decent boot, so it feels like a normal car, just quieter and far cheaper to run.If you want something cheaper, there's also the Tata Tiago EV, but your money goes a lot further with the Punch as you get better ground clearance, more features, and crucially a larger battery. Do note, with all EVs, long highway trips still need planning and patience at chargers, and it's best to make sure you can install a charger at home. But for a first EV on a Rs 12 lakh budget, nothing else balances range, practicality and ease of ownership this well.

Tata Punch EV

Tata Tiago EV

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG because your 2,500 km a month on highways needs very low running costs, and it stays within Rs. 10 lakh in the sensible mid trims. It sips far less money than petrol on long runs, the 1.2 engine is smooth enough for steady 90-100 km/h cruising, and Maruti’s wide service network helps when you are clocking big miles.There is a catch. CNG cuts boot space. If this is an issue, consider the Tata Tiago CNG. However, make sure your usual routes have reliable CNG pumps. If that is shaky where you drive, consider going electric, but only if you have home charging and your trips have charging stops you trust. The Tata Tiago EV will slash your fuel spend even more, but it needs planning for very long stretches. If you’d rather stick to petrol, expect higher running costs; among those, the Toyota Glanza or Maruti Baleno 1.2 are the most efficient, but they will still cost more per km than CNG.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Tata Tiago

Tata Tiago EV

Toyota Glanza

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

autocar.india

•8h

Consider the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Your running is only about 200km a month, so a simple, efficient car makes the most sense at around Rs. 10 lakh. It is easy to drive in the city thanks to its light controls and good visibility, yet it settles well on the highway and sips fuel. In our real-world testing, we recorded a combined fuel efficiency of 15.41kpl with the AMT and 17.25kpl with the manual. Speaking of which, the manual has a slick shift, a light clutch and excellent drivability, making it easy to use in the city. However, the AMT will reduce stress even further.The cabin is comfortable for four, the boot easily accommodates weekend luggage, and Maruti’s extensive service network makes ownership painless for a first-time buyer. Safety is also well covered, with the Dzire earning a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.If you need a bit more rear-seat space, consider the Baleno. If you want a taller seating position and better rough-road ability, look at the Tata Punch, though it is noisier and not as fuel-efficient as the Dzire.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Baleno