Hi, I own a 2024 Tata Punch and it’s my first car. Although I am reasonably happy with it, it lacks punch and, being a small car, feels unsettling over bumps and bad roads. I am planning to upgrade to a more enthusiastic car with some heft. Is the Citroen Basalt X a good choice? Other models I’m considering are the Tata Nexon Turbo and Hyundai Venue Turbo.

Autocar India

•6w

Yes, the Citroen Basalt X will be better in both aspects that you desire. The turbo-charged engine is very peppy and is nice to drive, and the ride of the car is excellent, a typical Citroen hallmark.

We would rule out the Tata Nexon turbo as the power delivery isn't very strong like other typical turbo engines. If you want to consider something other than the Citroen, test drive the turbo version of the Nissan Magnite.

The 1.0-litre unit has a good mid-range punch and is something that you would enjoy.

Explore cars mentioned

Citroen

Basalt

from ₹9.24 Lakh

Tata

Nexon

from ₹8.32 Lakh

Nissan

Magnite

from ₹6.25 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Tarun Dey Sarkar

•1w

I use a 2020 manual Wagon R and have run it for more than 1 lakh km. Now I want to upgrade to an automatic car, but my budget is Rs 9 lakh, and the engine should be punchy.

Autocar India

•1h

The Skoda Kylaq would be a good option for you as it offers a peppy engine and a smooth torque converter gearbox. However, since you have a Rs 9 lakh budget, you would only be able to opt for the base variant, which is quite under-equipped.Since you are coming from a Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, we assume you would want a few more creature comforts, thus consider the Hyundai Exter. The engine and gearbox will not feel as lively and smooth as on the Skoda, but it is fairly decent for everyday motoring, and at your budget, you would get a very well-equipped variant.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Hyundai Exter

Arun Gupta

•1w

I am looking for an automatic car within a budget of Rs 10 lakh. I am new to driving. Kindly suggest.

Autocar India

•2h

Since you are new to driving, you should consider the Tata Punch automatic. The Punch has a sub-4-meter length, which makes it easy to manage in tight spaces and congested roads. The seat height is also higher than that of a typical hatchback, which will give you an elevated view outside and may also provide a better sense of security. With your Rs 10 lakh budget, you will also get the top spec variant and thus be able to enjoy all the features and comforts.

Tata Punch

Vishnu Kumar

•1d

I am a 31-year-old lawyer looking to purchase my first car with a budget of ₹15-17 lakhs (on-road). My primary use will be a daily city commute of approximately 40-50 km. I am looking for a vehicle with a classy, sophisticated aesthetic, nothing overly aggressive or 'intimidating', and a premium, well-appointed interior. I am undecided between a sedan and a mid-size SUV. While I value the fuel efficiency and sleekness of a sedan, I am considering whether an SUV’s ground clearance is necessary for city infrastructure. Given my daily running, good mileage and ease of driving are priorities. Based on these requirements, which specific models and variants would you recommend for a professional first-time owner?

Autocar India

•2h

Given your requirements, we would recommend you choose between the Honda City and the Honda Elevate. Both models have understated styling and a well-appointed interior.The Honda City sedan has a spacious and comfortable cabin, and the 121hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine is refined and peppy. It can be had with either a 6-speed manual, which has a claimed mileage of 17.8kpl, or a CVT automatic, which is claimed to do 18.4kpl. The City also has a comfortable ride quality, which will be good for your daily commute. Given your budget, you should either go for the City ZX MT (Rs 17.25 lakh, on-road Delhi) or the City VX CVT (Rs 17.33 lakh, on-road Delhi).However, if you want the road presence and ground clearance of an SUV, consider the Honda Elevate. It's gets the same powertrain options as the Honda City, although claimed mileage is lower with 15.31kpl for the manual and 16.92kpl for the CVT auto. The Elevate also has a spacious cabin and a comfortable ride quality. Given your budget, you should either go for the Elevate ZX MT (Rs 17.38 lakh, on-road Delhi) or the Elevate VX CVT (Rs 17.30 lakh, on-road Delhi).

Honda City

Honda Elevate

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