I am planning to buy an automatic car under ₹12 lakh. The Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, and Maruti Suzuki Baleno fall within this budget and offer plenty of features. I plan to go on long trips out of the city at most twice a month, so my usage will be around 70% highway and the rest in the city. I am quite confused about which one to choose. The Dzire’s design looks promising, but the engine feels underpowered compared to the Baleno. I have not test-driven the Amaze yet.

Autocar India

•11h

The Honda Amaze CVT would be the recommendation here. For a beginner driver with predominantly city usage, the Amaze's CVT automatic is a major advantage. It is smoother, more refined and easier to drive in stop-start traffic than the AMT offered in the Exter. The sedan also offers a more comfortable ride, a larger boot and a mature driving experience that will remain satisfying even as your driving skills improve.The Hyundai Exter counters with its higher seating position, which some new drivers find reassuring, along with better ground clearance for rough roads and speed breakers. However, its AMT gearbox is not as seamless as the Honda's CVT.

Honda Amaze

Hyundai Exter

Autocar India

•7h

There is no reason to avoid either a petrol or a diesel car purely because of future fuel-blending plans.Just as modern petrol cars are being engineered to handle higher ethanol blends, any future diesel blend regulations will be accompanied by corresponding changes from vehicle manufacturers. If isobutanol blending is introduced, it will be done in a controlled manner, and vehicles sold in the market will be calibrated accordingly. There is currently no evidence to suggest that such blends would cause adverse effects on modern diesel engines when used within the prescribed limits.The more important question is whether a diesel suits your usage pattern. If your running is high and includes regular highway trips, the Altroz Diesel remains a compelling option. However, if your usage is predominantly urban, the Honda Amaze CVT is still the more sensible choice. It offers a smoother driving experience, lower complexity and none of the DPF-related concerns associated with modern diesel engines.

Tata Altroz

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•2d

The Honda Amaze V CVT would actually be the strongest recommendation here, even if it stretches your budget slightly. For Bangalore's traffic, the CVT automatic is significantly smoother and more pleasant to use than the AMTs offered on cars like the Punch and Altroz. The Amaze is also comfortable, easy to drive, fuel efficient and backed by Honda's reputation for reliability. Safety is solid, and there are no concerns regarding ethanol-blended fuel as the car is designed to run on the fuels currently available and planned for India.If the budget is absolutely non-negotiable, then the Tata Punch facelift AMT would be the alternative to consider. It offers a strong safety package, a commanding driving position and good practicality for city use. Just keep in mind that an AMT will never feel as smooth as the Honda's CVT in stop-start traffic.

Honda Amaze

Tata Altroz

Tata Punch