First time buying a car, budget is a maximum of ₹8.5 lakh. I have shortlisted a few: Nissan Magnite, Fronx, Baleno, Glanza, Skoda Kylaq, and Kia Sonet. Please tell me which one I should buy. I recently learned how to drive, so I’m looking for a manual with good features. Mileage isn’t an issue.

Autocar India

•6w

The best option within your budget is the Nissan Magnite, which represents near-unbeatable value for money at this price point. While the Maruti Baleno and Toyota Glanza are good options too, for the price, the Magnite will offer more space, more features and the all-important SUV-like road presence. The Skoda Kylaq and Kia Sonet are, sadly, out of your budget of Rs 8.5 lakh.

The Magnite's 72hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine and 5-speed manual gearbox make for an easy driving experience, and though mileage isn’t a huge concern for you, it is fuel-efficient as well. It’s also known to be relatively low on maintenance, which adds to its appeal as a great first car.

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Nissan

Magnite

from ₹6.25 Lakh

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C G Venkatsubramanian

•6w

I don't understand the recommendation of Magnite when the list is Big

Sumit

•6w

I am confused between Punch petrol amt and Baleno Amt. Which one to buy for a new driver??

More questions on similar cars

Arpit

•4d

Hi, I already own a Hyundai Creta IVT and am now looking to buy another car for my wife, primarily for city driving in Pune. The Creta feels a bit large for her to manoeuvre on narrow city roads and in traffic, so I am looking for a more compact option. My key requirements are: Automatic transmission (mandatory) Compact size and easy to drive Low budget (do not want to spend much) Petrol only (cannot consider EV due to lack of charging space) I have ruled out Tata due to reliability concerns. I also had a previous Hyundai Grand i10, which had AC issues, so I am hesitant about that as well. The Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic looks appealing but may be too powerful for city use. The Hyundai Venue is a good option, but at a price of ₹14-15 lakh, the XUV 3XO seems like a better value. I am also unsure about Maruti options like the Swift (concerns about fit and finish) and the Baleno (feels slightly large and low-slung). Given these considerations, which car would you recommend?

Autocar India

•2d

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi AT is a good option for your wife’s city use in Pune, it is the right size, has a smooth automatic and is not too powerful, and it's easy on the pocket. Compared to your Hyundai Creta, the Brezza feels much smaller in traffic and easier to park. The high seat and big windows make it simple to judge gaps and U-turns, which will help on narrow Pune roads. The AT here is a regular automatic (not an AMT), so it moves off gently, shifts with minimal jerks, and is very calm in stop-go traffic. AC performance is strong, and overall fit and finish are better than in the Maruti Suzuki Swift or Baleno. Maruti’s service reach in Pune is a bonus for easy ownership. The cabin does not feel as plush as a Venue or XUV 3XO, but for daily city use, it works very well. If you want to spend less and still want a very smooth auto, look at the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT. It is very compact, and the CVT is easy in traffic, though the cabin feels simpler, and Nissan’s service network is smaller. If you do stretch, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L AT is also easy to drive despite its power and offers top safety and features.

Nayan Jain

I am planning to buy a Kia Seltos automatic, primarily for city use (around 80%) with occasional highway drives. However, I am confused between the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with IVT (CVT) and the 1.5-litre turbo petrol with DCT.

Autocar India

•1h

With 80% city use and only some highway runs, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol CVT (Kia calls it IVT) is the better fit for you. The CVT is an automatic that varies the gear ratio steplessy and smoothly, so it feels calm and easy in stop-and-go traffic. It moves off the line gently; there is no shift shock, and it is usually a bit easier on fuel in the city. It is also simpler to live with day to day. The 1.5 turbo petrol DCT is the one to pick only if you really value strong speed and quick overtakes. A DCT is an automatic with two clutches that shifts very fast, so it feels much quicker on an open road and with a full load. But in crawling traffic, it can feel a touch hesitant and jerky when you get on and off the throttle. Two trade-offs to note with the CVT: if you often drive with five people and luggage, or if you like sudden highway bursts, the turbo DCT will feel stronger. And the 'rubber-band effect' of the CVT can make the engine sound noisy, though it settles once you’re cruising.Given your mostly city pattern with only occasional highway trips, the 1.5 petrol CVT lines up best with what you need and will feel easier and calmer to use every day.

Kia Seltos

Abhishek Ghorpade

•1d

Hi, I am planning to buy a new car and am confused between the Kia Seltos HTK (O) petrol IVT and the Mahindra Thar Roxx MX3. Feature-wise, I find the Seltos more appealing, while the Thar Roxx seems to have a stronger engine. My monthly running is not more than 800 km. Could you please suggest which would be a better choice in terms of maintenance, fuel efficiency, and overall ownership experience?

Autocar India

•3h

If you are choosing between the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol IVT and the Mahindra Thar Roxx MX3 petrol, this really comes down to what you want your car to feel like in everyday life. The Seltos is the more sensible choice with a smooth automatic that is effortless in traffic, better suited to your kind of usage and far easier to live with daily, while also offering a more comfortable and premium cabin experience. The Thar Roxx, on the other hand, is all about character with its strong petrol engine, big road presence and that sense of occasion every time you drive it, but it is still a heavier, more lifestyle-oriented SUV that is not as convenient for daily city use.So the choice is quite simple in nature. If you want something that quietly does everything well and keeps life easy, the Seltos will feel like the right fit. If you want something that feels special and makes every drive more memorable, the Thar Roxx will appeal more.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra Thar Roxx

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