Hi team, I am a first-time car buyer, and this will be the first car in my family. I am planning to buy a budget car under ₹6.50 lakhs. I am currently looking at base models such as Punch, Kiger, Magnite, Swift, Tiago, Exter and i10. I want a practical car for my family with low maintenance, and that is driver-friendly. Please suggest which car I should go for. Thanks.

Autocar India

•3w

The Tata Punch is a good option to consider. It is easy to drive thanks to its compact dimensions and the elevated driving position. It also has a good ride quality, and while the 1.2-litre petrol engine isn't a strong performer, it does just fine for everyday motoring. The Punch also has a good safety rating.

Since you say you are looking at base models, we assume features like touchscreen music systems and sunroof aren't high on your priority. In that case, you can also consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It sits lower than the Punch, but is a driver-friendly car. Plus, being a Maruti car, it will be easy on maintenance.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹6.65 Lakh

Tata

Punch

from ₹6.22 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Anirban

•3d

My driving is around 800 km a month. I am not sure which one would be more value for money: Swift or Baleno/Glanza. Currently, I drive an Urban Cruiser but am looking for a change. My priority is ease of city driving, comfort on highway drives, and I will go for an AMT. The more fuel-efficient and safe, the better. Though safety and efficiency do not go hand in hand. Please help me decide.

Autocar India

•13h

The Swift's 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine is very drivable and is likely to deliver slightly better fuel efficiency compared to the Baleno's/Glanza's 1.2L 4-cylinder unit. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is quite peppy up to 60kph of speed, after which you will find performance to be a bit lacklustre. And since you've mentioned you want a car for city and highway usage both, we recommend you opt for the Baleno or Glanza instead, for its more effortless performance.There's little to choose between the Baleno and Toyota Glanza, as both are nearly identical. Though the Glanza's beige-black interior colour scheme looks a touch more upmarket than the Maruti's.

RATHI MRINALINI

I'm a new driver on the road. Been driving a Celerio (second-hand) for the last 2 years in Bangalore. Looking for an automatic petrol car within a budget of ₹9.5 lakh. My priority is safety and ease of adapting to the new car. I am thinking of a Punch. Looking for your suggestion.

Autocar India

•1d

Yes, the Tata Punch Adventure AMT is an excellent option, given your requirements. It's tall with a high seating position, which gives you a commanding view out - great for a new driver, yet it's compact enough not to be intimidating around town. It will also feel like a good upgrade from your old Celerio.Since safety is also a consideration for you, the Punch has been given a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating and gets 6 airbags as standard, plus a good amount of standard safety equipment. If there's a potential drawback, it's that the Punch's 1.2 petrol engine and AMT gearbox aren't the smoothest combination, and as a new driver, the jerkiness at low speeds is something you will have to learn to drive around.Also consider the Hyundai Exter SX Smart AMT and the Nissan Magnite Kuro AMT as well, as both have smoother powertrains than the Punch.

VISHNUDAS P

I want to buy an automatic car mainly for city use with a budget of around ₹10 lakh. I shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, but I have heard rumours that its production might be stopped. Is there any update on this, and what are some good alternatives to the Ignis?

Autocar India

•2d

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is still in production. It is worth noting that the Ignis is a bit long in the tooth now, and sales are very low, especially so by Maruti standards. Thus, there could be a possibility of it being discontinued or updated. In any case, being a Maruti model that has been on sale for a while now, you would still be able to get it serviced for a fairly long period of time.If you are, however, worried about this, you could consider the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch, which are two cars that will offer similar benefits of being compact, high-riding and available with an automatic transmission.

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

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