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Suresh Shetty

9w

My budget is ₹7 lakh and I do not want a Maruti Suzuki. I am open to other car makers and also considering an EV. Which car should I choose?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
9w

Unfortunately, no EV is available within a budget of Rs 7 lakh. You will have to extend your budget by at least 1-1.50 lakh to purchase the entry-level MG Comet or Tata Tiago EV

The MG Comet is an excellent urban runabout, due to its tiny footprint, which makes it easy to manoeuvre and park. Occasionally, it can seat four passengers in relative comfort, with the only limiting factor being access to its rear seats due to its two-door layout. The Tata Tiago EV is relatively more conventional in its approach, and it drives a bit better than the Comet. 

Also, it is the Tata Tiago EV, which will feel a bit more comfortable and confident for the occasional highway drives. Hence, if this is going to be your primary vehicle, we'd recommend the Tata Tiago EV for its well-roundedness.

MG Comet

MG Comet

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VS

Vigneshwar S

3d

I am planning to buy a new car under ₹7 lakh. I am looking for a car with smooth engine performance and enhanced safety features.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1h

We would recommend you look at the Maruti Suzuki Celerio. Refinement from the 1.0 litre engine is much better than you would expect from a three-cylinder engine, and minimal vibrations filter into the cabin. The overall performance is smooth and easy for normal everyday driving, and at low city speeds, it even feels a bit eager, and it is thus quite enjoyable to drive. In terms of safety, the car is well equipped with safety features like 6 airbags, anti-locking brakes (ABS) and electronic stability program (ESP). It also scored a three-star crash safety rating in the GNCAP test. You can get cars with a better crash rating, like the Tata Tiago, for instance, but you will not find the engine as smooth.

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RATHI MRINALINI

1d

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
2h

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.

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Posted on: 8 Jan 2026