Hello Autocar, Can you please advise on the following options? Buying my first car, daily city commute 25 kms, weekends 100, once in 6 months highway 300kms. Toyota Taisor AMT S variant Honda Amaze CVT VX Kia Sonet DCT HTX(O) Regards Deb

autocar.india

•1d

A correction, first. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx does not come with a CVT. The base 1.2-litre petrol engine is offered with an AMT, while the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol gets a torque-converter auto combination. Both versions are fuel-efficient for their respective engine type. However, given your priorities, the Fronx AMT makes more sense. It isn't the slickest gearbox, but it is smooth enough for everyday city driving. What really strengthens the Fronx AMT's case is its fuel economy, which is comparable to that of a manual car. You will not have any issues with spare parts or service costs. The Fronx Turbo AT offers a smoother, punchier experience, but fuel economy takes a hit. The Honda Amaze CVT is very smooth and refined, making for a practical package. However, mileage isn't as good as the Fronx AMT, and long-term ownership costs will be higher than those of a Maruti, too.The Mahindra XUV 3XO with the torque-converter automatic is an exciting option, but doesn't fit your key requirements. The turbo-petrol engine and torque converter auto combo isn't particularly efficient.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Honda Amaze

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•2d

The first thing to note is that with a Rs. 12 lakh budget, the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia may be difficult to fit in unless you're looking at entry-level variants or stretching your budget. The Tata Nexon, on the other hand, sits much more comfortably within your range.Between a sedan and an SUV, we'd lean towards a sedan for your usage pattern. With your driving split evenly between city and highway and a relatively modest monthly running of around 1,000km, a sedan generally offers better ride comfort, superior highway stability and a more engaging driving experience. Coming from a Tata Tiago, a Virtus or Slavia will feel like a substantial upgrade in terms of refinement, space and overall quality.If your budget is firm at Rs 12. lakh, we'd suggest looking at the Skoda Kylaq Automatic or Honda Amaze CVT as well. The Kylaq offers SUV practicality, strong safety credentials and a fun turbo-petrol engine, while the Amaze provides the smoothest automatic experience and excellent long-term ownership appeal.The Tata Nexon remains a good all-rounder with strong safety credentials and a practical cabin, but if your heart is set on a Virtus or Slavia and you can stretch the budget, they are the more rewarding cars to own and drive.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

Tata Nexon

Tata Tiago

Skoda Kylaq

Honda Amaze

autocar.india

•12h

You can go ahead and buy the Hyundai i20 Asta IVT now. There's no further facelift planned, and the Bayon-based crossover will be positioned much higher and closer to the Hyundai Creta in price. For mostly city use, the i20's smooth, automatic and light controls make traffic a breeze, and it fits your budget better than most compact SUVs would. You still get six airbags, a big screen, a sunroof and all the everyday comforts, and it’s fine for the odd highway run. However, the i20 doesn’t get a 360 camera, and Android Auto/CarPlay aren't wireless unless you buy a special adapter accessory.If a 360 camera is a must and you want the SUV look, the Hyundai Venue SX(O) DCT or Kia Sonet GTX+ have it, but they’ll sit well past Rs 14 lakh on-road in most cities, and their dual-clutch automatics aren’t as smooth as the i20’s CVT in bumper-to-bumper traffic.Another alternative you could consider is the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor Turbo Petrol V AT, which gets a punchy but efficient engine, a smooth automatic, and the features you want at around your Rs 14 lakh budget.

Hyundai i20

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor