Delhi

Sanjay Subhash Patni

•2w

Namaskar, sir. I wish to upgrade from my current Baleno to a proper automatic vehicle. My overall running is around 8 to 10k per year (25% city & 75% highway). My budget is ₹15 to ₹18 lakh. Which car will you suggest? Your response & expertise will help me reach a conclusion.

Autocar India

•1w

There are multiple options within your budget. You can either look at the top variants of compact SUVs or the mid variants of midsize SUVs.

In the compact SUV segment, considering your usage and requirements, the new Hyundai Venue with the turbo petrol DCT in the top HX10 variant is a good option. It gets a proven turbo petrol engine and DCT gearbox that offers good punch for highway driving while still being smooth enough for city use. The cabin feels premium and is loaded with features in comparison to your Baleno. Opting for this Hyundai car will feel like a definite step up in terms of driving position, refinement and overall quality.

If you prefer a bigger and more comfortable car and are okay with sacrificing a few feel-good features, the Kia Seltos HTK petrol IVT makes a lot of sense. The Seltos offers a more premium cabin, more space and better overall comfort. The IVT automatic is silky smooth, especially in traffic, and the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine has enough performance for relaxed highway cruising.

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Latest questions people are discussing

Sidhant Singh Chandel

•1d

I am currently driving a Maruti Suzuki WagonR (2017), and I now feel the need to upgrade as my monthly running is around 1,500-2,000 km. What car should I buy within a budget of ₹14 lakh?

Autocar India

•8h

Since your monthly running is on the higher side, a diesel SUV would make sense. The newly updated Hyundai Venue in HX 5 trim would fit in your budget and is a big upgrade from the WagonR. The engine is refined, frugal and tried and tested, and should you get the manual gearbox, it has a light clutch that makes it easy in traffic. The HX 5 also gets a good level of kit, like a sunroof, cruise control, touchscreen, reversing sensors, TPMS, etc. The ride quality is good too, and it has a decent-sized boot for outstation trips. Hyundai's after-sales network is also one of the best, and it would be a hassle-free ownership experience.

Hyundai Venue

JAYAPRAKASH

•3d

I currently own a 2018 Honda WR-V diesel manual (6-speed), which has run about 50,000 km, along with a Tata EV purchased in 2023, which has covered around 20,000 km. I have now decided to replace my WR-V with a BS6 diesel automatic car. Could you please suggest which diesel automatic model would be the best choice according to Autocar?

Autocar India

•10h

Without knowing your budget and more requirements, we can't recommend the ideal choice for you. We have shortlisted models that you should consider, and why they are of interest. Compact SUVs- Hyundai Venue: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, good interior space, upmarket interior | (-) Expensive for its size- Kia Sonet: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, upmarket interior, good value | (-) Rear seat space is limited, due to be replaced in the coming year Midsize SUVs- Kia Seltos: (+) Spacious interior, well equipped, good ride comfort | (-) Performance is adequate only- Tata Sierra: (+) Class-best space, feature-packed, tough build, ride comfort | (-) Engine feels noisy, road noise- Hyundai Creta: (+) Well equipped, decent performance | (-) Due to be replaced in the coming year

Krishnav

I have been looking for a secondary car, primarily to be driven in the city. A petrol automatic would be preferred. Mileage is not a very big criterion. Good engine performance, features and a hassle-free ownership experience are on the must-have list. We are looking for something compact and easy to maneuver in the city and park in tight spaces. Budget is around ₹15 lakh, plus or minus a lakh. A lack of dealerships in the city we reside in restricts us to only a few brands: Maruti Suzuki (Nexa too), Kia, Hyundai, Mahindra, Toyota and Tata. We test drove the Hyundai Venue (new gen), Kia Sonet and also looked at the Toyota Fronx and Nexon. Which car would you kindly suggest?

Autocar India

•15h

The Hyundai Venue is a good option to consider. It is compact, has a good feature list, and the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy and fun to drive. The DCT automatic gearbox is also smooth and quick to respond. Being the newest entrant to the compact SUV segment, it gets a modern cabin that is well-equipped and gets all the features you would want.This Hyundai car also has decent space at the rear, and the ride comfort and sales and service experience is good, too. Overall, it is a well-rounded package that does everything the way you'd want it to. The HX 8 trim is one shy of the top-spec, but it will fit in your budget and offer a long equipment list.

Hyundai Venue

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Posted on: 28 Feb 2026

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Namaskar, sir. I wish to upgrade from my current Baleno to a proper automatic vehicle. My overall running is around 8 to 10k per year (25% city & 75% highway). My budget is ₹15 to ₹18 lakh. Which car will you suggest? Your response & expertise will help me reach a conclusion.

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Namaskar, sir. I wish to upgrade from my current Baleno to a proper automatic vehicle. My overall running is around 8 to 10k per year (25% city & 75% highway). My budget is ₹15 to ₹18 lakh. Which car will you suggest? Your response & expertise will help me reach a conclusion.

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