Hi Autocar, I'm planning to buy my first automatic car with an on-road budget of around Rs. 12 lakh, and I'm a bit confused between these options: Honda Amaze ZX CVT, Tata Punch Accomplished+ S AMT, Skoda Kylaq Signature AT The car will mostly be used for a mix of city driving and occasional highway trips. A few things about my usage: I'm a first-time driver, so I want something easy to drive, and that helps me build confidence. Right now, the car will be used occasionally, but the usage could increase over the next few years. My parents will also be driving it sometimes, so ease of driving and comfort are important. I'm looking for a reliable car that doesn't give frequent issues and is easy to own. Which of these would you recommend based on my requirements? Also, if I go with the Kylaq, is the Signature+ AT really worth paying around Rs. 2 lakh more than the Signature AT? Are the extra features and overall package worth the premium, or is the Signature AT good enough? Thanks!

autocar.india

•5h

The Skoda Kylaq Prestige Plus AT is a strong choice, but your concerns about the 360-degree camera are valid. The Kylaq does not offer a factory-fitted 360-degree camera, so any installation will be an aftermarket solution, even if arranged through the dealer. This means the camera system will not be as seamlessly integrated as a factory setup. The feed will display on the touchscreen, but the level of integration can vary depending on the kit used. Some systems can trigger the side cameras with the indicators, but this is not always guaranteed and depends on the quality of the installation and the specific hardware chosen.Regarding the software update rumour, there is no official Skoda update pending specifically for 360-degree camera integration on the Kylaq. Dealers may be waiting for better aftermarket kits or improved integration solutions. There is a factory update on the horizon later this year, which could include the update.

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•17h

The Jimny is a genuinely likeable car with its compact dimensions, rugged looks and proper SUV feel, and it is well suited to city use and small road trips. However, your concerns about low sales and resale value are valid. The Jimny has not found a large audience, and that does have an impact on long-term ownership confidence. The Thar Roxx is indeed much larger and less city-friendly, while the standard Thar remains cramped in the second row, so neither is an ideal alternative for your usage.As for a facelift, there is no confirmed timeline for a major update, and waiting for a 4x2 variant is not advisable unless you are specifically looking for a more affordable, less capable version. The Jimny’s appeal lies in its 4x4 capability, and a 4x2 version would dilute much of what makes it special.If you love the Jimny for what it is, you can still go ahead and buy it, but do so with the understanding that resale value may not be its strongest suit. If that is a major concern, you may want to consider more mainstream alternatives like the Brezza or the Kylaq, which offer better ownership confidence without the same level of off-road character.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Mahindra Thar

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•20h

Do not let E20 concerns drive your decision. Modern turbo petrol engines are engineered to run on E20 fuel, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20 at this stage. The main impact of higher ethanol blends is a slight reduction in fuel economy, not engine damage. Premium petrol is not required, and long-term wear is generally limited to some rubber fuel-system components, which manufacturers account for in their designs.If you want to buy a car under 15 lakhs, the best approach is to focus on the car that best suits your needs rather than worrying about E20. If you want a turbo petrol, the Skoda Kylaq is a strong recommendation. It offers a genuinely enjoyable driving experience, a proven 1.0 TSI engine and a well-balanced package. If you want a more spacious car, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is also worth considering. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs, has a wide cabin and is a great 5-seater. The only drawback is the boot, which is one of the smallest in the segment.The key point is that E20 should not be the deciding factor. Both Kylaq and 3XO are engineered for E20 and will serve you well for years to come. Choose the one that best fits your usage and ownership priorities.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO