I own an Ignis Alpha AMT, purchased for its mileage, low service cost, and city-friendly driving. My daily usage is around 50 km, but even after two years, I get only 9 km/l in the city and 14 km/l on highways, far below ARAI claims. I drive in auto mode in the city and manual on highways. Being a top variant, it still misses ADAS, 360° camera, hill-hold assist, rear AC vents, and charging points. Kindly suggest ways to improve mileage or a safer hatchback with better mileage and features within ₹10 lakh.

Autocar India

•1d

Given that your usage isn't too heavy, you should go for the Kia Sonet HTX 1.0 TGDi DCT without a worry. A concern could arise when used frequently in bumper-to-bumper stop-and-go traffic, and that too if not driven with care. However, since you drive mostly on the weekend and through flowing traffic, we think it should be fine. The trade-off is quicker shifts when you're on the move, and this pairs well with the Sonet's sprightly 120hp turbo petrol engine. The compact SUV itself is well equipped and has premium interiors, but it does have a choppy ride, and its rear seat isn't particularly spacious. If those are concerns for you, also check out the Hyundai Venue HX6 1.0 TGDi DCT, which costs about the same. It uses the same powertrain, but as it's based on a new-gen platform, it has a more spacious cabin and a more comfortable ride. Additionally, the Skoda Kylaq with its punchy 1.0 TSI engine and smooth 6-speed AT gearbox is a great bet. The after-sales is far less of a concern these days than the brand's old reputation leads most to believe.

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq

Autocar India

•2d

There is a wide range of sub-4m cars available in your budget. We've listed the best city cars for each body style:1) Hatchbacks: Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Glanza 2) Compact sedans: Maruti Suzuki Dzire3) Crossover/compact SUV: Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Citroen C3

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Glanza

Citroen C3

Autocar India

•23h

For your usage, which is largely short in-town drives with occasional hill trips carrying family, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol with the IVT automatic is the most suitable choice. It offers a very smooth and easy driving experience, especially in stop-go city conditions, with light controls and seamless power delivery that will feel far more relaxed compared to your current Vista. On hill drives, while it may need to be worked a bit harder on steep inclines, it has enough power and is easy to manage.A diesel automatic is not a bad choice, but in your case, it is not the most ideal fit. With mostly short city runs of around 20km, modern diesel engines can sometimes require longer, sustained drives to maintain optimal health, and you may not fully utilise the diesel’s strengths. The extra cost also becomes harder to justify given your usage pattern.The turbo petrol with DCT is another option, but for your kind of driving, it is not the best fit either. Dual-clutch automatics can feel less smooth at low speeds, in crawling traffic, and in hilly conditions; they require a bit more care.So, overall, the petrol IVT strikes the best balance of smoothness, ease of driving and long-term peace of mind. If you are also considering the Kia Carens Clavis, it could be worth a look for its added practicality. But if you specifically want an automatic petrol, you will have to opt for the turbo petrol with DCT, as the 1.5 naturally aspirated engine is offered only with a manual transmission.

Kia Carens Clavis