My age is 72. The average driving is about 1,000km per month. I am looking for a good, safe, small automatic car for self-driving, including occasional long drives across the country. I find the Innova too big to park when I drive. Please help me choose a car under Rs 15 lakh.

Autocar India

•15w

There are many automatic options within your budget. Here are some models you could look at -

Skoda Kylaq: It's got a punchy petrol engine, smooth auto gearbox and has a tough build. It's not the most spacious at the back, but that should not be a deal breaker for you.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza: The Brezza automatic is a sensible pick. It's easy to drive and, while unexciting, the engine gets the job done and scores well on efficiency. The Brezza also has a practical interior. What really works in favour of the Brezza is a hassle-free ownership and service experience that you get with Maruti Suzuki.

Honda Elevate: In case you need something larger, the Honda Elevate CVT in V trim is also an option worth considering. It's got a spacious interior and has a robust suspension. However, the Elevate CVT is best enjoyed with a mild driving style.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.92 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Brezza

from ₹9.70 Lakh

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.73 Lakh

Recommended questions for you

Anunay Sinha

•3d

I am planning to buy a new vehicle with a budget of 15 to 16 lakh on-road. My usage is mainly in the city, between 60% to 70%, while the rest is on highways and occasional hill drives. Daily running is around 30 to 40 km. I am currently considering the Honda Elevate, Renault Duster, and Tata Sierra.

Autocar India

•9h

Go for the Honda Elevate VX MT. Within your ₹15-16 lakh on-road budget, it balances easy city driving and occasional hill trips with dependable performance and simple ownership.Your usage is 60-70% city and 30-40 km daily (roughly 900-1,200 km/month), so a straightforward petrol manual keeps things hassle‑free without turbo/DPF complexity. The Elevate’s upright seating and good visibility reduce fatigue in traffic, and its compact footprint makes tight parking simpler than bigger SUVs. For weekend runs to the hills, the manual’s engine braking and predictable throttle response give steady control on descents and hairpins.The one thing you give up is brisk turbocharged punch. Fast uphill overtakes will need a downshift, and the features list isn’t as flashy as some rivals at this price.If you want an automatic to ease your 60-70% city commute, consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT instead. It’s smooth in traffic and climbs hills without fuss. However, between the two, the Elevate is a notch up in terms of comfort, fit-finish and refinement.

Honda Elevate

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Selva

•4d

Hi, I am looking to buy a family car with an automatic transmission. My usage will be around 90% on highways and 10% on rough or off-road conditions, and it should be comfortable for adult passengers. I am considering the Skoda Kylaq AT with a budget of ₹15 lakh and expect good mileage. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT; at your Rs 15 lakh budget, it balances excellent highway stability, 189mm of ground clearance for mild off-road use, and supportive seats for adults.With 90 percent highway driving, the Kylaq feels secure and planted, while its five-star Bharat NCAP rating adds peace of mind. The seats are comfortable and supportive for longer journeys, though you might find rear legroom a bit tight for taller folks. In our real-world testing, the 1.0 TSI AT managed 8.7kpl in the city and 13.36kpl on the highway.The one trade-off is outright boot space; at 360 litres, it is a bit smaller than rivals, so carrying five adults with large bags will be tight.If you regularly carry five adults along with large luggage, consider the Kia Seltos IVT instead; its 433-litre boot and slightly wider rear seat make packing and seating easier.On your test drive, seat two adults in the rear and do a 60-80kph run over patchy roads to assess ride comfort, cabin noise and stability.

Skoda Kylaq

Debjyoti Roy

•4d

I am looking for an automatic car for a daily 60 km office commute in peak Kolkata traffic. I need an effortless driving experience, with adequate power for quick overtakes, even when the car is fully loaded. The yearly maintenance cost should be around ₹15,000. My budget is within ₹10 lakh, which can be extended up to ₹12 lakh. Note: ChatGPT suggested the Mahindra XUV 3XO TC.

Autocar India

•1d

The Mahindra XUV 3XO in the MX2 Pro fits the brief very well. It gets a powerful 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, and the 6-speed automatic is smooth, which makes stop-go driving easy and stress-free. It is also one of the most spacious cars in the segment, and its wide cabin makes it a proper 5-seater, so even when fully loaded, it remains comfortable and does not feel strained.Another good option, and a more affordable one, is the Skoda Kylaq automatic in the Classic+ variant. It comes with a strong 1.0 turbo petrol engine paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque converter transmission. While it is not as spacious as the 3XO, it feels noticeably smaller to drive, which makes it easier to manage in tight traffic conditions. It also offers a comfortable ride and has a larger boot than the 3XO. Despite being more affordable, it also offers useful features like auto-dimming IRVM and cruise control.Between the two, if your priority is effortless performance and space, the 3XO is the better fit. If you want something easier to drive in the city with better value and practicality, the Kylaq makes a strong case.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

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