I am a new driver and want to buy an automatic car in the range of Rs 8 to 12 lakh on-road. I am looking for a car with a 360-degree camera, high on features, and comfortable enough to seat five adults.

Autocar India

•1d

The Renault Kiger 1.0-litre turbo-petrol CVT will feel like a clear upgrade from your Renault Kwid AMT. In fact, it is one of the smoothest automatics you can get at this size and price. Performance feels smooth and effortless. Alternatively, check the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT, which shares its platform and powertrain with the Kiger CVT. The Maruti Fronx/ Toyota Taisor 1.0 turbo automatic is also a good option that you could consider.

Renault Kiger

Nissan Magnite

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Autocar India

•10h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza - for your need of a comfortable 5-seater with easy rear access, it fits best under your budget and daily city use. The Brezza’s seat height is just right, so elders do not have to bend or climb, and the rear doors open wide which makes getting in and out simple. The rear seat has a longer cushion than most cars at this price, so thigh support is good even on longer trips, and the backrest angle is relaxed. In the city it rides softly over speed breakers and broken roads, keeps small bumps away from the cabin, and the light controls make it easy to drive.One thing to be aware of is that the engine is tuned more for smoothness than speed, so it will not feel very quick if you push hard, though that shouldn't be a problem given that most of your driving is in the city. We recommend opting for the ZXi+ AT, as the smooth torque converter automatic will make life easier around town.If rear seat space and the easiest entry for elders are top priority, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga gives you the roomiest back seat and a very calm ride, but it is longer and a bit harder to park. When you test drive, have your elders get into the rear seat themselves and sit for 10-15 minutes, and drive over a few rough patches to feel the support and ride.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•12h

Go for the Kia Carens Clavis Diesel. Its diesel engine is smooth, refined and very efficient, which you will certainly appreciate on account of your high usage. While the automatic version will be convenient, you could even consider the manual instead - the latter being even more fuel efficient, and its clutch and gearbox feel light and easy. What's more, this car is a spacious six or seven seater, with adequate space even in the third row. Moreover, it is well equipped too, and feels quite premium on the inside.If you want more power and higher ground clearance for rough roads, you could look at the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel, but efficiency will not be as good as the Clavis. Also, if you're open to electric cars, the Clavis EV and Mahindra XEV 9S will be great options for you, and if you can arrange for home charging, both these will be very economical to run.

Kia Carens Clavis