My budget is ₹10 lakh. My daily usage is around 80 km in the city, and I also do a 400 km highway trip once a month. Which car should I buy?

Autocar India

•15w

Given that your running is within the city, a compact automatic would be ideal. The Nissan Magnite CVT would suit you well, though it is at the upper end of your budget. As a daily driver, you will find the CVT gearbox smoother than an automated manual (AMT), which is what most others offer at this price point.

Further, you will also find Magnite's engine performance very good on your highway trips, and the ride is stable and confident. You can also consider the Tata Altroz, which offers a good ride, compact dimensions, and a choice of a dual-clutch-auto (DCT) or a more affordable AMT.

Explore cars mentioned

Nissan

Magnite

from ₹6.25 Lakh

Tata

Altroz

from ₹7.18 Lakh

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RATHI MRINALINI

•2d

I'm a new driver on the road. Been driving a Celerio (second-hand) for the last 2 years in Bangalore. Looking for an automatic petrol car within a budget of ₹9.5 lakh. My priority is safety and ease of adapting to the new car. I am thinking of a Punch. Looking for your suggestion.

Autocar India

•1d

Yes, the Tata Punch Adventure AMT is an excellent option, given your requirements. It's tall with a high seating position, which gives you a commanding view out - great for a new driver, yet it's compact enough not to be intimidating around town. It will also feel like a good upgrade from your old Celerio.Since safety is also a consideration for you, the Punch has been given a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating and gets 6 airbags as standard, plus a good amount of standard safety equipment. If there's a potential drawback, it's that the Punch's 1.2 petrol engine and AMT gearbox aren't the smoothest combination, and as a new driver, the jerkiness at low speeds is something you will have to learn to drive around.Also consider the Hyundai Exter SX Smart AMT and the Nissan Magnite Kuro AMT as well, as both have smoother powertrains than the Punch.

Debasish

I am new to car driving and have a budget of under ₹10 lakh. My priorities are good mileage, safety, low maintenance, comfort, and an automatic transmission. My usage will be 50% city and 50% highway, with a monthly running of around 1,000-1,400 km. Kindly suggest a suitable car.

Autocar India

•2d

We would recommend you look at the Nissan Magnite. Since you are new to driving, the higher seating would offer you a good view outside and a slightly more secure feel compared to hatchbacks or a sedan. The interiors are comfy and spacious enough for a family of four, and since your driving is on highways and city roads, the ride and handling balance of the Magnite will benefit you. Highway stability is good, and while the city ride can be firm, it does not feel uncomfortable at any point. Opt for the 1.0 litre non-turbo engine as it offers sufficient performance for a relaxed driving style and would be more fuel efficient than the turbo engine. Within your budget, you would also get a decently equipped variant. The Magnite is also a safe car well-equipped with safety features, and it also scored a 5-star rating in the GNCAP tests. Reliability is also good, Nissan's dealer network is not widespread, thus make sure you have a dealer in your area who has a good reputation too. If not, consider the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, as a sedan, you will not get that higher seating, but it will meet your other requirements of safety, low maintenance and comfort.

Nissan Magnite

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Srujan

•1w

I really like the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI AT, but I am unable to finalize my decision because of the rear seat space and a few other compromises. My other options within a ₹14 lakh budget are the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX and the Nissan Magnite CVT. Considering these choices, which would be the best option overall? Also, what should I prioritise more in this segment - space and practicality or driving performance?

Autocar India

•2d

It's a shame that the Skoda Kylaq's rear seat space is not quite up to the best in the segment, because otherwise it is a superb compact SUV that scores highly on most other counts. Of the other options, the Nissan Magnite, while capable and a great value for money, feels like a sub-segment lower in terms of quality, space and performance. The Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX should be your best bet because it offers both - performance and rear-seat space. In fact, it has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment, although the boot is a bit smaller than others. The RevX offers a good feature set as well, along with a few unique styling embellishments, and overall, we feel this is the one you should pick.

Nissan Magnite

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

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