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

•2h

It's a safe bet to buy the Maruti Suzuki Brezza now, but do note that your budget will restrict you to the lower LXi or VXi variants. Coming from a Wagon R, you’ll like the upright seating, great visibility and light controls, and the simple 1.5 petrol feels easy in traffic with the same fuss-free ownership Maruti is known for. The Brezza also rides more comfortably than a hatch and has usable rear space and boot for family runs. A facelift is unlikely to change the basics - especially in the lower variants - and will most likely see a bump in prices.Keep in mind, though, the LXi is quite basic, and the VXi only adds a few more features. Also, the engine, while powerful enough, isn't very exciting or strong out on fast highways.If features matter more than badge, look at the Nissan Magnite or Renault Kiger mid-trims, which land under Rs 11 lakh on-road and offer better equipment, representing stronger value for money. However, they feel a size smaller, and their dealer network is smaller than Maruti’s.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Nissan Magnite

Renault Kiger

Autocar India

•3h

The Honda Amaze V CVT would actually be the strongest recommendation here, even if it stretches your budget slightly. For Bangalore's traffic, the CVT automatic is significantly smoother and more pleasant to use than the AMTs offered on cars like the Punch and Altroz. The Amaze is also comfortable, easy to drive, fuel efficient and backed by Honda's reputation for reliability. Safety is solid, and there are no concerns regarding ethanol-blended fuel as the car is designed to run on the fuels currently available and planned for India.If the budget is absolutely non-negotiable, then the Tata Punch facelift AMT would be the alternative to consider. It offers a strong safety package, a commanding driving position and good practicality for city use. Just keep in mind that an AMT will never feel as smooth as the Honda's CVT in stop-start traffic.

Honda Amaze

Tata Altroz

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•3d

The Hyundai i20 iVT Sportz is the best fit here. Its smooth automatic gearbox, refined cabin and proven ownership experience make it particularly well-suited to Bangalore's traffic while remaining comfortable on highway trips. It may not be the most powerful car in the segment, but it delivers the most polished overall experience.The Renault Kiger CVT would be the second choice. The CVT is smooth in city driving, the higher seating position is appreciated in urban conditions, and the turbo petrol engine feels more energetic than the naturally aspirated units in the Altroz and i20. While cabin quality and refinement are not quite at Hyundai levels, it offers good value and a more SUV-like experience.The Tata Altroz DCA takes third place. The gearbox is far superior to an AMT, and the car feels solid and planted on the road. However, the naturally aspirated petrol engine lacks the punch of the Kiger Turbo, and the overall ownership experience is not as polished as the Hyundai.

Hyundai i20

Renault Kiger

Tata Altroz