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Visnu Prasad

•7w

Hi team, I have been using a Baleno Delta MT for the past 9 years and am now looking to change my car. My preference is a midsize SUV with an automatic transmission. My budget is around Rs 15 lakh. Please suggest a good option.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7w
If you want to buy a midsize SUV, we would suggest stretching your budget slightly, as the automatic versions of the Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos sit just above this price point.
Among these, the recently launched Seltos HTE(O) CVT stands out as the best pick. While the model itself is new, the 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with the CVT automatic is a proven and reliable powertrain that has been in use across earlier Seltos models and several Hyundai cars for years.
This Kia car also offers good space and a comfortable ride, and even the lower HTE(O) variant is well-equipped with features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a 60:40 split folding rear seat.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

Explore cars mentioned

Honda Elevate

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.49 Lakh

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai

Creta

from ₹12.56 Lakh

Kia Seltos

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

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SP

Shivathmaja PS

•11h

I am looking to buy a car for my parents, who do not drive, so it will mostly be chauffeur-driven. My main priority is rear seat comfort. We are upgrading from a 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. The car will mainly be used for highways and long trips, with minimal city usage. However, I would prefer an automatic transmission in case I need to use it occasionally in the city (Bengaluru). Before starting test drives, I wanted your suggestions on some suitable vehicles. Based on my initial research, I have shortlisted the following options: Honda City ZX CVT Kia Seltos HTX iVT Honda Elevate ZX CVT Škoda Slavia 1.5L Sportline DSG or 1.0 Monte Carlo AT Volkswagen Virtus Topline AT My budget is around ₹20–21 lakh. Which option would you recommend, especially considering rear seat comfort and highway usability?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•5h

Go for the Honda City ZX CVT. For chauffeur‑driven parents, it offers the comfiest rear bench, ample legroom, and a smooth CVT for Bengaluru traffic within your ₹20-21 lakh budget.Rear comfort is its strength: the 2,600 mm wheelbase helps knee-room, the rear seat is well-cushioned with good thigh support, and the ride is tuned soft for long trips. The 506‑litre boot easily swallows luggage for highway runs. ZX adds 6 airbags and ADAS with adaptive cruise control, useful on long highways. The CVT’s smooth creep and no shift‑shock make occasional city use easy. Versus your shortlist, Elevate’s rear bench feels upright, while Slavia/Virtus ride firmer and are more driver‑centric for back‑seat comfort.The one thing you give up is ground clearance in comparison to the Elevate. Also, if getting in and out is a concern, the Elevate's high-set seats would make it easier. A test drive should sort that out. For now, we recommend the City for its hassle-free ownership experience, reliability and most of all, a refined and comfortable cabin.

VehicleHonda City
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Slavia
VehicleVolkswagen Virtus
SD

Sagar Dhavali

•5d

I am looking to replace my Volkswagen polo with a SUV for term usage. My running is occasional few times in city and twice a year long journey. I am looking at Honda Elevate and Renault Duster. Do you have any other suggestions?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

Why don't you consider the Skoda Kushaq facelift instead? Being part of the VW group, the Kushaq will be a natural upgrade from your Polo - it is well-built, well-equipped and it drives well too. Both its engines (1.0L and 1.5L) deliver good performance. This should be high up on your shortlist.The Honda Elevate is a no nonsense option with excellent ride comfort, and a strong naturally aspirated petrol engine. The seating position is good, and it is nice to drive too. Refinement however isn't its strong suit.The Renault Duster also looks like a good option but we'll reserve our judgements till we actually drive it extensively.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq facelift
VehicleHonda Elevate
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RM

RATHI MRINALINI

•1d

I am a new driver and have been driving in Bangalore for the past three years. I currently own a second-hand Maruti Celerio. I am planning to buy a new automatic car with a budget of ₹9.5 lakh. Could you please recommend a safe and comfortable car that is easy to drive?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7h

We would recommend sticking to the Maruti family and upgrading to the new Swift. The Swift, in its ZXI AMT guise, will fit in your budget and deliver your requirements. It is compact, which makes it easy to handle, and has enough power at 82hp for the city and the highway from the 1.2-litre engine.In terms of efficiency, the AMT version returns 12.7kpl in the city and 19.7kpl on the highway. The AMT is one of the nicer versions in the segment and makes light work of city driving. The ride comfort is good too, and the Swift is tuned for bumpy Indian roads. The ZXI will also get you a good kit like 15-inch alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and rear AC vents.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Swift

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Posted on: 22 Jan 2026