Hi, I am planning to buy my first car and have shortlisted two options - the Hyundai i20 N Line N8 DCT and the Hyundai Venue HX6 DCT. I test-drove both and instantly fell in love with the way the i20 N Line drives and handles. However, I could feel and hear every bump and pothole quite clearly in the N Line. On the other hand, the Venue’s suspension felt more compliant and better at absorbing bad roads. Cabin insulation and seating comfort also felt better in the Venue. I also came across your review. Is the Venue’s steering and suspension a deal-breaker? At triple-digit speeds, does it feel bouncy or unstable while changing lanes? I understand these cars belong to different segments, but could you please suggest which one I should choose? My primary usage will be weekend road trips, with occasional city driving, as my daily office commute is on a two-wheeler.

Autocar India

•1d

Opt for the Hyundai i20 IVT automatic. Since you drive in Pune, you'll appreciate the CVT gearbox's smoothness in traffic, and since it's a hatchback, it'll be easier to park in tight spots. The i20's steering is light, the engine is refined, and it also has a comfortable ride. The i20 also offers a nicer cabin quality, and Hyundai's service network is also more widespread.There are a couple of trade-offs. The i20’s boot is smaller than the Honda Amaze's, so big airport bags or long-trip luggage will require planning. Also, the CVT automatic is not very efficient, especially at city speeds.

Hyundai i20

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•4h

From your requirements, we feel the Hyundai Venue HX5 diesel will suit you better than the Maruti Suzuki Victoris CNG. It fits because diesel pulls stronger at low speeds and on open roads, so overtakes are easier even with family and luggage, and you will not have to plan trips around CNG pumps, which can be fewer and have queues in smaller towns. The new Venue is also compact and easy to park on narrow streets. This Hyundai car feels steady on rough patches common around small towns in Rajasthan, and Hyundai’s service network is wide.It also looks modern inside and out, which is what you are after. Even in the HX5 trim, the quality levels are high and there are modern design flourishes inside and out that keep the Venue from looking too basic or cheap. For instance, you still get a dual screen layout which looks crisp and high tech, as well as projector headlamps and LED DRLs on the outside. The Victoris, in comparison, looks a lot more conservative in its design, even though it is a larger vehicle. What's more, even though the Victoris has a larger boot than the Venue, its rear seat space is quite similar.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Venue

Autocar India

•1d

First, on manual vs automatic. In Bangalore traffic, an automatic is simply easier and less tiring. The concern about automatics becoming expensive later is largely outdated. Modern automatic gearboxes are reliable if serviced on time and are widely used today without major long-term issues. So for a first-time buyer, an automatic is the right call.Now, coming to your usage. Mostly city driving with some weekend highways means you need something smooth, easy to drive and comfortable, with low ownership stress.The Hyundai i20 IVT fits this very well. It is smooth, refined and extremely easy to drive in traffic. It also offers good interior quality and comfort for daily use, and the IVT gearbox is tuned for smoothness, making it ideal for stop-go conditions.The Honda Amaze CVT is the alternative if you want maximum peace of mind. It is very reliable, and Honda is known for consistent after-sales support. Like the i20, the Amaze’s CVT is smooth and relaxed in city driving, but the engine is slightly noisier compared to Hyundai’s petrol motor.

Hyundai i20

Honda Amaze