I am relatively beginner city driver. I am planning to get a car for senior parents and be independent. I need a car in which bonnet is visible from driver seat. I am interested in Citroen C3X. Is it wise to get the AT version considering I rarely go on highways. City commute is also relatively low, around 1000km/month.

autocar.india

•22h

Go for the Honda Amaze, which is possibly the best automatic car in this price range for your needs. The biggest advantage is its smooth CVT gearbox, which is far superior to the more basic AMTs that are offered by the other cars in this price range. That gearbox is mated to a smooth, refined and fuel efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine that's proven and reliable. Its compact dimensions make it easy to drive, and Honda's famous attention to space management and ergonomics mean it feels like a big car on the inside and is easy to drive too. Moreover, for your occasional highway trips, the 89hp, four-cylinder engine has good power for cruising and overtaking. There's no harm in choosing a sedan at all, and you should buy the car that suits you and not the market.The Exter is a good alternative, with a higher seating that makes it easy to see out of, and you will get a higher variant in your budget, although compared to the Amaze, it feels like a smaller car from a lower segment. The engine isn't as punchy as the Honda's and the AMT gearbox is nowhere as smooth, and while it might be sufficient in the city, it doesn't inspire confidence on the highway. Overall, the Amaze is the best bet for your needs.

Honda Amaze

Hyundai Exter

autocar.india

•2h

Yes, it is worth waiting for the facelift. The Toyota Innova HyCross facelift is expected to bring a number of meaningful updates, including a refreshed front design, a few interior updates and potentially some additional features. More importantly, the facelift will help keep the car feeling current for a longer period of ownership, which is important given Toyota's long product cycles.Since your delivery is still a few months away, it makes sense to wait and see what the facelift brings rather than taking delivery of the outgoing model just before the update arrives. The current HyCross is already a strong product, and the facelift is likely to make it an even better long-term ownership proposition.

Toyota Innova HyCross facelift

Toyota Innova HyCross

autocar.india

•45m

Go for the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. With your 15,000km a year, a mix of city and highway, and a 5-7 year ownership plan, the GLE 450 is the better fit. The GLC 220d is a very good car, but the GLE 450 is a clear step up in space, comfort and overall luxury. It is a genuinely large SUV with a far more spacious rear seat and a more premium cabin experience, and a comfy ride quality, which makes a big difference on long drives and family trips. The 450 petrol engine is also smooth, powerful and well suited to your usage pattern.On the diesel question, at 15,000km a year a diesel can make sense, but the GLE 450 petrol is refined, efficient enough and future-proof. There is no immediate government plan to ban diesel cars, but policy direction can change over time, especially in cities like Bangalore. The GLE 450 petrol is the safer long-term ownership bet.On the facelift, both the GLC and GLE are expected to get updates in 2027 with the GLE likely to be revamped by the mid 2027. If you are not in a hurry, it is worth waiting. If you need the car now, do not overthink it – the GLE 450 will serve you well for years.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLC