I have shortlisted the Honda Amaze VX CVT, as I am looking for a sub-4m car that is good to drive, senior-friendly, and suitable for occasional long drives. My monthly running will be around 500 km. Is this a good choice for my needs?

Autocar India

•43m

Go ahead with the Honda Amaze VX CVT; it is a very good choice for your needs. The CVT is seamless in operation, very user-friendly, and the cabin is quite spacious for its class. The steering is light, the controls are easy, and visibility is good, so low-speed traffic and parking are simple. The ride is comfortable on most roads, and the boot is large enough for luggage on the occasional highway trip. With only about 500km a month, a petrol automatic like this makes the most sense, and Honda’s service reach and long-term reliability add peace of mind.

One thing to be aware of: fuel efficiency isn’t as good as its main rival, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. In our real-world testing, the Amaze managed 13.28kpl (combined), while the Dzire delivered 15.41kpl (combined). If that is a priority, then consider the Dzire instead, but do note you will be getting an AMT, which is inferior to the Amaze’s CVT.

Overall, the Amaze VX CVT fits your brief best. On the test drive, focus on seat comfort, how easy it is to get in and out, and how smoothly it moves at very low speeds.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Amaze

from ₹8.83 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Dzire

from ₹7.38 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Arpit

•2d

Hi, I already own a Hyundai Creta IVT and am now looking to buy another car for my wife, primarily for city driving in Pune. The Creta feels a bit large for her to manoeuvre on narrow city roads and in traffic, so I am looking for a more compact option. My key requirements are: Automatic transmission (mandatory) Compact size and easy to drive Low budget (do not want to spend much) Petrol only (cannot consider EV due to lack of charging space) I have ruled out Tata due to reliability concerns. I also had a previous Hyundai Grand i10, which had AC issues, so I am hesitant about that as well. The Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic looks appealing but may be too powerful for city use. The Hyundai Venue is a good option, but at a price of ₹14-15 lakh, the XUV 3XO seems like a better value. I am also unsure about Maruti options like the Swift (concerns about fit and finish) and the Baleno (feels slightly large and low-slung). Given these considerations, which car would you recommend?

Autocar India

•13h

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi AT is a good option for your wife’s city use in Pune, it is the right size, has a smooth automatic and is not too powerful, and it's easy on the pocket. Compared to your Hyundai Creta, the Brezza feels much smaller in traffic and easier to park. The high seat and big windows make it simple to judge gaps and U-turns, which will help on narrow Pune roads. The AT here is a regular automatic (not an AMT), so it moves off gently, shifts with minimal jerks, and is very calm in stop-go traffic. AC performance is strong, and overall fit and finish are better than in the Maruti Suzuki Swift or Baleno. Maruti’s service reach in Pune is a bonus for easy ownership. The cabin does not feel as plush as a Venue or XUV 3XO, but for daily city use, it works very well. If you want to spend less and still want a very smooth auto, look at the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT. It is very compact, and the CVT is easy in traffic, though the cabin feels simpler, and Nissan’s service network is smaller. If you do stretch, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L AT is also easy to drive despite its power and offers top safety and features.

Shatrughna Singh

I have a family of four and am planning to upgrade from my Maruti Celerio. My budget is ₹10 lakh. Which car would be the most suitable option for my needs?

Autocar India

•14h

Consider the Tata Punch Adventure with the 1.2-litre petrol and manual combo for a family of four moving up from a Celerio at around Rs 10 lakh; it fits your needs right now. You sit higher than in your Celerio, so getting in and out is easier, and you get a better view in traffic. The cabin has more room, and the boot is bigger, so weekend bags or a stroller fit without a squeeze. Ride quality is good too, and it feels robust on rough roads.One thing to be aware of: this engine is fine in the city, but you will need to plan your overtakes on the highway with a full load. Also, if you choose the automatic, it is the AMT type, so you will feel a small pause between shifts. If this is an issue, then consider the Hyundai i20 with a CVT instead.Take your family along and do a short highway stretch in both to see which cabin and driving experience you prefer.

Tata Punch

Hyundai i20

Debarka De

•22h

I own a 2022 Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 Highline and am planning to buy a new car within a budget of ₹15-18 lakh. My priority is maximum space along with premium features. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•15h

You can opt for Kia Carens Clavis in your Rs 15-18 lakh budget; it gives you the most space and the most upmarket feel for the money. You already have a Volkswagen Taigun, which is a great driver’s car, but the Clavis will feel far roomier the moment you get in. The second row has lots of knee room, the third row is usable for adults on short trips, and with the last row folded, the boot is huge for airport runs or a long holiday. Plus, Kia’s service reach in most cities is strong, so upkeep is simple.One thing to be aware of: it won’t feel as lively to drive as your Taigun, and the steering feels lighter, so cornering won’t be as engaging. Moreover, within your budget, you'll get the mid-range HTK+ variant, which, though it has more than just the basics, doesn't offer the full suite of features you get higher up the range. Much better value for money is the Citroen Aircross, which comes in a 7-seat variant with a flexible third row of seats that can be removed when you don't need it. It has a supremely comfortable ride, and for under Rs 17 lakh, you will get the top-spec X Max 7-seat automatic variant. Just bear in mind, Citroen's service network isn't as wide as Kia's, so make sure there's an outlet near you.

Kia Carens Clavis

Citroen Aircross

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