Autocar India
1d

Hi, I am looking to buy the Renault Kiger mid-spec AMT. Is it a good choice, or can you please recommend any other car within a budget of Rs. 8.5 lakh?

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10m
The Renault Kiger AMT is a decent choice, but the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre engine paired with the AMT gearbox can feel a bit lethargic, especially when carrying passengers or during highway overtakes. It gets the job done, but it isn't the most refined or responsive package in the segment.
At your budget, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT is worth serious consideration. Its four-cylinder petrol engine is smoother, more powerful and more refined than the Kiger's three-cylinder unit. The AMT gearbox is also better calibrated, making the overall driving experience more pleasant in daily use.
If you prefer the higher seating position and crossover-like stance of the Kiger, then the Hyundai Exter AMT is another strong alternative. It also gets a smooth four-cylinder engine paired with a well-sorted AMT, and it feels more refined in city driving.
Renault Kiger

Renault Kiger

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1d

I am planning to purchase a new automatic car for my daughter. She recently obtained her driving license and is currently driving an automatic Tata Nano. Now that she is comfortable and confident with it, I am considering upgrading her to a larger vehicle. I am evaluating options such as the Kylaq and the Kia Sonet. However, my wife is insisting on an electric car. I am a bit sceptical about EVs, as they are not yet fully proven to be trouble‑free, and her weekly commute is around 150 km. I am also waiting for the launch of the updated Brezza, and my preference is for a torque‑converter automatic rather than a DCT. I would appreciate your opinion on electric cars, the Kia Sonet diesel, the Brezza, and which one I should go for. This car will be mostly used for city drives since I have an Ertiga manual for long trips.

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1d

Of your shortlisted cars, go for the Skoda Kylaq automatic. For mostly city use and just 150km a week, its punchy turbo petrol engine with a smooth torque converter is a great mix of fun and ease of use. Its light yet sharp steering, upright seating and compact size feel like a natural step up from a Nano, and the interior feels fresh and upmarket too.The Kia Sonet diesel automatic is quick and efficient, but a diesel engine is overkill for your daughter's limited usage. Not only is it pound-for-pound more expensive than an equivalent petrol to buy, but it also requires extra care, such as regenerating the DPF (diesel particulate filter) every so often via a high-speed run, as well as top-ups of the ad-blue tank. The Brezza is a good option thanks to its simple, naturally aspirated engine, which should deliver better fuel economy than the Kylaq. But in its current form, it's just a bit uninteresting and unenthusiastic an offering, and it's best to wait for the facelift, which is right around the corner, before making that decision.For 150 km a week, an electric car is actually ideal if you have a private parking spot with a 15A socket or a home charger. The powertrains these days are much smoother, batteries carry long warranties, and city running is silent and cheap. Upfront cost, charging access and resale value are the only real hurdles, so if you are interested, a compact EV like the Tata Punch EV is a great option.

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Posted on: 17 Jun 2026