I want to buy the new 2026 facelift version of the Tata Tiago. Is it a good option within this budget, or should I consider any other brands?

autocar.india

•1d

The width of your parking space is 8ft, which is about 2.44 metres. That is quite tight for most modern cars, especially with the mirrors open. For example, a typical midsize SUV like the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta is around 1.8 metres wide without mirrors, and with mirrors open, the width can go up to around 2.1 metres. With an 8ft width, you'll have very little clearance on either side, especially if you need to open the doors, so you'll need to park close to the passenger-side wall to have enough space for the driver to open the door and enter/exit. The good news is that most modern cars have electrically folding mirrors, so you can fold them in before entering the parking space. With mirrors folded, the width drops back to the body width, which is usually around 1.8 metres for most SUVs and 1.7 metres for smaller hatchbacks and sedans. If you want a car that is genuinely easy to park in an 8ft space, you should look at smaller hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios or Tata Tiago. These are around 1.7 metres wide with mirrors folded and will give you more breathing room. The key is to make sure the car you choose has electrically folding mirrors and to get into the habit of folding them before entering the parking space.

Kia Seltos

Tata Tiago

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Maruti Suzuki Swift

autocar.india

•7h

An ideal upgrade from your Santro is the Hyundai i20 IVT, which is powered by a refined 1.2-litre petrol engine that's mated to a smooth and seamless automatic transmission. This Hyundai car is spacious, feature-rich and feels like a huge step up over your outgoing car. And it will easily fit your Rs 10-12 lakh budget.However, since you've mentioned that you want a car of a similar size to the Santro, we'd advise you to opt for the Grand i10 Nios instead. It is more compact in size than an i20, which makes it easier to drive and manage. It is powered by the same engine as the i20, although it's mated to an AMT, which gets you the convenience of an automatic, but is not as smooth as the i20's transmission. Also, the Grand i10 is much more affordable than the i20, and even though it has fewer features, it has almost all the features that you'd use daily.In summary, the Nios is a sophisticated, compact replacement for the Santro that'll cost you between Rs 8-9.5 lakhs, but if you're looking to upgrade, then the i20 IVT is the one to go for, that's priced between Rs 10-12 lakh (on-road).

Hyundai i20

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

autocar.india

•1h

Since your priority is rear-seat comfort and ease of ingress and egress, the Toyota Glanza is the better fit. The rear seat is well cushioned, the floor is relatively flat, there is plenty of room, and the door aperture is generous, making it easier to get in and out. However, the rear seat is on the lower side, which means it isn't quite as easy to get in and out of as a Wagon R. Try getting in and out of the Glanza a few times and see if it bothers you. In terms of ease of ingress and egress, the Tata Punch is the better choice. The doors open wide, the seat is higher so you aren't stepping down, which should be kinder on your knees, and the rear seat itself is comfortable, though not as roomy as the Glanza.The Volkswagen Taigun is a good car, but the ride is firmer. It is also a larger and more powerful car, which does not really add any benefit if it is being chauffeur-driven. You can also consider Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Apart from the badging and some interior trim, it is exactly the same car as the Glanza, but costs nearly a lakh less.

Tata Punch

Volkswagen Taigun

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Toyota Glanza