We have a Hyundai Grand i10 manual purchased in 2017, which my son currently drives. We now want to purchase an AMT car and are considering the Hyundai Exter, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, or any other option you may advise. Body strength, safety, and a comfortable AMT are our key priorities.

Autocar India

•51m

The Kia Carens Clavis turbo-petrol with the DCT gearbox is a well-rounded package. The strong engine lends the MPV ample performance even with a full load of passengers, and the DCT adds in convenience. The engine and gearbox add to the Carens Clavis' list of strengths that includes comfortable seating in all three rows, easy entry to the third row and a high-quality cabin. The Carens Clavis doesn't have a crash test rating but does well with lots of standard safety equipment, such as 6 airbags, electronic stability control, rear disc brakes, ISOFIX child seat mounts and more. Talking specifically of variants, the Clavis turbo-petrol with the DCT gearbox is not offered in HTX form but in HTX(O) form. It's very well-equipped with features such as 12.25-inch digital dials, a 12.25-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and more. At Rs 19.26 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kia Carens Clavis Turbo-DCT HTX(O) might seem pricey. But see all that it offers - comfy seating for 7, plenty of features and a strong engine - and you'll realise it's money well spent. It makes for a great pick.

Kia Carens Clavis

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Autocar India

•2d

If you compare them directly, the Tata Altroz offers more value for money. Both the Altroz and the Tata Punch are similarly priced and equipped, but the Altroz is a larger hatchback. It feels wider inside and offers a greater sense of space, which makes it more comfortable for passengers.Another advantage of the Altroz is the choice of automatic gearboxes. While the Punch only offers a basic AMT automatic, the Altroz comes with AMT in the lower variants and also a DCT automatic in the higher variants, which delivers a far more polished and smoother driving experience.However, the 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine used in both cars is best suited for city driving. On highways it can feel a bit underpowered, especially when overtaking or carrying a full load. This is where the Punch now has an advantage. With the latest update, it is available with a turbo petrol engine as well, which offers stronger performance. Interestingly, this turbo engine was earlier available on the Altroz before its facelift but is not offered on the current version.

Tata Altroz

Tata Punch

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Autocar India

•16h

While there are quite a few options within your budget, the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Maruti Suzuki Brezza come closest to meeting your requirements. The Mahindra XUV 3XO offers comfortable seating at the back and does well to offer the safety of a rear centre headrest. The XUV 3XO's turbo-petrol engine also delivers class-best power, and you really experience the performance advantage out on highway drives. There's also a tough feel to the XUV 3XO backed by an absorbent suspension. You could stretch a bit and get the AX5 that packs in reasonable features for the money. However, a 360-degree camera is not part of the package. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a more level-headed choice. Power and performance are significantly down on the XUV 3XO. The Brezza is more about an easy-going drive experience. Ride comfort is a highlight, and the well-cushioned seats are very comfortable too. Like the XUV 3XO, the Brezza is among the few compact SUVs that are comfortable for five passengers. The Brezza will prove to be more fuel-efficient than the Mahindra, though. There's also the hassle-free ownership experience that you get with buying a Maruti. The ZXI is worth a look, but again, misses the 360-degree camera you need.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

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