I’m looking for a new automatic car (not AMT) that...
I’m looking for a new automatic car (not AMT) that can seat five adults comfortably. Both my wife and I will drive it. I want good build quality, visibility, active safety features, usable boot space, reasonable maintenance costs and comfort for daily use and highway trips. I don’t care about features like a sunroof or multi-speaker audio. Budget is ₹15 lakh. Preference is an SUV like the Honda Elevate, but I’m open to sedans. Suggestions?
Asked by: Ashok
The Honda Elevate is a good pick for you. It's a no-nonsense SUV that delivers on the very aspects you value. It's built tough, offers good visibility and has a large boot. Everyday comfort is good, and the robust suspension shines on bad roads. It's got safety essentials, though versions with ADAS are only offered on pricier variants.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine will run trouble-free for years, but do note the CVT auto performs best in easy-going driving. Aggressive driving or quick overtakes will lead to a disproportionate rise in revs and engine noise levels. The Elevate is, in general, noisier than some direct rivals. Also, while there's loads of room for four passengers to sit in comfort, a fifth could be a bit of a squeeze.
In case you find space insufficient for your requirements, you could consider the Creta IVT EX(O). While it is out of your budget at around Rs 16 lakh (on-road), the Hyundai Creta does feel larger, has a roomier cabin and also a slicker (and quieter) engine-gearbox combination.
