Hi, I used to drive a Tata Indigo Manza for around 15 years and then disposed of it. I am retired and looking for a low-budget car, with an average usage of 200-300 km per month. I am interested in a solar EV, but there are not many options available. Please suggest.

autocar.india

•1d

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is available either as a mild hybrid or a strong hybrid - there's no pure petrol version. Moreover, the strong hybrid variants start at above Rs 20 lakh and thus will not fit in your Rs 16 lakh budget. With your running of just 100- 150 km a month, the financial benefit of a strong hybrid is negligible, so you should be fine with the mild-hybrid Hyryder.The mild hybrid system in the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is designed to provide a small efficiency boost in stop-start city traffic, with seamless engine stop-start and mild electric boost under low loads. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth, reliable and well-suited to city driving, and Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability remains a key strength. This Toyota car itself is a sensible upgrade from your Wagon R, offering a higher seating position, better safety and a more comfortable ride without being difficult to manoeuvre in the city.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

autocar.india

•1d

Yes, the Nissan Gravite AMT can be a good choice for you, but with a few important considerations. The Gravite is a compact MPV with a relatively low bonnet line and good all-round visibility, which will help you feel confident behind the wheel. The AMT gearbox also makes city driving much easier compared to a manual. However, the Gravite has a slightly higher seating position than your old Alto, and the clutch pedal travel on the manual version is on the longer side. Since you are considering the AMT, this is less of a concern, but it is still worth checking the seating position and pedal reach. We would strongly recommend a test drive with the seat height adjusted to its maximum setting and, if needed, using a seat cushion to ensure you have a clear view of the bonnet and comfortable access to the pedals. If you find the Gravite's seating position too high, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R AMT or Celerio AMT are also worth considering, as they have lower seating positions and are easier to adapt to coming from an Alto. Overall, the Gravite AMT is a practical and comfortable choice, but the final decision should be based on how comfortable you feel in the driver's seat.

Nissan Gravite

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

autocar.india

•2d

For your requirements, from your shortlist, the Renault Kiger is the most sensible choice. Your usage is predominantly city driving with occasional village visits and a few trips a year, which means you need a car that is compact and easy to drive in the city, but also robust enough to handle rough roads and occasional bad patches. As you plan to travel with your family too, space is also important, as well as boot volume for luggage. The Kiger strikes that balance very well. It offers a higher ground clearance than hatchbacks like the Wagon R, which makes it more confidence-inspiring on broken village roads, and its compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park in the city. It also offers more space than most of the other options in this price range. You also get a choice of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines, and given that you travel with family and do occasional long drives, we recommend the turbo petrol, which has some additional punch, yet can be fuel efficient when driven carefully.The Wagon R, Exter and Punch are a size down on the Kiger and thus won't be as suitable for your family, while the Nexon and Fronx will require you to settle for a low variant in your budget. The Renault Kiger is the best value for money you can get at this price, and alternatively, for a similar price, you can also look at its sister car - the Nissan Magnite.

Renault Kiger

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Nexon

Nissan Magnite

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R