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I am planning to buy a car. I have learned driving at a driving school, but still need more practice. I am thinking of buying a new car, as used cars in good condition are quite expensive. My budget is ₹8 to 12 lakh. Should I go for a manual or an automatic? I want a car that is easy to adapt to, as I do not have much driving experience.

Asked by: Vishal
Since you are a new driver, we would recommend that you go for an automatic car. This will make your driving experience much easier and stress-free.
In your budget, you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Swift, which is available with a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox. The Swift is a fairly spacious and practical hatchback that is easy to drive and own. Prices for the Maruti Swift AMT range from Rs 7.04 lakh to Rs 8.65 lakh (ex-showroom).
Alternatively, you could consider the Hyundai i20, which comes with a more spacious cabin and a smoother CVT automatic gearbox.
Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team23 Dec' 25
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Latest questions

Asked by: Vishal

I am planning to buy a car. I have learned driving at a driving school, but still need more practice. I am thinking of buying a new car, as used cars in good condition are quite expensive. My budget is ₹8 to 12 lakh. Should I go for a manual or an automatic? I want a car that is easy to adapt to, as I do not have much driving experience.

Since you are a new driver, we would recommend that you go for an automatic car. This will make your driving experience much easier and stress-free.In your budget, you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Swift, which is available with a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox. The Swift is a fairly spacious and practical hatchback that is easy to drive and own. Prices for the Maruti Swift AMT range from Rs 7.04 lakh to Rs 8.65 lakh (ex-showroom).Alternatively, you could consider the Hyundai i20, which comes with a more spacious cabin and a smoother CVT automatic gearbox.
AI
Autocar India team
23 Dec' 25
Asked by: Vks

I currently own a 2018 Jeep Compass 2.0 diesel manual. I am now looking for a comfortable petrol or hybrid automatic SUV that can match the driving dynamics of the Compass. I drive around 30 km daily in the city and love driving. Please suggest suitable options.

If you are looking for a petrol or hybrid automatic SUV that is as engaging to drive as your Jeep Compass, you will have to compromise on the comfort front.The only SUVs that are comparable to the Compass in terms of driving pleasure are the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun, but they aren't as big or as comfortable as the Compass. The Skoda Kushaq is due for an update very soon, while the Volkswagen Taigun can be had in a 1.5 turbo-petrol-manual combination, unlike the Skoda.If you are willing to compromise on the driving pleasure front, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are the most comfortable options in the segment.
AI
Autocar India team
23 Dec' 25
Asked by: SIVASUNDHAR K

I currently own a Ford EcoSport and an i20 Elite, both around 10 years old. I drive about 50 km daily in the city and do one highway trip of around 800-1,000 km every month. After test-driving several sub-4m SUVs, crossovers, and even the Virtus (I know it's a completely different body type), I have shortlisted the Mahindra 3XO AX5 diesel and the Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI. My budget is ₹15 to 17 lakh. The new car will be used mainly for highway trips with occasional city use. Which one would be better?

Given that your usage will primarily be on the highway, consider getting the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel. Out on the highway, you'll appreciate the diesel's torquey nature and its better fuel efficiency compared to a petrol. The Mahindra XUV 3XO also has a spacious cabin and a comfortable ride, which makes it ideal for long distances. You can even opt for the AMT automatic gearbox for greater convenience on your city drives.
AI
Autocar India team
23 Dec' 25
Asked by: Nishant

I have always loved the driving dynamics and comfort of sedans and want to buy a new one with a budget of around ₹20 lakh. In India, there are very few sedan options that offer both ADAS and a 360-degree camera. Should I consider an SUV instead? If yes, which one?

If you are looking for a sedan, the Hyundai Verna is a good option. It is spacious, comfortable, and has a good ride quality. The 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy, and it comes with Level 2 ADAS features. However, it does not have a 360-degree parking camera.If you are open to an SUV, the Hyundai Creta Turbo-DCT would be a good option. It has the same powertrain as the Verna but comes with the added practicality of an SUV, and it also gets a 360-degree camera and ADAS features.
AI
Autocar India team
23 Dec' 25
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