I need to change my car and am looking for an automatic petrol car. My monthly usage is around 200-300 km in Bangalore city, and I want to keep my budget between ₹10-12 lakh. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•1d

We would suggest looking at the Skoda Kylaq. It offers a comfortable ride, has good space for four adults, and the torque converter automatic transmission is smooth and easy to drive in the city. Its compact dimensions also make it convenient to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.If seating five adults regularly is important, the Mahindra XUV 3XO makes more sense thanks to its wider cabin. It also offers a comfortable ride and a smooth torque converter automatic. The only drawback is the relatively small boot space.The Honda Amaze would otherwise have been a good choice thanks to its smooth CVT transmission, which works very well in city traffic. However, the ride quality is not the most comfortable compared to some of the other options you are considering.The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Exter are offered with AMT gearboxes, which are not as smooth or sophisticated as the torque converter or CVT automatic options available in some of the other cars on your list. AMTs tend to feel jerky during gear shifts, especially in slow-moving traffic.

Skoda Kylaq

Autocar India

•2d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. In Delhi traffic, it's automatic is very smooth, and the ride is mature on broken roads, and although not as supple as the Mahindra XUV 3XO, it is not a sore point. The 6-speed torque converter is known to be reliable and futureproof, as most torque converters are.For your stop‑and-go NCR commute, the Kylaq's calibration makes creeping and low‑speed shifts feel natural, reducing head‑nod in queues. You’ll also appreciate the 446‑litre boot on occasional highway trips. Ownership is predictable with 15,000 km/1‑year service intervals, and you can add an extended warranty (up to 6 years; confirm coverage in your city). Expect roughly 9kpl in Delhi traffic and 13kpl on relaxed highway runs at 90-100kph.The one thing you give up is the XUV 3XO TGDi’s stronger low‑end punch and overall power; the Kylaq AT feels calmer off the line and asks for kickdown for quick overtakes.If you prioritise a punchier engine and more rear seat space, consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 TGDi AT instead, but if that is not a high priority, the Kylaq is more enjoyable to drive.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•43m

Hyundai has only introduced the HX8 variant of the Verna with the turbo-petrol-manual combination, and if the company sees substantial demand for the top-end, it could possibly be introduced down the line, but not in the near future.The good news is that even the HX8 variant is well-equipped, with a vast list of features including Level 2 ADAS. The only additional features the HX10 variant gets are 7-airbags, 360-degree camera, blind-view monitor, 4-way powered front passenger seat, powered boss mode for the front passenger seat and a 10.25-inch digital driver's display. If you can live without these features, the HX8 is a great option to consider.

Hyundai Verna