Hi, I am planning to buy a new petrol car for my parents, which will be mostly driven by my father. My budget is ₹8 to 8.5 lakh. I am also planning to sell the car later using an exchange offer. Should I buy the car in December 2025 or wait until next year? Should I go for an automatic or a manual? I prefer a high seat position!

Autocar India

•11w

Given that the car will be used primarily by your parents, ease of entry and exit, good visibility, and stress-free ownership are aspects we'd prioritise. The best option is the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, which will fit your parents' requirements well.

We'd recommend the more powerful 1.2-litre engine that delivers stronger performance. Opting for an automatic depends on how open your father would be to switching to an auto. The switch from manual to auto requires a few days, as drivers need to get used to not using the left foot (it's best to keep the left leg folded over during this transition period to avoid inadvertently pressing the brake pedal). The benefit is a far more convenient driving experience. The Wagon R’s AMT automatic is worth checking out.

Other cars you could keep on your shortlist include the Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Wagon R

from ₹5.57 Lakh

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Latest questions in the community

Ashish

•1w

Hi Autocar Expert, I currently own a Tata Nexon XZA diesel and am planning to upgrade. However, I have a major parking constraint at my home. I am interested in the Toyota Innova Hycross, but if it is parked in my parking space, the doors cannot be opened properly due to limited space. Because of this, I am considering buying a car that offers an automatic or self-parking feature. Could you please guide me on which cars offer this feature and would suit my situation?

Autocar India

•16h

Auto parking might not solve your problem if your parking space is too narrow to open the doors. The summon feature that the Tata Harrier EV gets could be of some use, but it won’t fit your requirements if you need a three-row vehicle like the Toyota Innova Hycross.Instead, we suggest you take a look at the Kia Carens Clavis. It is narrower than the Hycross by about 45-50mm and is roughly the same width as your Nexon, so it should fit in your parking space. In terms of interior volume, while it is not as spacious as the Hycross, it offers plenty of room in the second row and a genuinely usable third row.

Tata Harrier EV

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Carens Clavis

Vaibhav

•5d

I currently own a 2012 Hyundai i10 Era and am planning to upgrade to an SUV. My budget is ₹15-17 lakh (on-road). My annual driving is around 3,000 km, mostly in the city with occasional long drives. My priorities are low maintenance, good mileage, and better rear seat and boot space. I am more inclined towards an automatic transmission and would also prefer ADAS Level 2 features. At the moment, I am considering the Hyundai Venue HX10 and the Honda Elevate ZX. I am not considering Tata or Mahindra models. Could you share your opinion on choosing automatic versus manual transmission for city driving in a place like Ahmedabad? Also, how useful are ADAS features in city traffic? Please suggest any alternative models based on your experience.

Autocar India

•17h

Since most of your driving is in the city, an automatic gearbox makes the most sense. Compared to a manual, it brings a lot more convenience and generally makes driving less stressful. ADAS is good to have, but it should be treated as an added safety net rather than something you depend on completely.Between your two choices, the Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV, and the Honda Elevate is a midsize SUV. Naturally, the Elevate is the larger of the two, but if you want ADAS, you will need to opt for the top ZX trim, which costs around Rs 19.5 lakh on-road, putting it out of your price range. The new Venue HX10 with the turbo-petrol DCT combination is a good fit for your budget and even has more ADAS features than the Elevate. However, it cannot match the larger Elevate in terms of interior space, which is why we also suggest you take a look at the Kia Syros.In the compact SUV segment, it is the most spacious vehicle. It uses the same powertrain and has most of the same ADAS features as the Venue. It is more expensive than the Venue, but it also gets features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated rear seats.

Hyundai Venue

Honda Elevate

Shibani Rastogi

•2d

Which car should I consider buying if I am planning to sell and upgrade from my 2018 Skoda Superb?

Autocar India

•18h

It's hard to guide you to the perfect fit without knowing more about your requirements and your budget. However, assuming it's a sedan that you are keen on, the ideal upgrade from a 2018 Skoda Superb would be a BMW 3 Series LWB. The long wheelbase opens up lots of legroom at the back, which is something you'd be used to from the Superb. The 3 Series LWB also delivers on ride comfort and is also very nice to drive. The 330Li petrol is particularly impressive. Further up the price ladder, there's the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The interior is not just spacious but very well appointed, and feels properly luxurious. Refinement is fantastic too, and there are loads of features and tech packed into the model as well.

BMW 3 Series LWB

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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