I'm considering buying the Hyundai i20 N Line N8 MT. I've driven other cars, including the new Venue DCT and XUV300 MT, but this will be my first car. Is the i20 N Line a good choice for me? My annual running will be low, and I'll mostly be driving on highways. Also, should I consider going for the DCT instead of the manual?

autocar.india

•1d

The decision to replace should be driven by either escalating maintenance costs or a change in requirements. If the car is still running well and there are no major mechanical issues, it makes financial sense to continue maintaining it. The cost of periodic maintenance and even occasional repairs will almost always be significantly lower than the depreciation hit and upfront cost of a new car.The only caveat is your mention of parking difficulties. If parking is becoming a genuine daily hassle, downsizing to a smaller hatchback like the Hyundai i20 or Maruti Suzuki Fronx compact SUV could be justified. Otherwise, the Ciaz remains a very capable and cost-effective car for both city driving and occasional long highway trips.

Hyundai i20

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

autocar.india

•1d

In this price bracket, the Hyundai i20 IVT and Honda Amaze CVT are among the smoothest automatics, and both have reasonably well-equipped variants within your budget. The i20’s IVT is the smoother gearbox, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, making it a very easy car to live with for short-distance city driving.The Amaze CVT is the better choice if you want more space and a large boot, especially for those occasional highway trips. It also has a relaxed, comfortable character and remains a good long-term family car.

Honda Amaze

Hyundai i20

autocar.india

•1d

Given your requirements, the Hyundai Creta Electric Long Range is the most sensible recommendation. Your mostly city running is ideal for an electric car, and the Creta Electric offers a real-world range of over 400km, which gives you the flexibility to use it as your primary car without range anxiety. Coming from a Hyundai i20, the Creta Electric will feel familiar but also like a significant upgrade in terms of space, comfort, and overall refinement. The ride quality is excellent, and the rear seat is comfortable enough for your parents on regular trips. Hyundai's service network and ownership experience are also strong, which is important given your positive experience with the brand so far.Another strong contender is the Kia Syros EV, which uses the same powertrain as the Creta, but comes in at a lower price. This Kia car is a bit more compact but just as good on space, and the better news is that, thanks to its tall design, ingress and egress for your parents should be easier. The Mahindra BE6, meanwhile, is powerful and fun to drive, but very poor on space, practicality, and especially ingress and egress in the rear seats. Overall, the Creta and Syros are better bets.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Hyundai i20

Kia Syros EV

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq