Delhi

•6w

I need your expert advice on purchasing a new automatic CNG car. I am currently considering the Honda Amaze VX CVT with a government-approved sequential CNG kit retrofit and the factory-fitted Tata Punch Accomplished Plus S CNG AMT. I am also open to other recommendations within this price range. My on-road budget is a maximum of Rs 12 lakh, and my monthly running is around 900-1,200 km, with 80% city driving in heavy traffic and 20% weekend highway trips. I am based in Delhi-NCR and want a reliable CNG setup paired with an automatic transmission. My main concern is dealing with heavy traffic, bad road patches, potholes and severe waterlogging during the Delhi monsoon. I am specifically considering the top-spec Punch because I intend to keep the car for at least 10 years. I want a well-equipped, future-proof car so that I do not regret missing out on features later. If CNG retrofitment is possible on the top-spec Honda Amaze, I would consider that version as well. My key priorities are a stress-free automatic driving experience, sufficient ground clearance to tackle potholes and waterlogged roads, and low long-term maintenance costs. Given these requirements, which car would offer the most durable, hassle-free and enjoyable ownership experience?

•6w

Go for the Tata Punch Accomplished Plus S CNG AMT. The Punch’s high ground clearance and SUV-like stance make it far better suited to bad roads and monsoon conditions than the Honda Amaze. The factory-fitted CNG system is also a big advantage. It’s fully integrated, covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and you avoid the potential reliability and warranty complications that can come with aftermarket kits. The AMT gearbox is not as smooth as Honda’s CVT, but it is reliable and gets the job done in city traffic.

The Punch also gives you the peace of mind of a top-spec variant from day one, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on features later. The Amaze VX CVT is a good car, but retrofitting CNG to a top model is not as clean a solution, and the low ground clearance is a real drawback for your usage.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Punch

from ₹6.24 Lakh

Honda

Amaze

from ₹8.54 Lakh

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•2d

We are planning to buy a Hyundai Exter HX8, but we are confused about whether we should buy a petrol automatic or a CNG manual, as our daily running is about 38 to 42 km. And my wife also wants to drive, but she is not confident with a manual car. Also, for the daily commute, we mostly use our scooty, and we mostly use our car in the rainy season and on special occasions.

•1d

Your average daily running of 40km and a monthly running of 1200km isn't much to justify the premium you would pay for a Hyundai Exter CNG over the petrol-manual version. On the other hand, the AMT gets you the convenience of an automatic without compromising fuel efficiency significantly (compared to the manual version), so it is certainly worth paying for; even more so, since your wife isn't comfortable driving a manual. If you're open to other options and absolutely want CNG along with the convenience of an automatic, consider the Tata Punch CNG AMT or the Maruti Baleno CNG AMT.

Which car would you choose as a first-time buyer?

•1w

I’m confused between the Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI+ AMT and Honda Amaze VX CVT for my first family car. Both have an on-road price of around Rs. 11 lakh. But, the Dzire offers more features, including a 360° camera, sunroof, and TPMS, while the Amaze has a CVT transmission and a good reputation for reliability. Which one would you recommend for a first family car?

•16h

For a first family car, we would lean towards the Honda Amaze VX CVT. Its CVT is noticeably smoother than the Dzire’s AMT, especially in stop start traffic, and the more relaxed transmission makes it easier to live with. The Amaze also has a larger 416 litre boot, which is useful for family trips.The Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi+ AMT counters with more features, including a 360 degree camera, sunroof and TPMS, along with better fuel efficiency. However, its AMT has noticeable pauses between gear shifts, whereas the Amaze’s CVT feels more seamless.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

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•1w

Dear Autocar Team, I currently own a Dzire diesel manual (2018) and now I am planning to buy a new car but I am very confused between Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kwh and the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kwh. Although, I love diesel cars but since I live in Faridabad, my biggest concern is about increasing bans and restrictions on diesel cars. My main usage is on highways and bit within the city. I have clocked 1.3 lakh km on my Dzire in 8-9 years. I am getting the exact Harrier EV model for Rs. 22 lakh (on-road) whereas the XEV 9S will cost around Rs. 27-28 lakh (on-road) and that is my biggest confusion. Should I spend this additional amount on the XEV 9S for Harrier ev because I don't want any hassles as an since I plan to keep the car for the next several years.

•6d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

Tata Harrier EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

•6d

I am looking for a petrol automatic car under Rs 12 lakh with good features. My first choice is the Honda Amaze, but I am concerned about its ground clearance and engine performance. Around 70% of my driving will be in the city. Would the Amaze be a good choice?

•5d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

Honda Amaze

•3d

For my personal requirements, I have shortlisted two cars including Mahindra 3XO Edge automatic and Brezza VXI automatic. The only reason for which I have shortlisted Brezza is because of its simple engine. Otherwise, everyone in my family wants to go with 3XO for its space, unique looks and bigger width. I want to know about TCMPFi engine. Will it be reliable and at least better than Nexon's Revotron?

•3d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO Edge automatic. The Brezza VXi automatic is a safe, simple and reliable choice, but the 3XO is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a wider cabin, more space and a more premium feel, which your family clearly values. The TCMPFi engine is a turbocharged petrol unit and is fundamentally a sound engine. It is not a new or unproven powertrain, and Mahindra has had time to refine it. It is also paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is a proven and reliable gearbox type. Compared to the Nexon’s Revotron engine, the 3XO’s powertrain is more refined and the gearbox is smoother and more conventional in its operation. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simpler and will likely be marginally more reliable over a very long ownership period, but the 3XO’s engine is not something to worry about from a reliability perspective. Given your family’s preference for space and the more premium feel, the 3XO is the better choice.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

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