Delhi

•7w

We currently have a 2012 Toyota Etios Liva diesel manual, but we are planning to buy a new car because Delhi's 15-year diesel rule does not allow us to continue using it. We want to switch to a petrol automatic. There are three people in our family. Our usual running includes a 5- 7 km trip to the temple every Monday, along with another 500-600 km of monthly running. Our old car covered around 1,10,000km over the last 14 years. We have Rs 9 lakh in cash and are willing to take a loan. Earlier, we were considering the Kia Seltos HTK(O) petrol DCT, which costs around Rs 18.5 lakh. However, we are now considering the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha O AMT, which costs around Rs 11.5 lakh. The features I specifically want are an auto-dimming IRVM, auto-folding ORVMs and ventilated seats. Everything else is an added bonus, and I do not necessarily require it. The Seltos feels more premium and has a larger engine, but the Baleno makes more practical sense for our usage. What do you think?

•7w

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT (AGS). It’s compact, easy to drive in Delhi traffic, reliable and very efficient. The 1.2 petrol is smooth, and the AMT is simple and dependable. It also keeps your budget in check and leaves you with a smaller loan.

The 2026 Baleno Alpha gets auto-dimming IRVM, auto-folding ORVMs and ventilated seats, all the features that you're looking for. The Alpha O gets you the addition of Level 2 ADAS at a premium of Rs 40,000, which you may or may not want to opt for. Overall, this Maruti car is the more practical, sensible and cost-effective choice for your usage.

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Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹6.50 Lakh

•7w•

Seltos is a complete different vibe and can't be placed in discussion with Baleno. Yes, going with Baleno will save you a lot of money but driving Seltos will be a different feel coming from Etios Liva.

•7w•

@abhi.1313 Seltos will obviously feel a lot more substantial, but I am not sure I would spend that much extra for the usage you have mentioned. I would probably save the money and go with the Baleno.

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•4d

I have had a Hyundai i10 for the past 14 years, I want to replace it with an automatic vehicle for city driving. Could you please suggest options?

•1d

Since you're upgrading from a 14-year old Hyundai i10, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is worth considering. The Baleno Zeta AMT variant fits in your budget and it would be a clear step up from your i10 in terms of space, features and convenience. It gets an efficient, three-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox which is well suited for city driving. The cabin is also spacious, the ride is comfortable and it will be stress-free to own in the long term. Alternatively, if you want a compact SUV consider the Hyundai Exter AMT or if you wish to have a sedan, go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire AMT.

Hi, I’m looking for recommendations for an automatic car primarily suited to city driving, with an on-road budget of Rs 10–12 lakh in Hyderabad. I currently own a 2022 Maruti Suzuki Ignis manual and a Brezza, which I plan to retain for highway trips. I’m looking to replace the Ignis with an automatic that will primarily be used for daily city commutes. My monthly running is around 1,500km, with approximately 80% city driving and 20% on the ORR. My priorities include a comfortable driving position for my 5’10” height, good ride quality, real-world fuel efficiency and a smooth automatic gearbox. Senior-citizen-friendly entry and exit, along with comfortable rear seats, are also important as my father occasionally travels with me. I’m open to any body style or fuel type since the Brezza will continue to handle highway duties. Could you suggest your top 2–3 options that I should shortlist for back-to-back test drives with my father before making a decision? Real-world ownership experiences and feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

•1d

Given your requirements, you should consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT. It falls within your budget of Rs 12 lakh, it has an efficient three-cylinder petrol engine, an AMT automatic gearbox and has a spacious cabin. The doors also open wide, and it isn't very low-set, so getting in and out should not be an issue for senior citizens. It will also be comfortable for your height, and the ride quality is also comfy and composed. Being a Maruti, it will also be stress-free to own and easy to maintain, as you would have experienced with your Brezza and Ignis. Alternatively, you could also consider the Hyundai i20 IVT. It comes with a larger, four cylinder engine, a smoother CVT automatic gearbox and feels more premium inside. But if won't be nearly as fuel efficient as the Baleno, the rear seat won't be as spacious and it will be more expensive to buy.

My budget is Rs 8-9 lakh. I need an AMT SUV to be driven by a lady, mainly for daily Chennai city commuting of about 80 km. My focus is currently on the Hyundai Exter AMT. Are there any better suggestions, or should we go for a CNG AMT by Tata?

•4d

Considering your daily running of around 80km, we would actually suggest opting for a CNG car to keep running costs down. The Hyundai Exter CNG is a good option, but it is available only with a manual gearbox. This is where the Tata Punch CNG AMT makes a lot of sense, as it combines lower running costs with the convenience of an automatic, which should reduce the stress of driving in Chennai traffic. This car also feels solidly built, has a comfortable ride and offers adequate performance. If you are open to a hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG AMT is another option within a similar budget. This Maruti Suzuki car offers more cabin space and the convenience of a CNG automatic, although you will have to compromise on the SUV stance and the Punch's higher seating position.

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•6d

I am planning to buy the top-end Hyundai Creta Turbo Petrol DCT variant. My daily running is around 50–100km, which adds up to approximately 25,000–30,000km annually. I am looking for a car that offers strong performance and quick acceleration, along with a comprehensive set of comfort and convenience features. Should I buy the current Creta Turbo Petrol DCT top variant or wait for the 2027 Creta? For context, I currently own a 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire Hybrid and a Volkswagen Virtus GT 1.5 TSI.

•5d

The 2027 Hyundai New Creta will be thoroughly updated inside-out, and it'll have more tech and features. If you don't mind waiting, it makes sense to get the 2027 new-gen model. Do note, its powertrain options are likely to be carried forward from the current version. If you can't wait, but still want the performance as well as the latest in terms of tech and features, consider the Kia Seltos turbo-dct instead, which packs in more or less everything the next-gen Creta is likely to offer.

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•6d

Which SUV would you pick for a family of 5?

•5d

I’m planning to buy a new car, and my annual running is around 40,000km, primarily involving highway drives and ghat sections. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos Diesel HTX and the upcoming facelifted Toyota Innova Hycross ZX. I’m considering two approaches: either buy the Innova Hycross and keep it for the next 10 years, given its reputation for longevity and the expectation that its engine can last at least 4 lakh kilometres, or buy the Seltos, drive it for around 2 lakh kilometres over 4–5 years, sell it and upgrade to a brand-new Seltos or another car of a similar price and size. On paper, the Innova Hycross Hybrid seems like the better choice, considering its long-term reliability and features such as the Ottoman reclining seats. However, I’m concerned that I might get bored of it after four years or that it may start feeling outdated as newer technologies and features enter the market. This makes the second option appealing, as it would allow me to upgrade to a brand-new car every 4–5 years. Which approach would make more sense in the long run, considering my high annual running and ownership costs?

•5d

It seems like you're leaning towards the Kia Seltos Diesel HTX, and we think it is a good choice. The diesel engine feels adequately powered for highway usage and ghat driving, and it is likely to return respectable efficiency too. Moreover, despite being modern with all the latest tech and features, the Seltos will be substantially more affordable than the Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid. So unless you need the Innova's extra space, or you frequently travel with six or seven passengers, the Kia Seltos diesel is your best bet.

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