Hi, I own a 2023 Nissan Magnite XE. My annual running is relatively low as I am retired. I underwent knee surgery six months ago, and therefore, I am considering upgrading to an automatic vehicle. Would it be possible and practical to upgrade from my current Nissan Magnite XE to an automatic version?

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Hyundai Exter, because as a first car under Rs. 10 lakh, it is the easiest to live with and gives you the most useful kit in the budget. The high driving position and light controls make city driving and parking stress-free, and you can get a well-equipped trim with safety features without overshooting your budget. Hyundai’s wide service network also helps when you are new to ownership.One honest catch is that the engine feels just okay on fast highways, so it is happier at city and ring road speeds than flat-out cruising.If you deal with broken roads or rough rural patches often, the Tata Punch feels tougher and rides bad roads better, but its engine is noisier, and you will need to pick variants carefully to stay under Rs. 10 lakh. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is roomier and very easy to drive, but the good trims push the budget, and the base ones feel bare. The Tata Tiago is a smaller hatch and not as airy as the Exter.

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

autocar.india

•3d

Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO; it gives you the most fun performance in your budget while staying safe and comfy for city runs and the odd highway trip. Pick the 1.2 MPFi which feels eager and makes it easy to manage traffic and highway overtakes and is also more efficient than the direct injection 1.2 litre engine, do note it still will not be as efficient as something like the Hyundai Venue. Ride comfort is mature for broken roads, steering is light in town yet steady at speed, and the cabin now has the space you wanted. You also get a proper safety kit and a solid body, so it feels reassuring compared to your Datsun. Features are modern and the cabin looks sporty enough without going over the top.As an option consider the the Nissan Magnite, its turbo engine is peppy and it is a great value pick with good features and space, and is safe and has a comfortable ride too and will return a better mileage than the Mahindra car.

Nissan Magnite

Hyundai Venue

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•5h

Buy the Honda Elevate, since you have back trouble, seat comfort would be a high priority, and in this regard, the Elevate does well. The seats set a benchmark for comfort and have a finely judged foam density, which is not too hard and not too soft, so they should provide your back with good support. Under-thigh support is also generous. However, we would recommend you sit in it and test drive it yourself to make sure it suits your body type. Within your budget, you would get the mid-range automatic version, and we would recommend you opt for an automatic as it would reduce your left leg strain in traffic, which would also help alleviate some of the back pain. Ride quality is also good; it is on the firmer side, but the long travel suspension with well-judged damping means it can soak up bumps and potholes well without jarring you too much. If you would like to stick to something small, you could consider the Tata Punch. The entry and exit height is just right, the ride is well-damped and comfortable, and the seats are well cushioned and supportive enough. The top-end version would also come in well under your budget, and you would enjoy some top-end features too.

Honda Elevate

Tata Punch