Delhi

•19w

This will be my first car, and my budget is around Rs. 11 lakh. I have two choices. My first preference is the Skoda Kylaq. However, some car buyers are claiming issues related to the clutch and occasional breakdowns. Should I consider the Hyundai i20 N Line or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx instead? Or should I stick with the Skoda Kylaq?

•18w

Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. It fits your Rs. 11 lakh budget, has light controls, so it's easy to drive and it gets a smooth automatic gearbox option for city traffic. Since it's your first car, you'll also appreciate the simple ownership experience associated with Maruti, thanks to its big service network and sensible costs. For weekend runs, the 1.0 turbo variant feels lively enough while still giving good efficiency if you drive calmly.

Skoda Kylaq is the nicer driver’s car when money is no object, but at your budget you will likely be in a base manual. The Skoda Kylaq price range extends from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Upkeep and parts can also cost more, which is not ideal for a first car. Hyundai i20 N Line is fun, but the price climbs quickly for the automatic and the firmer ride is less friendly on bad roads. If you want stress-free first ownership under Rs. 11 lakh, stick with the Fronx.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹7.64 Lakh

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.47 Lakh

Hyundai

i20

from ₹6.51 Lakh

•18w•

I have one Confusion In fronx to chose 1.0 turbocharged MT or 1.2 L MT Also how i20 sport MT is it best or Shall I stick to Fronx.

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•2d

Hi Team, I need your help in making a head vs. heart decision. I am a new driver and this would be my first car. My budget is around Rs. 15-16 lakh and I want a car with automatic transmission and should have BH number. I work in Delhi but my hometown is in Uttarakhand. My usage will be around 60% in the city and 40% on highway/hill runs. My overall running will be around 1,000 km per month. Since I am a bachelor, I will be mostly travelling alone and only sometimes with passengers. Jimny and Kylaq are front runners but I have a soft spot for the Gypsy, which used to be my dad's government car. Which car should I choose? I like Jimny Alpha AT but logically Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ makes more sense. I am open to other options as well.

•1d

The Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ automatic is the better choice for your usage, even though the Jimny has the stronger emotional appeal. The Jimny’s biggest strength is its off-road ability, which you’re unlikely to use often. In the city, its heavy steering and large number of turns lock to lock can make manoeuvring tiring, while the ride, though impressive for a ladder-frame SUV, still feels lumpier than the Kylaq’s. Its engine is also less suited to relaxed, quick highway overtakes.The Kylaq, on the other hand, fits your Delhi commute and Uttarakhand trips better. Its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol has enough punch for highway driving, the six-speed torque converter automatic is smooth in traffic, and its comfortable ride and agile handling make it enjoyable without being demanding for a new driver. It should also feel more settled on long highway runs.The Jimny will always have that Gypsy connection, and that’s a perfectly valid reason to want one. But buy the Kylaq with your head and heart: it is the more capable everyday companion for the driving you’ll actually do.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

•1d

I currently own a 2013 Swift ZDI diesel in a budget of Rs. 15 lakh for new car. My maximum weekly running is 150 km once in a week.

•1d

With your running limited to around 150km a week, a petrol car makes more sense than a diesel. Since you are used to the punch of the Swift ZDi’s diesel engine, the Skoda Kylaq or Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic would be worth considering within your Rs. 15 lakh budget. Both offer lively turbo petrol engines and smooth six speed torque converter automatics, making them enjoyable for everyday use as well as occasional longer drives.The Kylaq is better suited to weekend trips, thanks to its larger boot, while the 3XO has a wider cabin that makes it the better option if you regularly travel with five people.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•4d

Hello, I am looking to buy my first car and am leaning towards the Tata Altroz DCA. I will mainly use it for city commutes in Bengaluru, with occasional drives of around 500km a month. Safety is a priority, and I also like the low step-in height and 90-degree-opening rear doors, especially for my elderly parents. Would you recommend the Altroz DCA for my needs, or should I consider other options?

•2d

The Tata Altroz DCA is a good fit for your needs, particularly because safety, easy ingress and egress for your elderly parents, and city driving are priorities. Its 90-degree opening rear doors and low step-in height make getting in and out easier, while its compact dimensions suit Bengaluru traffic. The DCA automatic is convenient for daily commuting, though the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine isn't the most refined, and the gearbox can feel hesitant and isn't particularly quick with shifts.The Hyundai i20 IVT is worth a test drive as well. Its engine is smoother, and its CVT automatic is more fluid in stop-start traffic, making it the more relaxed option to drive. However, the Altroz's wide-opening rear doors may make it easier for your parents to get in and out, so the Hyundai isn't automatically the better family car.Shortlist both, but lean towards the Altroz if your parents' comfort and ease of access are decisive. Take them along for a test drive and check how easily they can get in and out of both cars before booking.

Tata Altroz

Hyundai i20

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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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