I own a 2024 Tata Nexon MT (Creative+) and have done ~17,000 km in under a year. I’m switching my primary car to an automatic and prefer a smooth DCT/DCA or CVT (no jerky AMT). My budget is ₹15 lakh, stretchable to ₹17 lakh for the right car. Usage is a mix of city and highway. My top priorities are a silky transmission, good fuel efficiency, a 360° camera, and as many comfort/safety features as possible. My family members are around 5'8"–6'0" tall - which automatic models should I consider?

Asked by: isham Deshpand

Considering your running and requirement for fuel efficiency, we would have suggested you buy the Maruti Victoris Strong Hybrid version. But unfortunately, the VXi variant is two lakh over your budget.

The new Hyundai Venue diesel, with a smooth torque converter option too, would have been a great choice but the efficiency figures aren't very impressive.

Maruti Victoris

Maruti Victoris

Answered by

Autocar India Team

Nov 21, 2025

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Asked by: Chandra Hi, I'm planning to buy my first car. I drive about 1500-1800 km per month (80% city). My budget is about 15 -17 lakhs. I'm so confused between Nexon, XUV 3XO, Venue, and all of the diesel automatic variants. I'm open to hybrid variants as well. My priorities are: safety, fuel efficiency, comfort & features. Also thinking about Sierra & Duster of automatic variants. Please suggest a good one. Thank you. Since you drive 50–60km a day (about 1,500–1,800km a month), it’s understandable that you want something efficient and economical to run. A hybrid would normally make sense, but the Maruti Suzuki strong hybrids (Grand Vitara / Victoris) and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder sit above your budget. More importantly, with your running, it would still take years to recover the higher upfront cost of the hybrid powertrain.The upcoming Renault Duster is promising, but will launch only with petrol engines — no diesel and no hybrid — so fuel efficiency won’t match a diesel automatic in daily city use. As for the Tata Sierra, it’s a very appealing SUV thanks to its design, space, and premium cabin. However, the 1.5 diesel in the Sierra isn’t the most refined or punchy in the segment, and the pricing of the higher variants, especially the autos, will stretch well past the upper end of your budget. Also, the Sierra is more of a lifestyle SUV than an efficiency-focused one.Given your budget and priorities — safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, and features — a diesel compact SUV still fits best. Rear-seat space is not a big concern since you’ll mostly be driving yourself, so you don’t need to pay extra for a larger mid-size SUV.Among your shortlist, the recently launched Hyundai Venue 1.5 diesel automatic is the most balanced choice. It offers:Excellent fuel efficiencyStrong, relaxed performanceSmooth and city-friendly automaticLong feature list that rivals larger SUVsProven safety and reliabilityOverall, the Venue diesel auto gives you the best combination of economy, comfort, and everyday usability within your budget.

Autocar India Team

Dec 08, 2025

Asked by: N manjunath I want to buy a powerful bike like the Duke 390 or one of the Royal Enfield 650s, but I do not have the budget right now. For the time being, I want to buy a bike or scooter that is smooth and vibration-free, as smoothness is my only major criterion. I feel the Suzuki Access 125 is the right choice. Do you have any better alternatives for me? I plan to use this scooter or bike for 5-8 years and then upgrade to the bike I love after saving up. In the scooter space, the Suzuki Access is a great option because it has a turbine smooth engine, has cemented its reputation for reliability and is quite practical and comfortable too. You can also take a look at the TVS Jupiter models, which have the biggest boot on an Indian-made petrol scooter, as well as great ride and stability with their 12-inch wheels at both ends.Lastly, you can also take a look at the Honda Activa models, which are a safe bet, and you can't go wrong with either of them.

Autocar India Team

Dec 08, 2025

Asked by: Abhishek Borate I want to upgrade my bike. My budget is up to ₹3 lakh, and my daily commute is around 40km in the city, along with a little bit of highway riding. I also plan to go touring once every three to four months. Which bike would you recommend? Keeping your requirements in mind, you can take a look at bikes like the Triumph Speed 400, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, TVS Apache RTR 310 and Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z.All of them will offer a significant step up from your current bike but will still be friendly and won't overpower you. Take a test ride of all these (and any other machines you shortlist) before you go ahead with your purchase.

Autocar India Team

Dec 08, 2025

Asked by: Neelam lohumi I want to buy an electric scooter for my daily 15km up-and-down journey. I am not sure which one will be best for me in terms of battery performance, durability, mileage and looks. Can you please guide me? Among all the options available in the electric scooter market today, we recommend you choose between these four: Ather Rizta, Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and Vida VX2 (made by Hero).These are reliable, comfortable offerings that come from reputed makes and considering your low running, even their base variants will have more than enough range.

Autocar India Team

Dec 08, 2025

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