Hi Autocar Team, we are a family of five and are looking to buy our first car. It will be used for a daily commute of around 30 km, along with long trips of about 1,000 km every three months to our hometown. Please suggest a car under a ₹10 lakh budget. I can stretch it by another ₹1 lakh if required. I am open to spacious hatchbacks as well, apart from mid-range SUVs. I prefer an automatic transmission due to heavy traffic in the NCR.

Autocar India

•2w

If you are open to hatchbacks, consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT. It has a 4-cylinder 1.2-litre engine, which is refined, and its AMT is not the most responsive, but it adds to convenience. At high speeds on the highway, its stability is commendable, and overall ride quality is suitable for Indian roads.

This Maruti car is spacious enough for a family of five and has a 318-litre boot space. It also gives excellent mileage. If you are averse to AMTs, you can consider the Skoda Kylaq, but it offers limited second-row space.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹6.65 Lakh

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.62 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Rohit Nair

•1h

Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT vs Skoda Kyalq AT - which one should I go for? We are a family of 4-5 people and often go on outings with luggage. Also, for an enthusiast, which one would be better for long drives when comparing both at the same price point?

Autocar India

•51m

Between the Kia Sonet and the Skoda Kylaq, the Kylaq is the better choice for you, especially if driving enjoyment and long-distance comfort matter. It is the nicer car to drive, has a more comfortable ride on highways and feels excellent value for money. The Sonet is still a good all-round compact SUV, but it is not as engaging to drive as the Skoda Kylaq, particularly in terms of handling. Another factor to keep in mind is that the Sonet is expected to be replaced in about a year. It means there is a chance it could start feeling dated sooner than you would like. The rear seat on the Sonet is also on the tighter side.Since you have mentioned that there will be occasions when five people travel together with luggage. It is important to note that both the Kylaq and the Kia Sonet are relatively narrow cars and are most comfortable as four-seaters on long trips. If proper five-seat comfort is a priority, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong alternative. Its wider body allows it to accommodate five adults in better comfort. It is also a fun car to drive thanks to its punchy 1.2 turbo petrol engine and well-sorted suspension.

Arnav

Hello sir, I currently own a 2019 Ford EcoSport Thunder Edition diesel (BS4). I want to ask whether I should keep it until the next decade or replace it sooner. My daily running is very low and it will mainly be used for long road trips. If I should replace it, what cars should I consider in the compact SUV segment? Please help. I like its quirks and performance.

Autocar India

•1h

Given your low daily running and usage largely limited to long road trips, it makes a lot of sense to keep your Ford EcoSport diesel if it is running fine. It is a car you clearly enjoy, its performance still holds up well, and for highway use, the diesel remains efficient and relaxed. There is also no urgency to replace it purely due to age, so holding on till the next decade is perfectly sensible.If you decided to replace it, and are specifically looking at compact SUVs, two strong options to consider are the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The Kylaq is great to drive, feels comfortable on long journeys and is spacious enough for four adults. It is also being very well priced for what it offers. Its main limitation is the narrow body, which makes it more of a strict four-seater rather than a true five-seater. The XUV 3XO, on the other hand, offers a wide cabin and a genuinely spacious interior, making it a better option if you often travel with five people. Its punchy 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine makes it enjoyable to drive, though fuel efficiency will be on the lower side. The boot is the smallest in the segment in terms of usable space.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Kannan S

•1w

Hi team, I am a first-time car buyer, and this will be the first car in my family. I am planning to buy a budget car under ₹6.50 lakhs. I am currently looking at base models such as Punch, Kiger, Magnite, Swift, Tiago, Exter and i10. I want a practical car for my family with low maintenance, and that is driver-friendly. Please suggest which car I should go for. Thanks.

Autocar India

•8h

The Tata Punch is a good option to consider. It is easy to drive thanks to its compact dimensions and the elevated driving position. It also has a good ride quality, and while the 1.2-litre petrol engine isn't a strong performer, it does just fine for everyday motoring. The Punch also has a good safety rating.Since you say you are looking at base models, we assume features like touchscreen music systems and sunroof aren't high on your priority. In that case, you can also consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It sits lower than the Punch, but is a driver-friendly car. Plus, being a Maruti car, it will be easy on maintenance.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Tata Punch

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