Autocar India
Introducing Badges

Every helpful action can earn a badge.

•14w

I want to replace my manual transmission Swift hatchback with an automatic hatchback within a budget of Rs. 8 lakh. My usage is mostly in the city, often in dense traffic, so good fuel economy is a priority. Please suggest the best options.

Verified
•14w

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Celerio AMT. It fits under Rs. 8 lakh, is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol automatic hatchback that you can buy, and its light steering and small size make life easy in dense city traffic and tight parking.

You are moving from a Swift, so expect a simpler cabin and a bit less space, but the Celerio makes up for it with very low running costs and easy driving. The automatic is fine for the city, just know that at crawling speeds it can feel a little jerky if you stomp the accelerator - be gentle, and it’s smooth enough.

If you want something closer to your Swift in size and feel, and can stretch a bit, the new Swift VXi automatic or Hyundai Grand i10 Nios automatic feel nicer inside and rides better, but you will spend a bit more.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

More posts on similar cars

•2d

I want to move from a hatchback to a midsize SUV. I am looking for a reliable family SUV with good comfort, legroom and boot space. My daily driving is only 10-20 km, but every fortnight I drive 200km to work. I have no fixed budget and am ready to buy now, but the reviews of the new Kia Seltos are confusing. With so many new cars being launched, should I wait? Petrol seems ideal, but should I consider a diesel or hybrid instead? I am based between Bengaluru and Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh and work at both places for 15 days each. I am also considering buying the car from Gujarat, my home state, as I could save a significant amount. Is this sensible, or could I face any issues with the RTO?

Verified
•13h

Go for the new Kia Seltos petrol, and there's no need to wait. Your driving is fairly light: short daily runs plus a 200km trip every fortnight, and that's exactly what the 1.5 petrol with the IVT gearbox does well. It's smooth in Bangalore traffic and settles down nicely on the highway. A diesel only pays off if you drive a lot more than you do. A strong hybrid would sip less fuel in town, but it costs more and eats into the boot, and you've said boot space matters.As for waiting, the Seltos you're looking at is the brand-new generation, so it isn't about to be replaced. If you want a second opinion on the road, drive the Hyundai Creta too, but keep in mind that an all-new one is due next year.On buying in Gujarat, we'd advise against it. Road tax goes to the state where the car is registered and used. Once it's running in Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh, you'll have to re-register it and pay tax there anyway. Whatever you save upfront will likely disappear, and you'll have the paperwork on top. Register the car where you live and drive most, and check the exact charges with your local RTO.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHyundai Creta

Has E20 fuel affected your mileage?

Is ADAS worth paying extra for in a car?

Popular discussions right now

•2d

I am a 6 ft driver who loves driving. I've driven the Swift 2013 petrol, Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto and the XUV500 the most on long trips. Now that I am planning to buy a car with a strict budget, do you think the 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol variant will be a wise decision to make, as I will be travelling once a month for short trips from Bangalore to Coorg, Pondicherry, GOA, and Mangalore? Which other car can be a perfect match for me, keeping a budget of 12 lakhs max? Also, the 3XO AX5 I'm getting from a friend who has hardly driven 6k km for 10 lakhs.

Verified
•16h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol from your friend for Rs 10 lakh. At that price, it is a very good deal and a sensible upgrade from your Creta 1.6 diesel automatic. The 3XO is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin and good rear seat comfort, which will make your long drives to Coorg, Pondicherry, Goa and Mangalore more comfortable. The turbo petrol engine is smooth and is well suited to both city driving and highway cruising. At Rs 10 lakh for a car with only 6,000 km on the clock, you are getting a nearly new car at a significant discount, which makes it a far better value proposition than buying new.If you are looking for alternatives under Rs 12 lakh, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is the best option for an enthusiast driver. The new Brezza turbo-petrol could also be a good choice. Overall, the 3XO from your friend is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, reliability and value, and will serve you well on your monthly road trips.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza

Upcoming launch buzz

Community discussions on upcoming launches

Want to sell your car?

Sell your car at the right price, without the stress.

Posted on: 2 Jul 2026