My driving is around 1500km/month. Should i go with diesel or petrol. I’m thinking about nexon diesel or petrol ? Altria diesel, baleno petrol or Nissan magnite

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the 2020 Maruti Brezza petrol manual, ideally a VXI/ZXI in good condition - for your use, it will keep your parents most comfortable in the back. The Brezza’s seat height and wide door opening make getting in and out very easy, which matters for parents. The rear seat is broad, the backrest is nicely upright, and the big windows make the cabin feel airy, so they won’t feel cramped on Pune traffic runs or the Konkan drives. In the city, the Brezza feels smooth and easy, with a light clutch and gearshift, and Maruti’s service reach in Pune and along the highway is strong, which keeps ownership simple. Your Tata Nexon shortlist is not a bad pick for ride comfort and safety, but the petrol manual can feel a bit heavy and jerky at low speeds. The rear windows are smaller, so the Brezza will likely feel easier and more airy for older parents.One thing to be aware of with the Brezza is that it doesn’t feel very quick when the car is fully loaded on the highway, and the cabin is simpler than fancy. If you want an even easier entry and the most space, look for a well-kept Maruti Ertiga petrol within your budget. It rides softly and the second row is very comfortable, but it is bigger to park.When you check the cars out, in addition to an overall check, look out for a smooth clutch action and a full service record before you commit.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT – with your light-speed mornings and heavy traffic evenings, it will keep you calmer and more comfortable every day. Quick note: in the Seltos, the IVT automatic comes with the 1.5 petrol, not a 1.0.The IVT (Kia’s version of a CVT) is a type of automatic that keeps the drive very smooth because it does not make noticeable gear changes. In stop-go traffic it moves forward gently, without the small jerks you sometimes feel in other automatics. The steering is light, the view out is good, and the cabin feels easy to live with after a long day. At 70–80 km/h it is quiet and steady, and for your rare 200 km runs it will cruise without stress.One thing to be aware of: when you want a quick overtake on the highway, you will need to press the pedal deeper and the engine can sound a bit loud when pushed hard. Pick the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT instead if you value stronger highway pull and a more connected feel. Its turbo engine gives easier overtakes and the 6-speed automatic is smooth, but in very slow traffic it can feel a bit eager off the line, and Skoda’s service reach is smaller than Kia’s in many cities.

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature. Between your shortlist, it is the better fit for your 70 percent highway usage and focus on comfort and safety. The Kylaq feels more stable and confidence-inspiring at higher speeds, has a solid build, and offers a more planted driving experience, which is especially reassuring for a new driver. The seating and driving position also make it comfortable for long journeys, while overall dynamics are better suited to highway use than a compact sedan.The Honda Amaze VX is easy to drive, comfortable and has a big boot, but it is more city-friendly in nature and does not feel as secure or as composed as the Kylaq on highways, especially at higher speeds.If you are open to looking beyond your shortlist, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is worth considering as well. It offers a strong mix of comfort, space, safety features and ease of driving.

Skoda Kylaq