I want to buy a new car and have shortlisted the Tata Tiago CNG AMT and the Hyundai Exter CNG Manual. My primary requirements are fuel efficiency and driving comfort. I also considered the Tata Tiago EV, but I am somewhat apprehensive about buying an EV due to range anxiety and the relatively limited driving range. I do not have the budget for higher-range EVs. My usage will be predominantly in the city, with an expected daily running of around 30-40 km. I would appreciate your suggestions on which option would be the better choice for my needs.

autocar.india

•1d

Yes, the Tata Tiago EV Creative Plus 24kWh makes good financial and practical sense for your usage. With a daily city commute of 30-35km, the Tiago EV’s range is more than sufficient, and you will be able to charge at home and run the car at a very low cost per kilometre. The Tiago EV is also a significant upgrade over the Kwid in terms of refinement, safety and overall driving experience. It is a well-packaged city car with a comfortable ride, decent space and a simple, fuss-free ownership proposition. The only thing to keep in mind is that the 24kWh battery pack is best suited to city use, so if your usage pattern changes and you start doing regular long highway trips, you will need to plan charging stops accordingly. Overall, given your current usage, the Tiago EV is a sensible and cost-effective upgrade.

Tata Tiago

Renault Kwid

autocar.india

•12h

If your 2017 Maruti Suzuki Alto is running well, there is no urgent need to change it unless you genuinely want a new car. For cars under Rs 10 lakh, the best micro SUV options are the Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter. The Punch offers a more robust feel and a higher seating position, while the Exter is more refined and easier to drive in the city. Both are good upgrades from an Alto, but do not expect a dramatic jump in performance or space. There are no major new micro SUVs expected in January, so you are not missing out on anything by buying now. If you are happy with your Maruti Suzuki Alto, it is worth keeping it for another year or two. If you want a new car now, go for the Punch or Exter based on your preference for a tougher feel versus refinement.

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

autocar.india

•2d

We'd recommend a petrol automatic. With a daily running of around 46km and an ownership period of 15 years, it offers the best balance of low ownership costs, reliability and ease of use for a first-time driver.We wouldn't let E20 fuel influence your decision. Modern E20-compliant petrol cars are designed to run on it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. It isn't a reason to avoid buying a petrol car today. A CNG automatic will certainly reduce your fuel bills, but the higher purchase price, reduced boot space and limited automatic options make CNG car less attractive unless fuel savings are your overriding priority. An electric car will have the lowest running costs, but at your budget, you'll have to compromise on size or features, and recovering the higher upfront cost will take time.Given your budget and usage, we'd look at the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift automatic which will launch soon if you can stretch slightly, or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta+ AGS if you want to stay within budget. Both are easy to drive, have good ground clearance for the 6km of rough village roads and come backed by Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network. If you prefer a smoother automatic, the Hyundai Exter SX AMT is also worth considering.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Brezza