At the moment, there aren’t any hybrid cars in the Rs 10-12 lakh bracket. The most affordable ones you can buy right now start closer to Rs 20 lakh.Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce a new line of more affordable hybrids, starting with the Fronx Hybrid, although it’s unlikely to arrive before 2027. Even then, it’s uncertain if it will fit within a Rs 12 lakh budget. When it comes to flex‑fuel vehicles, they only really make sense once India moves to higher ethanol blends. The current target is E20 (20% ethanol), and there’s no plan yet to exceed that. Cars designed to run on higher ethanol blends, such as E30 or higher, tend to be less fuel-efficient because ethanol contains less energy than petrol. That efficiency loss would only be worth accepting if high‑ethanol fuel were significantly cheaper but so far, there’s no sign of that happening.

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is a good choice to buy as a second owner, and a price of Rs 14 lakh for the Alpha AT variant is reasonable.It is a spacious and comfortable SUV, and the 1.5 litre petrol engine is smooth and refined. The automatic gearbox is also smooth and responsive, making it well suited to city use.The only downside is that the naturally aspirated engine is not very powerful. As a result, it can feel slow to build speed on the highway, which can make overtaking a bit tricky.

Cafe racers are known for many things, but comfort isn't one of them - we must clarify this at the outset before we proceed. Since this is going to be your first motorcycle, we'd recommend getting a roadster or street naked because they will be vastly more comfortable and usable. As a first bike, there is a litany of good options from Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM, TVS and Royal Enfield. Look for something around the 25-30hp mark ideally. If you really have your heart set on a cafe racer, the only two options in your budget are the Triumph Thruxton 400 and the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Both are quite powerful and won't be ideal beginner machines because of their committed riding positions. The Royal Enfield is also a rather heavy machine, which won't be easy to manage due to your stature.

Considering your running and if you are open to an EV, the MG Comet is a good option for your wife. It is extremely easy to drive, park, and live with thanks to its compact size. Even the top variant falls within your budget and comes well-loaded with features.If it feels too small and you want something more substantial, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx AMT in the Delta Plus variant is a good fit. The 1.2 litre petrol engine is smooth and efficient, and the AMT works well for everyday use.If you prefer a more premium automatic, the Hyundai i20 with the smooth CVT transmission is also a strong option and fits comfortably within your budget.