Currently, I own a 2018 Toyota Innova Crysta manual. It is very comfortable on long journeys, comparable to any car. My commute is almost entirely on highways (around 80%), but I feel the steering is a little heavy in city driving. I would like to buy another new car with a torque converter (TC) or DCT automatic gearbox in the mid-range, below 15 lakh, and I am an enthusiastic driver. Which car would you recommend for my usage?

autocar.india

•19h

If your driving is almost entirely in the city and you don't specifically need the higher seating position of an SUV, the Honda Amaze would be our recommendation. It is refined, comfortable, easy to drive and backed by Honda's excellent reputation for reliability and low maintenance. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is another excellent choice if fuel efficiency and widespread service support are your top priorities.If you prefer an SUV, we'd narrow it down to the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The Kylaq is the more enjoyable car to drive, with excellent ride and handling, while the 3XO offers more features, a roomier cabin and strong safety credentials. Both are among the best compact SUVs in the segment.For a Rs 10 lakh budget, however, we'd lean towards the Honda Amaze or Maruti Suzuki Dzire, as you'll be able to buy a higher variant with more equipment rather than stretching for an entry-level SUV.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•20h

Since you will be driving between Chennai and Coimbatore often, we recommend that you consider the upcoming 2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza 1.0 Turbo. While its launch is scheduled in the coming weeks, the turbo-petrol engine is likely to address one of the Brezza's biggest shortcomings - lack of outright punch, and bring its performance at par with rivals. The turbo will add some much-needed oomph to the Brezza, which is otherwise a spacious, practical, and comfortable family car. It will feel tough, secure and long-distance drives will be a breeze.Alternatively, you can shortlist the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO. Between the two, the former will feel a bit nicer to drive, while the latter is more spacious.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Brezza, but wait for the new model as it's just a few weeks away. The Brezza is easy to drive in traffic, rides well over broken roads and speed breakers, and the automatic is smooth and stress-free. The cabin is airy, the visibility is good, and Maruti service reach in the city makes ownership simple. For the odd Pune or Panchgani run, it feels stable enough if driven in a relaxed manner. A point to consider if you often go up the ghats with four people and luggage: the 1.5 petrol is smooth but not very strong, so overtakes need a little planning.If that bothers you, the Skoda Kylaq with the automatic is the better alternative. It feels quicker in the hills and in gaps, and the gearbox responds a bit faster, which helps both on the ghats and in stop-go Mumbai traffic. You will trade a slightly firmer ride and a lower city mileage for that extra shove.For mostly city use, though, buying the Brezza is the sensible call.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Skoda Kylaq