I want to upgrade my Swift ZXI. Which automatic car is the best option within a budget of ₹20 lakh?

Autocar India

•18w

There are plenty of options in your budget. If you want a sedan, your options include the Honda City, which comes with a CVT automatic. Other good options include the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia, all offering two automatic gearbox choices.

Go for the City or the Verna with the CVT gearbox, as they’ll be more efficient than the others.

As for SUVs, you'll get most midsize SUVs in your budget. However, you can choose between the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or Maruti Suzuki Victoris; all three offer a good blend of a refined driving experience, features, and fuel efficiency.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

City

from ₹13.90 Lakh

Hyundai

Verna

from ₹12.79 Lakh

Skoda

Slavia

from ₹11.30 Lakh

Volkswagen

Virtus

from ₹12.23 Lakh

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Latest questions in the community

Shivathmaja PS

•16h

I am looking to buy a car for my parents, who do not drive, so it will mostly be chauffeur-driven. My main priority is rear seat comfort. We are upgrading from a 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. The car will mainly be used for highways and long trips, with minimal city usage. However, I would prefer an automatic transmission in case I need to use it occasionally in the city (Bengaluru). Before starting test drives, I wanted your suggestions on some suitable vehicles. Based on my initial research, I have shortlisted the following options: Honda City ZX CVT Kia Seltos HTX iVT Honda Elevate ZX CVT Škoda Slavia 1.5L Sportline DSG or 1.0 Monte Carlo AT Volkswagen Virtus Topline AT My budget is around ₹20–21 lakh. Which option would you recommend, especially considering rear seat comfort and highway usability?

Autocar India

•10h

Go for the Honda City ZX CVT. For chauffeur‑driven parents, it offers the comfiest rear bench, ample legroom, and a smooth CVT for Bengaluru traffic within your ₹20-21 lakh budget.Rear comfort is its strength: the 2,600 mm wheelbase helps knee-room, the rear seat is well-cushioned with good thigh support, and the ride is tuned soft for long trips. The 506‑litre boot easily swallows luggage for highway runs. ZX adds 6 airbags and ADAS with adaptive cruise control, useful on long highways. The CVT’s smooth creep and no shift‑shock make occasional city use easy. Versus your shortlist, Elevate’s rear bench feels upright, while Slavia/Virtus ride firmer and are more driver‑centric for back‑seat comfort.The one thing you give up is ground clearance in comparison to the Elevate. Also, if getting in and out is a concern, the Elevate's high-set seats would make it easier. A test drive should sort that out. For now, we recommend the City for its hassle-free ownership experience, reliability and most of all, a refined and comfortable cabin.

RATHI MRINALINI

I am a new driver and have been driving in Bangalore for the past three years. I currently own a second-hand Maruti Celerio. I am planning to buy a new automatic car with a budget of ₹9.5 lakh. Could you please recommend a safe and comfortable car that is easy to drive?

Autocar India

•11h

We would recommend sticking to the Maruti family and upgrading to the new Swift. The Swift, in its ZXI AMT guise, will fit in your budget and deliver your requirements. It is compact, which makes it easy to handle, and has enough power at 82hp for the city and the highway from the 1.2-litre engine.In terms of efficiency, the AMT version returns 12.7kpl in the city and 19.7kpl on the highway. The AMT is one of the nicer versions in the segment and makes light work of city driving. The ride comfort is good too, and the Swift is tuned for bumpy Indian roads. The ZXI will also get you a good kit like 15-inch alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and rear AC vents.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Amit Khanna

•17h

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV700 AX7T automatic and the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack 2 (above 70 kWh). My usage is mostly in the city with occasional long trips.

Autocar India

•10h

If you have home charging available, the Mahindra XEV 9e Pack 2 makes a lot of sense. Electric cars are extremely smooth in city traffic, offer instant torque and have much lower running costs compared to petrol SUVs.However, if home charging is not easily available and you prefer the convenience of quick refuelling for occasional long trips, the Mahindra XUV 7XO automatic is the safer and simpler choice. It removes the need to plan charging stops and will feel more convenient for highway travel.Choose the XEV 9e if you have home charging and want lower running costs with a smoother city drive. Choose the XUV 7XO automatic if you want maximum convenience for long trips without worrying about charging.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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