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Biswajeet Achary

10w

I am 65 years old and will be superannuating from service soon. My current car is chauffeur-driven. I am now looking for a comfortable automatic car for city use that I can drive myself, with occasional long trips of up to 300 km. My budget is ₹8 lakh on-road. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
10w
There are quite a few automatic options within your budget. However, we'd narrow the list down to models with high seating, which are more convenient to get into and out of. The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R would be the first model we'd recommend for you. Its high seating, excellent visibility and airy cabin are aspects you will appreciate. This Maruti car is easy to drive, and the brand’s hassle-free ownership is a plus in its own right. Opt for the AMT gearbox with the more powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine.
Within the Maruti line-up, you could also look at the Ignis AMT, though ride comfort is a bit harsh. Other alternatives with high seating include the Nissan Magnite AMT, Renault Kiger AMT and Tata Punch AMT.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

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RATHI MRINALINI

2d

I'm a new driver on the road. Been driving a Celerio (second-hand) for the last 2 years in Bangalore. Looking for an automatic petrol car within a budget of ₹9.5 lakh. My priority is safety and ease of adapting to the new car. I am thinking of a Punch. Looking for your suggestion.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Yes, the Tata Punch Adventure AMT is an excellent option, given your requirements. It's tall with a high seating position, which gives you a commanding view out - great for a new driver, yet it's compact enough not to be intimidating around town. It will also feel like a good upgrade from your old Celerio.Since safety is also a consideration for you, the Punch has been given a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating and gets 6 airbags as standard, plus a good amount of standard safety equipment. If there's a potential drawback, it's that the Punch's 1.2 petrol engine and AMT gearbox aren't the smoothest combination, and as a new driver, the jerkiness at low speeds is something you will have to learn to drive around.Also consider the Hyundai Exter SX Smart AMT and the Nissan Magnite Kuro AMT as well, as both have smoother powertrains than the Punch.

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VISHNUDAS P

5d

I want to buy an automatic car mainly for city use with a budget of around ₹10 lakh. I shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, but I have heard rumours that its production might be stopped. Is there any update on this, and what are some good alternatives to the Ignis?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is still in production. It is worth noting that the Ignis is a bit long in the tooth now, and sales are very low, especially so by Maruti standards. Thus, there could be a possibility of it being discontinued or updated. In any case, being a Maruti model that has been on sale for a while now, you would still be able to get it serviced for a fairly long period of time.If you are, however, worried about this, you could consider the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch, which are two cars that will offer similar benefits of being compact, high-riding and available with an automatic transmission.

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Debasish

5d

I am new to car driving and have a budget of under ₹10 lakh. My priorities are good mileage, safety, low maintenance, comfort, and an automatic transmission. My usage will be 50% city and 50% highway, with a monthly running of around 1,000-1,400 km. Kindly suggest a suitable car.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

We would recommend you look at the Nissan Magnite. Since you are new to driving, the higher seating would offer you a good view outside and a slightly more secure feel compared to hatchbacks or a sedan. The interiors are comfy and spacious enough for a family of four, and since your driving is on highways and city roads, the ride and handling balance of the Magnite will benefit you. Highway stability is good, and while the city ride can be firm, it does not feel uncomfortable at any point. Opt for the 1.0 litre non-turbo engine as it offers sufficient performance for a relaxed driving style and would be more fuel efficient than the turbo engine. Within your budget, you would also get a decently equipped variant. The Magnite is also a safe car well-equipped with safety features, and it also scored a 5-star rating in the GNCAP tests. Reliability is also good, Nissan's dealer network is not widespread, thus make sure you have a dealer in your area who has a good reputation too. If not, consider the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, as a sedan, you will not get that higher seating, but it will meet your other requirements of safety, low maintenance and comfort.

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VehicleMaruti Suzuki Dzire

Posted on: 2 Jan 2026