I recently did a test drive of the Honda Amaze ZX CVT and really liked it. Is there any other car that is better than the Amaze at that price point with a CVT, for a family car with 80-90% city and 10-20% highway usage?

Autocar India

•16h

Since your driving is within the city and on the higher side, opt for the electric Tata Punch. The smooth EV drive and compact dimensions is something you will appreciate in the city. Also, the higher seating helps with visibility in tight lanes. Since you drive about 40kms per day, you can opt for the smaller battery '30' model, but if your budget allows, opt for the larger '40' model. With its real-world range of about 300 kms, you'll have fewer charges per week. Speaking of which, opt for the EV only if you have the ability to charge at home or your place of work, as relying on public chargers is not convenient. The one thing you give up is quick refuelling if you plan long trips; even with fast charging, you’ll need to plan stops. Thus, if you do frequent long drives, consider the Honda Amaze CVT instead, which offers easy refuelling and a relaxed automatic for traffic.

Tata Punch EV

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•18h

Go for the Honda Amaze V MT; within your ₹7-10 lakh, it fits a first-time buyer best with easy driving, proven reliability, a 420‑litre boot, and your Honda preference.Because you’re new to car ownership, the Amaze’s light controls and calm ride make daily driving simpler; its length under 4,000 mm keeps parking stress low. Within ₹7-10 lakh, the S MT sits mid-variant, so you don’t compromise as much on basics, whereas a Kia Sonet at this price is closer to entry-level. The 420‑litre boot is handy for luggage on trips. Honda’s typical 10,000 km/1‑year service rhythm keeps maintenance planning straightforward.The one thing you give up is the Sonet’s taller driving position and extra ground clearance, which some prefer for rough roads and speed breakers in smaller towns.If you prioritise a high seat and rough‑road ability over boot space and sedan comfort, consider the Kia Sonet HTK 1.2 petrol instead, within the same ₹7-10 lakh band.On the test drive, check low‑speed clutch feel in stop‑go traffic and cabin noise at 80 km/h. Also, sit four adults and verify the 420‑litre boot swallows two 25‑inch suitcases.

Honda Amaze

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

•16h

Considering your usage of 60% highway and 40% city, you can go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo petrol DCT. The turbo petrol engine offers much stronger performance, especially for highway driving. Overtakes feel more effortless compared to the naturally aspirated petrol.The concern about DCT overheating is valid, but in real-world usage, it typically happens only in very heavy, prolonged bumper-to-bumper traffic. Since a large part of your driving will be on highways, this should not be a major issue. Over the years, the Hyundai-Kia DCT gearbox has also improved and is now quite mature.That said, in slow-moving city traffic, the IVT (CVT) will feel smoother and more relaxed, especially at very low speeds. The DCT can feel slightly hesitant in such conditions.

Kia New Seltos