My budget is ₹25-26 lakh and I’m not sure which car to buy. I’m open to petrol, petrol-hybrid, or diesel. I’ll use the car daily for long drives, city commuting, and family trips. Please advise which car I should buy.

Autocar India

•28m

The Hyundai Exter is the one we think she should pick. If she's comfortable with an automatic gearbox, we would recommend one, as it will make life in the city much easier. On a budget of Rs 10 lakh, the HX6 AMT seems like the right fit. It falls in that price range and is equipped with enough creature comforts to make life a bit easier.It fits her brief because one sits higher than in most small cars, so the view out is clear, which helps a shorter driver judge gaps and turns. The Exter is small on the outside, and the steering is light, so parking and U-turns are simple even in crowded lanes. Hyundai’s AMT is smooth enough for daily use, and rear parking sensors are standard, which adds confidence when backing into tight slots.A couple of trade-offs to keep in mind. Like all AMTs, there is a small pause between gear changes if you press the accelerator hard, so quick moves need a gentle foot. Also, this engine is happiest at city speeds; fast highway runs feel just okay, not exciting.If she prefers a tougher feel and even more ground clearance for broken roads and tall speed breakers, look at the Tata Punch AMT within your budget. It rides well over bad patches and also offers a high seating position, though its AMT feels a bit slower in traffic. If you want to keep costs as low as possible and have a very upright seat that short drivers love, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.2 AGS is the easiest to see out of and park, but it feels basic and is not the best for long highway use.

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•3h

For what you're after, the BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport is the one that fits your brief best. It feels the most engaging to drive without giving up daily comfort, and it feels safe and steady at speed. The 2.0 diesel has strong pull for quick passes, the 8‑speed automatic shifts very smoothly, and the rear-biased xDrive AWD focuses on driving pleasure while still providing a safety net. In the city, it is easy to drive, the engine is quiet enough at low speeds, and visibility is good. You could also consider the new xDrive 30 petrol, which is even more exciting to drive, but we feel the trade-offs to mileage and ride comfort for your mixed usage mean the 20d still feels like the better bet.The Mercedes GLC has slightly softer suspension and a more luxurious interior, but is not quite as fun to drive. And the Land Rover Discovery Sport feels tougher and has the advantage of a small third row of seats, but it simply feels too dated and not as refined in this company. Overall, we would recommend the BMW X3 for you.

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Autocar India

•38m

Going by your shortlist, you want a bigger family car on a tight budget and are looking at base trims. If you need the car in the next couple of months for mostly city use with some weekend trips, pick the Kia Seltos HTE (O) IVT. It is well equipped and, compared to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, gives you more back-seat space and boot room.The Brezza update will be relatively minor, though we expect the 1.5 NA engine to make way for the 1.0 turbo-petrol from the Fronx. Waiting for it only makes sense if you mainly drive in tight city areas and want an easier-to-park car.Overall, for a near-term purchase and everyday comfort, the Seltos lines up best with what you’re considering.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Autocar India

•5d

You want a car that is comfortable in the city, easy to drive and capable of doing long trips for the next 10 years. The Toyota Innova Hycross fits this very well. The hybrid system makes it very smooth and quiet in city driving, and the automatic gearbox is effortless, which becomes more important with age. On highways, it is stable, comfortable and built for long-distance travel, which is what the Innova name has always stood for.What really works in your favour is long-term ownership. Toyota’s reliability, strong service network and resale value make it one of the safest bets if you plan to keep the car for many years. The Hycross also offers excellent space, easy ingress and egress and a comfortable ride, which are important for everyday use and for passengers as you grow older.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Autocar India

•5d

For your usage, a naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT or IVT is the best fit. These setups are smoother, easier to drive in traffic and more predictable, which matters far more in city conditions than outright performance. So yes, in your case, NA engines are better suited than turbo petrol.The Hyundai Verna IVT stands out as the most well-rounded option for city driving. The engine is smooth, the IVT gearbox is very intuitive in stop-and-go traffic, and the overall driving experience is effortless. It feels refined and easy to live with daily.The Honda City Hybrid is worth considering if your running is high. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, strong performance and is very easy to drive in the city thanks to its hybrid system. However, it comes with a higher upfront cost, and the battery placement results in a higher boot floor, which slightly affects practicality.Compared to the Verna, the standard Honda City CVT is also an option, but the engine feels a bit noisier, and the gearbox is not as intuitive as the Verna’s IVT in everyday use.

Hyundai Verna

Honda City

Autocar India

•6d

The Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTK (O) MT fits your brief best. In daily traffic, the Seltos will be easy to drive thanks to its smooth, naturally aspirated petrol engine and light gearshift and clutch, and the higher seat makes getting in and out easy. It also rides over bad roads and tall speed breakers without worry, which matters on mixed city-highway use. Space is good for four and fine for five for shorter trips, and the boot will take a family’s weekend bags.The HTK (O) MT is a good value for money as it offers quite a few features for the price. Just bear in mind that, on the highway, the engine will require a bit more effort to make easy overtakes. If your trips are often with four adults and lots of luggage, and you value a bigger boot and stronger pull on the highway, look at the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Sportline MT. Its small turbo engine gives more punch. But it is a lower car, so entry is not as easy, and you have to be a bit more careful on rough roads. Compared to the Seltos' naturally aspirated 1.5, you'll also experience some turbo lag at city speeds, and at your budget, you won't get as many features. Overall, for your mix of city and highway and firm budget, the Seltos HTK is the most practical pick.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Slavia