My budget is around ₹15 lakh. We already own a 2017 Kwid top model AMT. My current running is around 100km per day. I want a reliable engine along with good mileage so that running costs remain low.

Autocar India

•2h

If you're open to diesel options, you could consider the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet. Both share their engine and gearbox options. Opt for the manual version of either for maximum efficiency.

An excellent electric option is the Punch EV. If you can arrange for home charging, your running costs will be very low - something you will surely appreciate given your usage.

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris CNG can also be considered. Its engine is reliable, and the CNG will keep per km costs in check.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Venue

from ₹9.39 Lakh

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.59 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Victoris

from ₹12.44 Lakh

Tata

Punch EV

from ₹10.28 Lakh

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Recommended questions for you

Rajiv

•4d

I am planning to buy a car for my 22-year-old son, who will primarily be driving in the city in Mumbai. He has just learned to drive. Should I go for a new or a used car? My budget is below ₹20 lakh.

Autocar India

•1d

We would recommend you shortlist the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 Turbo-AT and the Hyundai Venue N Line 1.0 Turbo-AT. Given that your son has only recently learnt to drive, it will be better to buy him a 'relatively' compact car that's both user-friendly. It has a good audio system, and at the same time has the 'cool' factor that a young driver would be looking for. Both the Kylaq and Venue N Line fit the bill. Also, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engines in these cars will be adequately powerful and fun to drive, without feeling overwhelming for a new driver.A hatchback alternative that you could consider is the Hyundai i20 N Line Turbo-DCT, which should cost you around Rs 14 lakh for the top-end version.All these will comfortably fall within your Rs 20 lakh budget with some cash to spare, which you could utilise to upgrade the vehicle down the line, once he has mastered the art of driving, and wants a bigger car.

Aarti B

I am a beginner driver and am planning to buy a car with a budget of around ₹15 lakh. My primary usage will be city driving for personal use. I am looking for a car that is easy to drive, safe, and offers a smooth driving experience.

Autocar India

•1d

Hyundai Venue 1.0-litre Turbo-DCT - the drive experience is smooth, ride comfort is good, steering is light, and on account of its raised seating position, visibility is good too. All of these factors make it very user-friendly and ideal for a new driver. Alternatively, you could also consider a Skoda Kylaq 1.0 Turbo-AT, which feels as good, although its service network isn't as wide as Hyundai's. You'll be happy to know that both Venue and Kylaq have scored 5 stars in BNCAP crash tests.

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq

Ali Suharwardy

•3d

I am planning to buy a mid-size SUV mainly for city use within a budget of ₹14–16 lakh in the next 6–7 months. My priorities are long-term ownership (10–15 years), premium interiors, a punchy engine, and good driving performance. I am considering the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq (1.0 TSI), and the Renault Duster (1.3 MT). Which one would you recommend as the best balance of reliability, driving enjoyment, and interior quality? Also, is it worth waiting for the Creta facelift or any upcoming models?

Autocar India

•23h

If it fits in your budget, go for the Kia Seltos, as it meets most of your broad set of requirements. Kias are known to be reliable enough for prolonged usage. The Seltos has a spacious and well-appointed premium interior that looks and feels upmarket. It's also pretty fun to drive, especially if you opt for the 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The new-gen Hyundai Creta is coming in 2027 and might be worth waiting for, but you will get most of what it offers in the Seltos available today. However, as you've pointed out, it might be worth moving a segment lower to get more for your money, in which case we'd recommend the Hyundai Venue. It offers much of what the Seltos offers, including reliability, features and high-quality interior - albeit in a smaller form factor at a more affordable price. If reliability trumps all else, consider a Maruti Suzuki compact SUV like the Brezza or the Fronx.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Venue

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