I’m planning to buy a car with a strict ₹8 lakh budget. Please suggest the best possible options.

Autocar India

•11h

The Kia Carens Clavis would be a good option for you. The insides and comfy, and the third row is spacious for two adults and has AC vents as well as type C ports for charging. With three rows up, there's also a fairly useable 216-litres of boot space, and there is some more space under the boot floor too.Kia cars have proven to be quite reliable, and this would serve you well since you plan to keep it for a long time. The car is well-equipped with a host of safety features that are standard, and since mileage is also your priority, we would suggest you opt for the diesel or the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•20h

The Swift's 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine is very drivable and is likely to deliver slightly better fuel efficiency compared to the Baleno's/Glanza's 1.2L 4-cylinder unit. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is quite peppy up to 60kph of speed, after which you will find performance to be a bit lacklustre. And since you've mentioned you want a car for city and highway usage both, we recommend you opt for the Baleno or Glanza instead, for its more effortless performance.There's little to choose between the Baleno and Toyota Glanza, as both are nearly identical. Though the Glanza's beige-black interior colour scheme looks a touch more upmarket than the Maruti's.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Toyota Glanza

Autocar India

•12h

We would recommend you take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Being a Maruti car, it will meet your requirements of being low on maintenance and generally tension-free. The car is also slightly higher off the ground compared to sedans and hatchbacks at this price, and thus, this will offer an easy entry and exit for your parents. Rear seat head and legroom are also good, and for two adults, the rear is very spacious and a comfortable place to be in.The Fronx fits within the 'small car' definition as it measures less than 4-meters in length, thus it is very manageable in crowded city conditions. For your few highway trips, too, you will find the handling secure, and the car remains planted at regular highway speeds.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx