I am looking for a car under ₹15 lakh with Level 2 ADAS, a DCT or torque converter automatic, and either a petrol or strong hybrid powertrain.

Autocar India

•1d

For your usage, which is mostly short daily city runs with occasional highway trips, the Tata Nexon Creative Petrol AMT does make a lot of sense. It offers the convenience of an automatic, a comfortable ride and a slightly higher driving position, which helps build confidence for a first-time driver. It also fits well within your ₹13 lakh budget, making it a sensible and practical choice for your needs.However, you should be aware that the AMT gearbox can feel a bit jerky at low speeds in stop-go traffic, which is something you will experience in your daily 6-7 km runs.The Skoda Kylaq is also worth a serious look. In fact, you can get the automatic in the Signature variant at a similar price to the Nexon Creative. While it misses out on a few features, nothing feels like a deal breaker, and it still comes with all the essentials. More importantly, its torque converter automatic is smoother and easier to drive in traffic. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is another strong option, especially for a first-time buyer, as it is very easy to drive, smooth in traffic and known for low running and maintenance costs.So the choice comes down to priorities. If you want to stay strictly within budget and are okay with a slightly less smooth automatic, the Nexon is a good pick. If you want a smoother and more effortless driving experience at a similar price, the Kylaq Signature automatic is a very strong alternative, while the Brezza remains the most fuss-free option overall.

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•1h

Choose the Renault Duster 1.3 Techno MT if you specifically want a tough, manual SUV and like driving.The new Duster’s suspension is one of its big strengths: it rides beautifully over broken roads, has 212 mm of ground clearance, and feels robust, which really suits Indian conditions and frequent highway use. It has a very large boot and is well-equipped for the price, making it a solid family and touring car.The 1.3 turbo-petrol is among the most powerful engines in the segment, so performance is strong once the turbo is on boost. However, in the manual, you will feel some turbo lag at low revs, and you do need to downshift to keep it in the meat of the powerband, especially in slow city traffic or on inclines. The gearbox itself is light, with positive shifts, and the clutch effort is friendly enough for daily use.

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•2h

For your daily 120 km highway run requirements, with priorities of automatic transmission, low running costs, and safety, the Tata Punch EV Long Range is a strong and sensible choice. It offers the ease of an automatic, very low running costs with home charging, and a solid safety package, which aligns well with your needs. The Long Range version can comfortably handle your daily commute on a single charge, making it practical for everyday use.On the highway, the Punch EV feels stable and composed at typical cruising speeds, so it won’t feel out of its depth for your kind of usage. However, being a smaller car, it will not feel as effortless or as relaxed as a larger vehicle over long distances, especially when it comes to space and overall comfort.So yes, it is a good fit if your focus is on economy, ease of driving and safety. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and spacious experience for daily long highway runs, you may also consider upgrading to something like the Tata Nexon EV Long Range.

Tata Punch EV

Tata Nexon EV