I want to buy a car that offers great features and strong performance, which is my top priority. My budget is ₹14 lakh max. Currently, I am considering the i20 N Line and the Kylaq. Can you suggest if there is a better car in this price range?

Autocar India

•20h

With mostly highway and outstation use in mind, we would lean toward the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI automatic, rather than the Honda Amaze VX CVT. The Kylaq will simply feel stronger and more relaxed at highway speeds, rides over bad patches better. It is also very safe and feels solid, which matters on long trips.That pick suits your brief for three reasons. First, the 1.0 turbo engine has enough pull for quick overtakes even with family and bags on board, so highway driving feels easy. Second, the 1.0 automatic uses a proven, reliable, and simple-to-live-with automatic gearbox. Third, the Kylaq’s higher-seating-position suspension makes long hours less tiring than the Amaze's.A few trade-offs to note. The Kylaq’s upfront price and routine service costs will be higher than the Amaze, and Skoda’s service network is not as good as Honda’s, though it has improved. If your use shifts to mostly city and you want the lowest running costs and the widest service reach, the Amaze VX CVT is smoother and easier in traffic, but on highways, it will feel slower, and overtaking requires more effort.Overall, for frequent highway trips and a good driving experience, the Kylaq Signature 1.0 automatic is the best fit for what you want.

Skoda Kylaq

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•1d

It really depends on how much down payment you are comfortable putting in, because your EMI target of Rs 15,000 to 20,000 can get you very different cars depending on the loan tenure and upfront payment.That said, for a first car that is easy to drive, safe, comfortable and still feels special, one of the strongest picks today is the Skoda Kylaq Signature automatic. Skoda’s official pricing puts the Signature automatic in a range where, with roughly Rs 2.3 down payment and a 7 year loan, your EMI can sit broadly in your target bracket. The turbo petrol engine feels punchy without being intimidating, the torque converter automatic is smooth and fuss free, and the size is just right for a first time buyer.If you want to spend less and prioritise maximum ease of use, the Hyundai i20 IVT is another excellent first car. It is easier to drive than most SUVs, the IVT automatic is extremely smooth in traffic, and ownership is straightforward. You give up the higher seating position of an SUV, but for urban use, it is arguably an even easier first car.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai i20

Autocar India

•2d

A daily 50 km commute in heavy stop-and-go traffic is exactly the kind of usage where an automatic makes the biggest difference, so upgrading from your 9-year-old i20 manual to an automatic is a sensible move for better comfort and lower driving fatigue. In your Rs. 10-12 lakh budget, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT is the neatest fit. It is very easy to drive in traffic, the steering is light, the gearbox takes the hard work out of slow moves, and the ride is comfortable over broken roads. Coming from your older i20, it will feel quieter and more relaxed, and it’s also easy to park. Running costs and service reach are simple too, which matters when you drive every day.Two things to note: the AMT's shift can feel slow, and if you want a higher seat and extra ground clearance, you may want a taller car instead.If you prefer to stay with Hyundai, look at the i20 CVT as well. For a higher seating position within budget, the Tata Punch AMT is a good second choice. Overall, for your city commute, the Baleno AMT lines up best.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Hyundai i20

Tata Punch