I need a good, proper automatic car for a family with a max budget of 12 lakh (on-road). For 80-90% city and 10-20% highway usage. Looking for a good driving experience (ease of driving and good driving view), good safety, decent fuel efficiency (good if possible), reliability, good after-sales service and fuss-free ownership. Open for any car type, sub-4m, sedan, hatchback, etc.

Autocar India

•18h

For your requirements of a smooth, automatic, premium feel and ease of driving, we would first suggest considering the Hyundai i20 IVT. The CVT gearbox is very smooth, which makes it the easiest car to drive in city traffic, especially for a new driver. It also feels premium inside, well-equipped and well priced, making it a great first car. Hyundai’s after-sales service and ease of maintenance are also strong positives.That said, in terms of safety, the i20 scored a 3-star rating earlier, and the facelifted version hasn’t been tested yet, so that remains a bit of an unknown.If 5-star safety is your top priority, then you can consider the Tata Altroz DCA. It has a strong build and better safety credentials. The ride quality is also more comfortable, and the car feels more stable on the highway.However, the engine and gearbox are not as refined or as smooth as the Hyundai's, though it is still a better experience than an AMT.

Hyundai i20

Tata Altroz

Autocar India

•1d

There's actually quite a variety of automatic hatchbacks within your budget. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and its twin, the Toyota Glanza, are well-rounded products. Good ride comfort and excellent fuel economy are highlights, and the AMT gearbox is good enough for average driving. However, gearshifts aren't the smoothest, and you'll feel this over a quick overtaking manoeuvre. If you are open to the Citroen brand, the C3 is a great option. Its 1.2-litre engine and torque converter auto gearbox combo is excellent, and ride comfort is also very good.You could also look at the Tata Altroz DCA in Creative S trim. The dual-clutch auto gearbox is very smooth and well-suited to city use. There's also a toughness to the package that gives great confidence at highway speeds.We are also fans of the smooth and polished Hyundai i20 CVT, but the Sportz(O) that fits your budget isn't an ideal choice as it misses out on the safety of a rear wiper. Finally, if you have the option to install an EV charger at home or office, the Tata Tiago EV is also an option to consider. Being all-electric, it's super smooth and very refined. However, it works best as a city car.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Toyota Glanza

Citroen C3

Tata Altroz

Hyundai i20

Tata Tiago EV

Autocar India

•2h

Unfortunately, Toyota has absolutely no plans to launch the GR Corolla hatchback in India. This is a car with very limited demand, so it would not be worth Toyota's time and effort to launch such a low-volume model. Go ahead and buy the Hyundai i20 N line, which, though nowhere near as exciting or powerful as the GR, is nonetheless a fun-to-drive car.

Hyundai i20