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Jerry

1w

Which naturally aspirated car is best under ₹16.5 lakh?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1w
There are quite a few options that fall under your budget. However, without knowing your exact requirements, it will be hard to recommend one. That being said, Honda's 121hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine is one of the best around and stands out for its peppy nature and strong high-rev performance. This engine is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic in the Honda City sedan (₹11.95 lakh - 16.07 lakh) and the Honda Elevate SUV (₹11.60 lakh - 16.57 lakh), ex-showroom.
Alternatively, there's Maruti's 103hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine that can be found in a number of models and its known for its relaxed nature and fuel efficiency. Hyundai's 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol unit is also another option that can be found in a number of Hyundai-Kia models, and it impresses with its refinement.
Honda City

Honda City

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Pradip

1w

I’m looking to buy a car within a budget of ₹15-16 lakh. My daily commute is around 100-150 km, mostly on highways, along with occasional long drives with my family. Safety is a top priority for me, along with reliable after-sales service for hassle-free ownership and a decent set of features. Could you please suggest suitable options?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2h

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris would be a good option for you. The car is safe with many standard features like 6 airbags and traction control, and it has secured a 5-star crash rating in both the GNCAP and BNCAP tests. The car is also well equipped, and Maruti Suzuki is well known for its hassle-free ownership, so it would deliver on all your requirements. The only point being your daily running is quite high, and thus a diesel could suit you better. If you are open to this, the Hyundai Creta would be a good option, though you would have a lower GNCAP rating of 3 stars and would have to opt for a lower-specced variant within your budget.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
VehicleHyundai Creta

Posted on: 6 Feb 2026