Hey team, I am planning to buy a new car. My budget is ₹10-12 lakh. We are a family of four and the car will be used for both city driving and long tours. Please suggest one sedan and one compact SUV, with performance and safety as my priorities.

Autocar India

•10w

Given your priorities, we would recommend you look at the Mahindra XUV 3XO in compact SUVs. It's got a tough build, strong engines and scored well in terms of cabin space. Alternatively, you could look at the turbo versions of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. The two models are underrated and actually deliver great value for money.

Among sedans, if you don't mind the absence of many tech and comfort features, the entry-level Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are worth considering. Their strong turbo-petrol engines and tough build are highlights. If you want more features, there's the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, but you'll have to compromise on power and performance.

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.56 Lakh

Nissan

Magnite

from ₹6.25 Lakh

Renault

Kiger

from ₹6.46 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Anshul Gupta

•3d

Hello, I am planning to buy a petrol automatic car and I am a beginner driver. My budget is around ₹11 lakh. My monthly usage will be approximately 1,000 km, with around 40% highway driving. I have shortlisted the Tata Nexon Pure Plus S and the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro. Which of these would be a better choice for me, considering my priorities of safety, ease of maintenance, fuel efficiency, and comfort?

Autocar India

•11h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro automatic for a first-time buyer who wants strong safety, an easy drive, and sensible running. It fits your brief slightly better than the Tata Nexon. The 3XO’s automatic is a torque-converter unit, which means it is smoother shifting than the Nexon's automated manual. That makes daily driving less tiring, especially when you are learning. The XUV 3XO is also a 5-star BNCAP-rated car which meets your requirements.One thing to be aware of is that, like any turbo-petrol automatic, fuel use in heavy traffic can rise if you drive hard. Pick the Nexon only if you value a roomier cabin and a bigger boot.Test drive both in slow traffic and a quick highway overtake to see how they feel.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Stephen naikar

•2d

I currently own a Renault Kwid AMT (RXT/O) and am planning to upgrade to the Renault Kiger CVT. Is the Kiger CVT a good choice, or should I consider other alternatives in this segment?

Autocar India

•2d

The Renault Kiger 1.0-litre turbo-petrol CVT will feel like a clear upgrade from your Renault Kwid AMT. In fact, it is one of the smoothest automatics you can get at this size and price. Performance feels smooth and effortless. Alternatively, check the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT, which shares its platform and powertrain with the Kiger CVT. The Maruti Fronx/ Toyota Taisor 1.0 turbo automatic is also a good option that you could consider.

Nitesh

I recently purchased a Hyundai i20. Earlier, I owned a Hyundai i10 and received a good exchange value for it. Now, I am planning to buy a second car for my personal use, while the i20 will be used by my family. My budget is up to ₹14 lakh, and my monthly running will be around 1,500 km. Could you please suggest the best car for my needs and explain why it would be a suitable choice?

Autocar India

•4h

Go for the Maruti Victoris VXi manual as it fits your Rs 14 lakh budget and represents a step up from your i20. You will sit higher, see the road better, and it deals with bad roads and speed breakers better than the i20, yet it is still relatively easy to park and thread through traffic. The controls are light, the petrol engine feels smooth and calm in the city, and Maruti’s wide service network makes ownership simple almost anywhere. One thing to be aware of: the engine is more about smoothness than speed, so if you're on a highway with four people and luggage, you may need to plan your overtakes. While the Victoris VXi MT will be ideal, if you want to benefit from lower running costs, consider the Victoris LXi CNG. If a big part of your 1,500 km is highway and you want lower fuel bills and stronger pull at low speeds, look at the Kia Sonet diesel manual mid variant. It suits long runs well, though the ride can feel a bit firm on sharp bumps. If you want to stay with Hyundai, check the Venue diesel manual, which is mechanically identical to the Sonet.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Kia Sonet

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