Suggest a good sporty-looking car under 10 lakh that offers good mileage. This will be my first car, and I do not want to overspend. I want something that feels worth the money in the long run.

Autocar India

•1d

Of the two options on your shortlist, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios automatic is the better choice. It is a small, friendly car to learn in, with light steering, good all‑round view, and a tight turning circle, so parking and U‑turns feel simple. The engine and automatic are smooth at low speeds, and it handles bumps well, which helps in traffic and on broken roads.Know that the Nios is not as roomy as the Baleno, and the boot is smaller. Also, like most budget automatics of this type, you can feel a slight jerk when crawling and stopping in heavy traffic.Pick the Maruti Suzuki Baleno automatic only if you want more cabin space and a calmer feel on occasional highway runs. It is the bigger car and feels more solid at higher speeds, but it is a bit longer to judge in tight lanes, and the view out is not as open as the Nios for a new driver.We'd also recommend you check out the Maruti Suzuki Swift AMT. Like the Grand i10 Nios, the Swift is a friendly pick for a new driver. What works in favour of the Swift is that it's newer and has a more fuel-efficient engine too.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Autocar India

•1d

With 70% city use, 30% highway and a Rs. 10 lakh cap, the Tata Altroz petrol manual in a high variant fits your brief best. It is easy to drive in traffic, feels steady on the highway, and its Harman sound system is among the nicest you will get at this price. The AC is strong, the rear seat is wide enough for three adults, and the boot is big enough for a family trip.Two caveats for your mix. With four on board and luggage, you will need to shift gears more on hills and quick passes. Also, Tata service is decent in big cities, but Maruti still has a smoother, wider network.If mileage and hassle-free service are top priority, pick the Maruti Suzuki Baleno petrol manual. It uses less fuel in the city, rides comfortably, has a big boot, a back seat that works for three, and service reach is the best. It is more relaxed than sporty, and the sound system is good, but not as rich as the Altroz.Open to use? A well-kept Honda City petrol manual brings the biggest rear space and boot, strong AC and solid service, while still being nice to drive.

Tata Altroz

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Autocar India

•2d

Get the Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 petrol manual. It fits three in the back better than most at this price, sips fuel, and Maruti’s service network and parts costs will keep ownership simple. For your 60% city and some rougher rural runs, it rides comfortably enough, has a light clutch and easy steering, the AC cools fast, the sound system is crisp, and the large boot swallows a weekend’s luggage without drama.It is also one of the few cars under Rs. 10 lakh that can balance space, mileage and low maintenance without feeling cheap inside. If you pick a mid variant, you’ll still get the essentials and stay within budget in most cities.However, if safety rating is your top concern, then the Tata Altroz petrol manual feels more solid, and its Harman audio is better, but it is not as light to drive in traffic, and Tata service can be patchy.In the used car space, a gently used Maruti Brezza manual keeps the same strengths and adds peace of mind.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Tata Altroz

Maruti Suzuki Brezza