Dear Autocar India team, thank you for the guidance and advice you provide to car buyers and enthusiasts. My family is planning to replace our 2014 Hyundai Xcent SX(O) 1.2L VTVT Petrol (now at 1.3L+ km). There is no urgency, but with the rapidly changing market, we want to plan ahead. We are looking for a <4m city car with petrol (or flex-fuel), automatic transmission, and good fuel efficiency. A hybrid would be ideal, though we understand there may not be options yet. We are open to waiting for one from Hyundai or Maruti. Since we already have a 2023 Tata Safari XZA+ for highway trips, this car will mainly be a reliable city runabout. Budget: ₹10-15 lakh on-road.

Autocar India

•5w

There are no strong hybrid options available in your budget as yet, especially in the sub-4m segment. However, we do expect this to change over the next few years.

Renault Bridger has already been announced as a future sub-4m SUV and is expected to offer multiple powertrains, including a hybrid. That said, it’s still some time away from launch (likely around 2027), and given the cost of hybrid tech, it’s unlikely to fall within a Rs 15 lakh on-road budget. Similarly, there is industry buzz around a hybrid version of the Hyundai Venue, but again, pricing could be a challenge.

The best option for you today, and a logical upgrade from your Hyundai Xcent, is the Honda Amaze. Like your current car, it’s a compact sedan, so the form factor will feel familiar.

The Amaze CVT is particularly well-suited to your usage. The gearbox is smooth and stress-free in traffic, and the 1.2-litre petrol engine is refined and reasonably efficient in real-world city conditions. It’s also very easy to drive, with light controls and excellent visibility, ideal for daily urban use.

What stands out is how usable it is as an all-rounder. There’s good rear-seat space and a genuinely practical boot, making it feel like a proper step up rather than just a replacement.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Amaze

from ₹8.53 Lakh

Renault

Bridger

Hyundai

Venue

from ₹9.07 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Sreearg

•2d

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to upgrade from my Hyundai i10 Sportz 1.2 AT and am looking for a new automatic car with a maximum budget of ₹11 lakh (on-road). The car will be used mostly by my parents for city driving. My current shortlist includes: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT Hyundai Exter AMT Honda Amaze CVT Key requirements: Good real-world mileage Easy to drive in city conditions Comfortable and convenient for my parents Preference for top-end variants My annual usage is relatively low, around 6,000–7,000 km, so I am inclined towards petrol but open to diesel if it makes more sense. While the usage will be mostly within the city, the car may occasionally be used for long trips (around 500–800 km) once or twice a year. I am confused between choosing a more comfortable and efficient hatchback, a taller car with better visibility, or a more refined CVT sedan. I am also open to other suggestions slightly outside this shortlist if there are better options within this budget. Could you please advise on the best choice for my requirements?

Autocar India

•1h

Mostly city use by your parents, low yearly running, and a hard cap of about Rs 11 lakh on-road points to the Honda Amaze CVT.Why this fits your brief: compared to your 2013 i10 AT or the other AMTs you've shortlisted, the Amaze’s CVT will feel calmer and smoother at low speeds, so stop-go traffic will be less tiring. The cabin is simple, the seats are supportive, and visibility is good, so it is easy to drive and park. Petrol is the right pick for 6,000-7,000 km a year.Two watch-outs: the Amaze sits low, so getting in and out is not as upright as something like the Hyundai Exter. Fuel efficiency also won’t be as good as the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. In our real-world tests, the Amaze managed 13.28 kpl (combined), while the Dzire averaged 15.41 kpl (combined). If that is a concern, the Dzire is a good bet, though the AMT won’t be as smooth as a CVT. If your parents value a higher seat and an easy step-in, pick the Hyundai Exter AMT.Overall, for mostly city use and comfort for your parents, the Amaze CVT lines up best with what you described.

Sam

My budget is around 12 lakh (possibly through a corporate car lease). I am considering the 2026 Nissan Magnite CVT, Renault Kiger CVT and Honda Amaze CVT. I believe the top variants of all three fit my budget, but I am confused about which one to choose. My usage will be mostly in the city, with occasional trips outside, and I am a new driver.

Autocar India

•1d

Mostly city use, a few trips out of town, first-time driver, and Rs 12 lakh to work with, in that situation, we would pick the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT, ideally the top CVT trim that fits your lease budget. The CVT is seamless and keeps things smooth, which makes stop-and-go traffic much easier, and the turbo has good pull for the highway. It sits higher and gives you a better view of the road, and the steering is light, so squeezing into tight lanes or parking is simple.A couple of trade-offs to note are that Nissan’s service network is smaller than Honda’s, so check how close the dealer and workshop are in your city. Also, the cabin feels basic in some areas compared to pricier cars.The Honda Amaze has a very refined engine and smooth CVT, so it is great if you like an easy, relaxed drive. The flip side is that you sit lower and ground clearance is less than the other two, and performance is milder on highways with a full load. The Renault Kiger Turbo CVT is very similar to the Magnite in how it drives. Pick it if you prefer its look or if the Renault dealer is closer or gives a better deal.Overall, for your city-first use and as a new driver, the Magnite Turbo CVT lines up best.

Rajan Nair

I am trying to decide between the Honda Amaze and the Hyundai i20 for use in Pune. Please help.

Autocar India

•2d

Opt for the Hyundai i20 IVT automatic. Since you drive in Pune, you'll appreciate the CVT gearbox's smoothness in traffic, and since it's a hatchback, it'll be easier to park in tight spots. The i20's steering is light, the engine is refined, and it also has a comfortable ride. The i20 also offers a nicer cabin quality, and Hyundai's service network is also more widespread.There are a couple of trade-offs. The i20’s boot is smaller than the Honda Amaze's, so big airport bags or long-trip luggage will require planning. Also, the CVT automatic is not very efficient, especially at city speeds.

Hyundai i20

Honda Amaze

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