I recently bought a Grand i10 automatic 2017 to practice driving, and I’ve been using it for a year now. My monthly running is almost 900 km, and I am getting a mileage of about 9 km/l. I am looking to upgrade to an SUV with good fuel economy and decent features, with a budget of around ₹14 lakh. Which car would you suggest?

Autocar India

•17w

Traditionally, torque converter automatics have been known to affect fuel efficiency, and the four-speed unit in the Hyundai Grand i10 did so even more due to the limited number of ratios. However, after experiencing a torque converter automatic that feels polished and premium, switching to an automated manual transmission will feel like a downgrade. An AMT feels more basic and rudimentary, even though it is as efficient as a manual gearbox.

Within your budget, you now have several good options. If you want to stay within the Hyundai car family, the Venue turbo petrol with the DCT in the HX 6 variant is worth considering. It is well equipped and uses a punchy 1.0-litre engine paired with a smooth 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

If you enjoy driving, the Skoda Kylaq is also a strong option. In fact, if you are willing to stretch your budget slightly beyond 14 lakh, you can get the top Prestige automatic variant on road.

It is better equipped than the Venue HX 6, and its 1.0-litre engine feels lively, while the 6-speed torque converter automatic performs well too.

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Hyundai

New Venue

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.77 Lakh

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Shashidhar Bhat

•2d

Hi, My monthly driving distance is around 1,000 km, mostly on highways, and safety is a priority for me. Automatic transmission is also a must. My budget is ₹12-13 lakhs. Could you please advise me on the best car for my requirements?

Autocar India

•1d

Mostly highway use, about 1,000 km a month, safety first, and an automatic in the Rs 12-13 lakh range, in that brief, we would suggest the Skoda Kylaq Signature. Its torque converter is much smoother than an AMT or DCT, so city driving feels easy, and performance from the 1.0 TSI makes highway overtakes effortless. The Kylaq has a 5-star crash score from Bharat NCAP and feels steady at highway speeds, which builds confidence. It also rides well over broken patches, so you are not tossed around.Two things to keep in mind: while the front seats are comfy and supportive, space in the back seat is a bit tight. It makes up for it with a large boot and a low loading lip. If you want more space, look at the Nissan Magnite Tekna Turbo CVT, which has a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.Overall, for highway-heavy use with safety at the top, the Kylaq lines up best in your budget.

Skoda Kylaq

Nissan Magnite

Kaustubh

•1d

I am planning to buy a new car for myself. The options I am considering are the Honda Amaze 2025 and the Skoda Kylaq. So I am a bit confused between these two. What do you suggest based on overall driving experience, after-market service, maintenance, etc? Also, please guide me in terms of variants. I am considering VX CVT and Signature Plus variants. Most of my running will be on the highway and sometimes in city traffic as well.

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus. It is the better fit for your usage, especially with more highway driving. The Kylaq stands out because of its turbo petrol engine and overall driving feel. It is more responsive, pulls stronger on highways and feels more stable at higher speeds. The ride is also better sorted, which adds confidence on long drives. If you enjoy driving and want something that feels solid and engaging, the Kylaq clearly has the edge. The torque converter automatic is smooth in traffic and quick when you need it, but the downside is fuel efficiency, which will be noticeably lower than that of the Amaze.The Honda Amaze VX CVT takes a different approach. It is smoother and easier to drive in city traffic, with a very relaxed automatic experience. It is also more predictable to own, with Honda’s strong reputation for consistent after-sales service and lower maintenance costs, making it the more hassle-free option in the long run.

Skoda Kylaq

Honda Amaze

Humcha

•1d

It’s time to replace my beloved Tata Hexa XTA 2017 model. It is a car I truly loved, but since it is BS4, I am now forced to replace it. Which cars should I consider as replacements? I plan to buy in December 2026. Please suggest the exact variants and provide a detailed comparison of specifications. My budget is ₹15–25 lakh. Diesel is not a must, but I do prefer good torque. A 5-seater is more than enough. My usage is mostly (80%) highway driving. I am almost 55 years old and plan to keep the car for at least the next five years. I prefer an automatic transmission, but I am aware that not all automatics are the same. Safety is another key consideration.

Autocar India

•1h

After almost a decade with your Hexa, a good idea is to replace it with a tough and powerful diesel SUV, and we'd recommend the Tata Harrier Adventure X Diesel AT. It gives you the relaxed, solid, long‑distance feel that you liked in your Hexa, but in a newer and easier‑to‑drive package.It works for you because the diesel has strong pull at low and mid speeds, so overtakes on two‑lane roads need less effort. The 6-speed automatic is the torque-converter type that uses a fluid coupling, which is known for smoothness and long life, and it does not get hot and fussy in traffic. Safety is strong too, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and must‑have features like 6 airbags and stability control. Ride comfort is good, and though not quite as tough-feeling as your ladder-frame Hexa, this Tata car feels softer and more comfortable overall.If you want the option of a third row of seats, there's also the Tata Safari at a slightly higher price point, which has all the same strengths of the Harrier. There's also the XUV 7XO, which is a better all-rounder and more fun to drive, but it doesn't feel quite as solid and commanding from behind the wheel as the Harrier or Safari.

Tata Harrier

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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