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Hi team, I really enjoy the Autocar weekly podcast; it’s very entertaining. Wanted to check on my new car purchase. I previously owned an Altroz DCA but sold it as it was ergonomically unsuitable for my height of 6 feet and wider build. I am now looking for a new car in the ₹15 to 20 lakh range, preferably an SUV, with a focus on safety, reliability, and ease of driving for city use and occasional highway runs. My daily city driving is around 70 km. Is there a manual that is light and easy to use, or should I opt for an automatic?

Asked by: Ramchandrahasa
Thank you for your kind words on the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast!
Given your requirements, we'd recommend the Hyundai Creta IVT or the new Kia Seltos IVT. Their CVT gearbox (IVT as the carmakers' brand them) is very smooth and works really well with the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Both models are known for their reliability and are easy to drive. Of the two, the Kia Seltos is newer (prices will be announced on January 2) and has its advantages in a roomier cabin, a more comfortable ride, and a few more features. 
Among the manual gearbox options, models from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota have light clutches and easy-to-shift manual gearboxes. Even so, the experience won't be as convenient as a good automatic transmission.
Kia New Seltos

Kia New Seltos

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team25 Dec' 25
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Latest questions

Asked by: Biswajeet Achary

I am 65 years old and will be superannuating from service soon. My current car is chauffeur-driven. I am now looking for a comfortable automatic car for city use that I can drive myself, with occasional long trips of up to 300 km. My budget is ₹8 lakh on-road. Please suggest suitable options.

There are quite a few automatic options within your budget. However, we'd narrow the list down to models with high seating, which are more convenient to get into and out of. The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R would be the first model we'd recommend for you. Its high seating, excellent visibility and airy cabin are aspects you will appreciate. This Maruti car is easy to drive, and the brand’s hassle-free ownership is a plus in its own right. Opt for the AMT gearbox with the more powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine.Within the Maruti line-up, you could also look at the Ignis AMT, though ride comfort is a bit harsh. Other alternatives with high seating include the Nissan Magnite AMT, Renault Kiger AMT and Tata Punch AMT.
AI
Autocar India team
2 Jan' 26
Asked by: sanjay kichlu

I am 69 years old and currently drive, and am driven in, an MG Hector. The vehicle feels too large for me, especially for parking and driving in NCR traffic. I want to sell it and buy something smaller, preferably an EV. I drive about 20 km daily and take one outstation trip a month, mostly to the hills (600-800 km). I want a slightly higher driving position, decent safety features, and an automatic transmission. I liked the Nexon EV 45. My budget is around ₹15 lakh, but I am open to suggestions.

In our congested cities, a small car does make better sense, and EVs are perfect for city driving. The Tata Nexon EV 45 has a claimed range of 489km; however, in our real-world range test, it delivered a range of 350km, which is more than adequate for your everyday usage. Long drives can be managed, too, with some planning.Since you have mentioned driving to the hills, it is worth keeping in mind that EVs lose range quickly on uphill drives, so planning becomes even more important. Otherwise Nexon EV 45 seems like a good fit for you. This Tata car has a smaller footprint, making it a perfect vehicle for maneuvering in city traffic and finding parking spaces.
AI
Autocar India team
2 Jan' 26
Asked by: Babu

Hi all. I am currently using a Hyundai Eon and plan to purchase a comfortable SUV with good mileage and low maintenance under ₹14 lakh. I prefer Hyundai, but not the Exter. Please suggest.

Since you are comfortable with Hyundai, the new Venue is worth considering. It is a well-packaged compact SUV that scores well in cabin space and quality. There are several variants of the Venue available within your ₹14 lakh budget.To give an overview of the engine and gearbox options, the standard 1.2-litre petrol engine is the lowest in power, but it is pleasant for city use. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol feels noticeably stronger and performs better on highways. The 1.5-litre diesel is refined, smooth, and efficient, but it only makes sense if you have higher running.We'd suggest you look at the 1.2 HX6 (if you aren't too concerned about performance), 1.0 turbo-petrol manual HX8 (good feature spread) and 1.0 turbo-petrol DCT HX6 (if you are keen on an automatic).
AI
Autocar India team
2 Jan' 26
Asked by: DeeJay

I am a first-time car buyer, 61 years old, and I want a tall car so I don’t have to slouch. I have knee and lower back issues, and want my first car to be a Tata. My budget can vary or be modified according to my comfort needs.

Tata Motors has a wide range of crossover and SUV options that you could consider depending on your budget. However, since you are a first-time car buyer, we would advise you against the Tata Sierra and Harrier, which are quite large and might seem intimidating to drive.The Tata Punch is a good starting point and worth a look, but we feel the Nexon is the best pick for your requirements. It sits at a comfortable height, so you won't need to slouch down to enter it, and the vehicle itself is of a comfortable size - roomy enough to accommodate four adults with ease yet small enough to be convenient to drive. We'd suggest you opt for an automatic transmission version that will help remove the bother of modulating the clutch pedal. If your budget allows, the smooth dual-clutch automatic version is the one to buy.
AI
Autocar India team
2 Jan' 26
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