Buying your first car is always an important decision, and it pays to err on the side of practicality, ease of driving and a brand with a strong reputation for reliability and after-sales support.
For a small family, the Honda Amaze CVT is a very solid option. Its 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is efficient. The CVT automatic is seamless and relaxed to use in traffic, and Hondas are known for their dependability. For a long daily commute like yours, that smoothness really helps reduce fatigue. The Amaze VX CVT, priced at just under Rs 11 lakh on-road, is worth stretching to if you can.
If going beyond Rs 10 lakh isn’t possible, you could consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It, too, is reliable, inexpensive to maintain, and well-suited to family use. However, it comes with an AMT (AGS) rather than a CVT. An AMT is convenient, but it isn’t as smooth or as intuitive as a CVT, and in heavy traffic, you will notice the gearshifts more. Over a 70km commute, it may require a bit more attention from the driver.
The Baleno Zeta AGS, at around Rs 9.6 lakh on-road, fits neatly within your budget while still delivering the low running costs Maruti is known for.