Honda Amaze VX CVT

If you are looking for a smooth automatic experience, a CVT is your best option. While most cars in this price range use an AMT like your Celerio, there are two options with CVTs – the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Amaze. Both these cars get 1.2-litre four-cylinder engines mated to CVT transmissions that are smooth and easy to use. Both have reasonably roomy cabins, but the Amaze has the advantage of a larger boot. It is also the newer car and therefore gets our vote.

With regard to your query about the Punch EV, there is no denying that it is a phenomenal city car. However, your limited commute of just 20km does not really justify an EV. Also, in our real-world test of the previous Punch EV we managed 216km on a full charge on the highway. The new Punch EV will improve on that with its larger battery pack, but the range might still be a limiting factor on your monthly road trips.

Before you decide, do take a test drive of all these cars.

Given how much you drive, you'd be happiest with the Honda Amaze CVT. It's got the most sophisticated gearbox and its smoothness will have a big bearing on your drive experience. The Amaze offers ample safety features and its reassuring to know that its a 5 star Bharat NCAP-rated model. Hondas are easy to maintain, very reliable and will not give trouble for years. 

Do note, the Amaze CVT is decent on fuel economy but won't be as fuel efficient as the other two that use simpler AMT gearboxes. If fuel economy is a key priority, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AGS is your best bet.  

First, let’s clear the confusion around flex-fuel and E27. There’s a lot of noise on social media, but flex-fuel cars (E27 and above) are still some time away in the mass market. Also, it’s not yet clear what real-world benefit they will offer to customers. Higher ethanol blends generally reduce fuel efficiency, so unless E27 fuel is significantly cheaper than today’s E20 petrol, the advantage may not be substantial.

Current BS6 Phase 2 petrol cars are fully compatible with E20 fuel, which is expected to remain the base fuel even if higher ethanol blends are introduced. So buying a petrol car now is absolutely safe and sensible. There’s no need to delay your purchase waiting for flex-fuel technology.

Now, since you have your own house with dedicated parking, installing a home charger is possible. That makes an EV a practical option. For a first-time buyer, an EV is actually very easy to drive. It has no clutch, no gear shifts, offers smooth acceleration, and has very low running costs. Something like the Tata Punch EV offers good value. Just keep in mind that long highway trips will require planning around charging stops.

If your usage is only twice a week or less, a regular petrol car may still be the simpler, more flexible choice. One of our go-to recommendations for first-time buyers is the Honda Amaze. It’s easy to drive, reliable, comfortable and offers hassle-free ownership.

The Honda City CVT is a good car; however, even the base version would be over the Rs 13 lakh mark. 

You could thus consider the Honda Amaze CVT instead. The top-end version will come in under your budget, and you will get a well-equipped car with features like an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless phone connectivity. It also has in cabin air purifier, automatic climate control with rear AC vents and even an ADAS system, which can come in handy on your highway drives. 

The Amaze is also quite spacious inside, and the boot, too, is large and should accommodate any weekend luggage you may have.