Sedan Cars Under 10 Lakh in India (7)

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Go for the Honda Amaze, which is possibly the best automatic car in this price range for your needs. The biggest advantage is its smooth CVT gearbox, which is far superior to the more basic AMTs that are offered by the other cars in this price range. That gearbox is mated to a smooth, refined and fuel efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine that's proven and reliable. Its compact dimensions make it easy to drive, and Honda's famous attention to space management and ergonomics mean it feels like a big car on the inside and is easy to drive too. Moreover, for your occasional highway trips, the 89hp, four-cylinder engine has good power for cruising and overtaking. There's no harm in choosing a sedan at all, and you should buy the car that suits you and not the market.The Exter is a good alternative, with a higher seating that makes it easy to see out of, and you will get a higher variant in your budget, although compared to the Amaze, it feels like a smaller car from a lower segment. The engine isn't as punchy as the Honda's and the AMT gearbox is nowhere as smooth, and while it might be sufficient in the city, it doesn't inspire confidence on the highway. Overall, the Amaze is the best bet for your needs.

Honda Amaze

Hyundai Exter

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With a monthly usage of around 500km in Bengaluru and occasional trips to Mysuru, your running is relatively low, so a petrol car makes the most sense. Your budget of Rs 10 lakh puts you in the premium hatchback or entry-level compact SUV segment. In this price range, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a very strong option. It is spacious, comfortable, fuel-efficient and easy to drive in the city, while also being reliable and inexpensive to maintain.If you prefer the higher seating position and better ground clearance of an SUV, the Tata Punch is worth considering. It is well-suited to Bengaluru's roads and offers a more commanding driving position, though it is not as spacious as the Baleno. Overall, the Baleno is the most well-rounded choice for your usage and budget.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Tata Punch

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With only around 500km a month, predominantly in Bengaluru, the Swift is the more sensible first car. It is compact, easy to drive and park, has good visibility and will be considerably easier to live with in Bengaluru traffic. Your occasional Mysuru trips are also well within its capabilities.The Brezza makes sense if you specifically want an SUV, higher ground clearance and a more spacious cabin. However, the important point is that the new Brezza 1.0 turbo is manual only. The 1.5 petrol is the version available with the six-speed automatic. The turbo makes 110hp and 170Nm, so it is more responsive than the Swift, but it is not necessarily the better choice for such low annual running.For a first car and a Rs 10 lakh budget, the Swift also leaves more room to buy a well-equipped variant rather than stretching the budget for an SUV. If an automatic is important, the Swift AMT is worth considering for your usage.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

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Given your budget, parking constraints and the need for good fuel efficiency, safety and reliability, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is the most sensible choice. At 3860mm long and 1735mm wide, it fits comfortably within your parking limitations. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is efficient, reliable and easy to drive, making it well-suited for your parents, though achieving 17kpl+ will depend greatly on the driving conditions and driving style. Maruti's service network and low maintenance costs add to the ownership peace of mind, and the Swift also comes with decent safety features, including multiple airbags and ESP on higher variants. And on your budget of Rs 9.5 lakh, you should get a ZXi or ZXi+ variant.If you want something smaller still, consider the Maruti Suzuki Celerio, which offers much of what the Swift does in a smaller package. If anything, its 1.0 litre petrol engine is even more efficient, though lacking a bit in punch compared to the 1.2, and the high seating position and great visibility will be a boon to your parents. Overall, however, the Swift feels like the more upmarket and comfortable choice, and makes better use of your Rs 9.5 lakh budget.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Celerio