Honda Amaze

Since you have a Tata Safari, we assume you want the smaller car primarily for city use, and interior space or highway stability would not be that high on the priority list. Thus, we would suggest the Skoda Kylaq. Measuring under 4 meters in length, it is easy to manage in crowded cities, and the 1.0-litre engine is peppy enough. Importantly, it comes with the option of a torque convertor gearbox, which is the smoothest type to have and something you will appreciate in stop-and-go traffic. 

If it's a sedan, then check out the Honda Amaze. This too is under 4 meters in length, has light and easy controls, and while the automatic isn't a torque convertor. It has a CVT autobox, which is still the better option to have than an automated manual (AMT). 

Yes, you are right. The Kia Sonet’s and Honda Amaze’s 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engines, although fine for city use, will feel a bit down on power for highway duties. Especially compared to your Hyundai Xcent diesel, you own currently. It has a lot more torque; these cars will feel slower in comparison and won’t really feel like an upgrade.

In your Rs 10 lakh budget, you can look at either the Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX M or the Skoda Kylaq Classic Plus. Both these cars are powered by turbo petrol engines, which give them strong performance, and both are genuinely enjoyable to drive. The Mahindra scores big on cabin space, making it one of the most comfortable cars in the segment for five adults. While the Skoda Kodiaq offers a much larger boot, which adds to its practicality.

If you are looking for better efficiency and a lighter clutch for a more effortless driving experience, you could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza LXi. However, in Maruti’s case, we would recommend waiting as an update is due soon.

You're on the right track with the Honda Amaze CVT. For a small family like yours, it's the right size of vehicle - compact enough for city use and spacious enough for four. Plus, for your occasional highway drives, it feels quite surefooted and even gets ADAS features on the top-spec version that should take some of the stress out of highway driving. 

It has also achieved a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating, and it comes with most essential features that you might want.

The Honda Amaze is a good compact sedan, and the CVT is a good automatic gearbox. If you do push a bit further with the pace, then there is that typical rubber band effect where the revs rise before a corresponding increase in speed. 

However, on the whole, this is still better than the jerky shifts that AMTs have. In terms of long term usage, yes, the Amaze is a very reliable car and should serve you well. As for the mileage, the Amaze will not be as efficient as the Maruti Dzire, but it is still very good. 

In our standard test cycle, the CVT Amaze mileage is 9.94kpl in the city cycle and 16.62kpl on the highway loop. 

The Honda Amaze ZX CVT is the one we'd recommend for you. It's got the smoother gearbox, which has a big bearing on your overall highway experience. Further, the Amaze also feels more confident at highway speeds. The Amaze doesn't stand out for tech features, but it packs in all the essentials (touchscreen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, cruise control, and auto climate control) and more to ensure a comfortable drive. 

A key differentiator on the Amaze is ADAS, which adds a layer of protection, especially on highway drives. Also, Honda's CVT is reliable. In general, the Amaze is a hassle-free car. 

Where the Amaze trails the Maruti Baleno is in fuel economy. The Baleno's AMT ekes out a better real-world economy than the Amaze's CVT. Even so, as a package, the Amaze is the one for you.