Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•24m

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX with the 1.5-litre engine mated to the IVT automatic. Since 95 percent of your driving is in the city, you will appreciate its smooth and easy-to-drive nature.The 1.5-litre engine is very refined, and the IVT makes good use of the available power. It feels responsive to light throttle inputs in city traffic and offers adequate performance for most scenarios. It also simulates shifts in eight steps, so it feels more natural than most CVTs and doesn’t exhibit too much of the rubber-band effect you might have experienced with your Honda Amaze CVT. The Seltos is also thoroughly modern inside and out and packed with features, so it will feel like a big step up from your Amaze.The one thing you will compromise on is outright performance; the 1.5-litre petrol with a CVT prioritises smoothness, so quick highway overtakes above 80kph are not exactly effortless. If that is a concern, then consider the turbo-petrol Seltos instead.During the test drive, crawl in stop-go traffic to assess creep and throttle response, and check steering lightness and ride comfort.

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•4d

Go for the Honda Amaze V CVT, which is a superb compact automatic car at this budget. For a daily office run, the CVT’s seamless, gearless feel reduces fatigue in heavy traffic far better than an automated manual or AMT, which a lot of other cars at this price use. The compact sub‑4‑metre size makes it easy to place in tight city spots, yet the 5‑seat cabin is comfortable for occasional family rides. The proven 1.2‑litre petrol is refined and efficient, and Honda’s scheduled service at 10,000 km or 1 year will keep the car running smoothly. Plus, it has a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating, which gives you a little extra peace of mind.The one thing you give up is the higher driving position and extra ground clearance of a compact SUV, but it makes up for that with more fun driving dynamics. If you can stretch the budget a small bit, the higher VX variant offers more features, like a wireless charger and keyless entry and go, in case she is interested.

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•4d

The Honda Amaze CVT has the smoothest gearbox compared to the AMT units of the Baleno and Dzire. Its ride comfort is good, and its larger boot is its strength. That said, refinement and seat comfort aren't as good as the two Marutis.As you've rightly mentioned, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire could feel a touch underpowered, and since your usage is primarily on the highway, we'd recommend the Baleno instead. The Baleno's four-cylinder engine delivers stronger performance (than the Dzire), and it is spacious and well-equipped. If you don't mind its relatively smaller boot, this is the one to go for.You could also consider the Toyota Glanza, which is essentially a Baleno with brighter, beige interiors.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Toyota Glanza

Autocar India

•5d

Since the NVH level of your current Honda Amaze is something you are not happy with, we would not recommend the new Amaze, as NVH levels are more or less the same. Wind, road and engine noise do filter through into the cabin at medium and high speeds. Thus, opt for the Hyundai i20 Asta CVT instead, as you would find it a bit quieter. The CVT (Hyundai’s IVT) is also smooth enough when driven at typical city speeds, and in slow city traffic, the i20’s IVT creeps smoothly and keeps revs down, which reduces the “drone” you likely hear. The one thing you give up is luggage space: the i20 has 311 litres versus the Amaze’s 420 litres, but if the boot is not something you use often, this should not be a large concern.

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•5d

A good choice for your wife is the Honda Amaze. You've owned a Honda City and are happy with it, so this would be a good option, as you're already in the Honda system. We'd recommend the CVT in the ZX variant if that falls in your budget. The smooth automatic gearbox will be a nice convenience in city traffic, and there are also ADAS features as a safety net for her and your child.It's comfy, spacious, efficient, easy to drive and even a bit of fun from behind the wheel. It comes with a robust 3-year/unlimited-km warranty as standard, which can be extended to 7 years/unlimited km, but what is more interesting is Honda's 'Anytime Warranty', which allows you to extend it in increments of 1-year/20,000km for up to 10 years. That should give you good peace of mind, and when you factor in Honda's reasonable maintenance and running costs, the Amaze CVT ends up being great value for money.

Honda Amaze

Honda City

Autocar India

•1w

If it’s the best automatic car you’re looking for, the Honda Amaze is the clear pick. Its CVT is leagues ahead of the AMT you get in the Tata Punch, delivering smooth power delivery, seamless shifts and a driving experience that just feels more polished. Performance, too, is better. The Amaze CVT VX variant makes a strong case for itself on value, even if it is the pricier option here.The recently updated Tata Punch does make a case for itself if your daily drive involves broken surfaces and pothole-ridden roads. The Tata's rugged character and robust suspension make it feel like it's built to take a beating. There’s also a marginal edge on fuel efficiency, but the AMT gearbox simply can’t match the refinement and ease of the Amaze’s CVT.

Honda Amaze

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•1w

Since your driving is within the city and on the higher side, opt for the electric Tata Punch. The smooth EV drive and compact dimensions is something you will appreciate in the city. Also, the higher seating helps with visibility in tight lanes. Since you drive about 40kms per day, you can opt for the smaller battery '30' model, but if your budget allows, opt for the larger '40' model. With its real-world range of about 300 kms, you'll have fewer charges per week. Speaking of which, opt for the EV only if you have the ability to charge at home or your place of work, as relying on public chargers is not convenient. The one thing you give up is quick refuelling if you plan long trips; even with fast charging, you’ll need to plan stops. Thus, if you do frequent long drives, consider the Honda Amaze CVT instead, which offers easy refuelling and a relaxed automatic for traffic.

Tata Punch EV

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•1w

Go for the Honda Amaze V MT; within your ₹7-10 lakh, it fits a first-time buyer best with easy driving, proven reliability, a 420‑litre boot, and your Honda preference.Because you’re new to car ownership, the Amaze’s light controls and calm ride make daily driving simpler; its length under 4,000 mm keeps parking stress low. Within ₹7-10 lakh, the S MT sits mid-variant, so you don’t compromise as much on basics, whereas a Kia Sonet at this price is closer to entry-level. The 420‑litre boot is handy for luggage on trips. Honda’s typical 10,000 km/1‑year service rhythm keeps maintenance planning straightforward.The one thing you give up is the Sonet’s taller driving position and extra ground clearance, which some prefer for rough roads and speed breakers in smaller towns.If you prioritise a high seat and rough‑road ability over boot space and sedan comfort, consider the Kia Sonet HTK 1.2 petrol instead, within the same ₹7-10 lakh band.On the test drive, check low‑speed clutch feel in stop‑go traffic and cabin noise at 80 km/h. Also, sit four adults and verify the 420‑litre boot swallows two 25‑inch suitcases.

Honda Amaze

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

•1w

Go for the Honda Amaze ZX CVT, for 80-90% city running. It offers the smoothest auto at this price, easy parking at 3,995 mm, and a useful 420‑litre boot.In stop‑and-go traffic, this CVT creeps smoothly from 5-15kph, making daily commutes calmer than the AMTs offered by 3 direct rivals. The compact 3,995 mm footprint helps in tight city parking, while the 420‑litre boot takes a stroller plus 2 suitcases for family trips. The rear bench suits 2 adults, a third adult fits for short 5-10 km hops. For your 80-90% city and 10-20% highway mix, this balance feels right.The one thing you give up is outright punch. The quick overtakes above 90kph need planning, and the engine sounds busier when you floor it. If you want a higher seating position and easier ingress for elders or bad roads in your area, consider the Nissan Magnite Turbo XV Premium CVT instead.On your next drive, check creep smoothness between 5-10kph, low‑speed jerk when lifting off the brake, a ramp start for hill‑hold, and cabin noise at 80kph.

Honda Amaze

Autocar India

•1w

There are no strong hybrid options available in your budget as yet, especially in the sub-4m segment. However, we do expect this to change over the next few years.Renault Bridger has already been announced as a future sub-4m SUV and is expected to offer multiple powertrains, including a hybrid. That said, it’s still some time away from launch (likely around 2027), and given the cost of hybrid tech, it’s unlikely to fall within a Rs 15 lakh on-road budget. Similarly, there is industry buzz around a hybrid version of the Hyundai Venue, but again, pricing could be a challenge.The best option for you today, and a logical upgrade from your Hyundai Xcent, is the Honda Amaze. Like your current car, it’s a compact sedan, so the form factor will feel familiar.The Amaze CVT is particularly well-suited to your usage. The gearbox is smooth and stress-free in traffic, and the 1.2-litre petrol engine is refined and reasonably efficient in real-world city conditions. It’s also very easy to drive, with light controls and excellent visibility, ideal for daily urban use.What stands out is how usable it is as an all-rounder. There’s good rear-seat space and a genuinely practical boot, making it feel like a proper step up rather than just a replacement.

Honda Amaze

Renault Bridger

Hyundai Venue