Tata Altroz

For your requirements of a smooth, automatic, premium feel and ease of driving, we would first suggest considering the Hyundai i20 IVT. The CVT gearbox is very smooth, which makes it the easiest car to drive in city traffic, especially for a new driver. It also feels premium inside, well-equipped and well priced, making it a great first car. Hyundai’s after-sales service and ease of maintenance are also strong positives.

That said, in terms of safety, the i20 scored a 3-star rating earlier, and the facelifted version hasn’t been tested yet, so that remains a bit of an unknown.

If 5-star safety is your top priority, then you can consider the Tata Altroz DCA. It has a strong build and better safety credentials. The ride quality is also more comfortable, and the car feels more stable on the highway.

However, the engine and gearbox are not as refined or as smooth as the Hyundai's, though it is still a better experience than an AMT.

The Honda Amaze CVT is a good pick for you. Its CVT gearbox is smooth and delivers a pleasant driving experience, superior to what you'd get with AMTs in the same price band. The Amaze CVT in fully-loaded VX form fits your budget and is worth a look. 

You could also look at the Tata Altroz DCT in Accomplished S trim. It's well equipped and, while performance is unexciting, the gearbox is very smooth. 

Other options we'd recommend considering include the Nissan Magnite CVT, Renault Kiger CVT and Hyundai i20 CVT. Do note, their top-end versions are pricier than Rs 11 lakh. 

If you compare them directly, the Tata Altroz offers more value for money. Both the Altroz and the Tata Punch are similarly priced and equipped, but the Altroz is a larger hatchback. It feels wider inside and offers a greater sense of space, which makes it more comfortable for passengers.

Another advantage of the Altroz is the choice of automatic gearboxes. While the Punch only offers a basic AMT automatic, the Altroz comes with AMT in the lower variants and also a DCT automatic in the higher variants, which delivers a far more polished and smoother driving experience.

However, the 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine used in both cars is best suited for city driving. On highways it can feel a bit underpowered, especially when overtaking or carrying a full load. This is where the Punch now has an advantage. With the latest update, it is available with a turbo petrol engine as well, which offers stronger performance. Interestingly, this turbo engine was earlier available on the Altroz before its facelift but is not offered on the current version.

Since safety is a high priority for you, check out the Tata Altroz, which has scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating. It's just as well that mileage and performance aren't high priorities for you, as neither are strong points for the Altroz. 

Both these improve considerably if you choose the 1.5-litre diesel variant - but then there's a big price jump for this as well. However, even if you choose the petrol, for your budget of Rs 10 lakh, you will get a mid-spec variant of the Altroz only. 

If you want a bit more bang for your buck, consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, which has scored a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating, but still gets all the expected safety features. In your budget, you can get a fully-loaded petrol model, and overall, the Baleno scores higher than the Altroz on space, comfort, mileage, performance and maintenance.

You can consider the Tata Altroz. While it may not be as fuel-efficient as something like a Maruti Swift, it is efficient enough, and if driven well, it should get you low double-digit real figure KPL figures in the city. 

Moreover, its ride quality is very good, and it soaks up road imperfections with ease and while always retaining good control. In terms of safety, there's a host of features like 6 airbags and ESP standard, as well as a 5-star BNCAP crash rating. Within your budget, you should get the higher-end petrol variant, and you would thus enjoy some nice-to-have features too. We would say the 'Creative' variant would do you well.