[dvasudreddy]

Hello all, this is my first in this amazing forum. From the forum threads and comments, i came to understanding that how good this group is.

I'm a 32 year old salaried employee with a wife and a kid of 2 year old. I'm planning to buy a car, my first car. Will all the things to consider around and so many options available in the market, I'm just stumped and unable to decide anything. Let me say my requirements first.

1) Budget is 10 lacs with 10% variation on both sides
2) It doesn't matter whether it is sedan, heatchback or compact suv
3) Car should be a safer car, and would be used as family car. Since I have no other way of understanding the safety of any car, I am just going by NCAP ratings. Please let me know if that's a wrong approach. And, definitely no to a car with 2 or lower ratings.
4) My commute is majorly in the city, hence, an automatic. However, once or twice in a quarter i may need to travel on highway ( 450 kms one side).
5) Mileage is not a major concern for my usage, however, a good mileage is definitely an add on.
6) Since I will be spending considerable time in the car, a good interiors and ride comfort would definitely sway my decision (including good infotainment system)
7) I live in Hyderabad, which has so many hills and accordingly many roads with considerable slopes. So, is it required to have hill hold control for an automatic. If so, that would also become part of my requirement.

One other thing, I'm a novice driver, well, pretty much basic.

Cars i have considered, why and why not?

1) Honda Amaze CVT
Why? Honda brand, post sales services, CVT under 10 lacs, smoother and reliable family car (as per reviews), safety ( 4 star ncap rating)
Why not? No hill hold control, poor infotainment system (relatively), poor engine response (as per reviews because of CVT), no cruise control.

2) Altroz DCA
Why? Good looks, good ingress and egress ( i have elderly parents), safety (obviously), good speakers (as per reviews),
Why not? Unreliable post sales services of tata, unproven DCA transmissio in for Tata, no hill hold control

I have only listed those two option as I didn't consider cars with AMT transmission (as they reportedly have not so smooth transmission). If any AMT cars are good, I'm open for them as well. Thought about new Baleno also, but, not so sure about marutis build quality.

Any suggestion would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Vasudeva Reddy

[SoumenD]

Amaze CVT should be fine if you are ok with the looks. That 1.2L iVtec CVT combination is ultra smooth and reliable (speaking from personal experience). Being a Honda its fill it,shut, forget it kinda car. And unlike Maruti/Hyundai at least honda didn’t go too stingy by providing a compromised bodyshell. This one does well with a 4* GNCAP.

While I am a staunch supporter of TATAs for their impeccable 5* safety build, would be a bit wary of the DCA which is relatively new. Maybe if we have some owners of the model on forum, they can throw some light?

Btw if I were you, in this budget would also consider Nissan Magnite. That’s another rare 4* rated car(with stable bodyshell) and has a more powerful 1.0L turbo CVT which would be a better performer . Yes the interior quality is a bit underwhelming but do give it a look(& test drive).

[dvasudreddy]

Originally Posted by SoumenD

Btw if I were you, in this budget would also consider Nissan Magnite. That’s another rare 4* rated car(with stable bodyshell) and has a more powerful 1.0L turbo CVT which would be a better performer . Yes the interior quality is a bit underwhelming but do give it a look(& test drive).

Yes, i did indeed thought about Magnite for its turbo engine. But, i was not so sure about their post sales service and their performance of their automatic. Im still wondering whether to consider AMT cars or not. I mean, are they so bad as people make out them be?

[ellip5i5]

You could check the Hyundai i20 Sportz IVT (CVT)

[rishi.roger]

Originally Posted by dvasudreddy

Im still wondering whether to consider AMT cars or not. I mean, are they so bad as people make out them be?

AMTs are not horrible, atleast not the recent ones. However they are not that smooth either. You will feel slight jerk/lag when the gear shifts. Its annonying initially if you have experienced anything like CVTs before, however you get used to AMTs over time and learn how to push the gas pedal to reduce that jerkiness.
AMTs are cheaper to maintain, they also allow some level of manual control (most AMT cars have a manual mode..which is not exactly a 100% manual as you can control the upshift but downshift may still happen automatically).

Unfortunately most cars under 10L come with AMT as it reduces the cost of building for manufacturer.
Honda Amaze and Nissan Magnite are the two good picks anyday if you want the joy of automatics. Nissan's automatic is really good.
If you want to spend a little more then can look for Venue Turbo Automatic which in my opinion is a good Car.

I like what Tata offers for money, particularly safety and build rigidity. However do check out if their refinement, fit and finishing suits you. You may notice gaps in paintwork, panel fitment, rubber sealing/gaskets, and higher NVH levels comparatively.

[shancz]

Originally Posted by dvasudreddy

Any suggestion would be highly appreciated.

Since you're a new driver I would suggest to take a TD and then think about whether any car has enough power or not since this is quite subjective.

I agree with going for a proper automatic but your budget limits your options severely and so does the GNCAP rating. To provide you with some options I am skipping the GNCAP part which you can apply once you have taken some TDs and shortlisted.

Some suggestions for TD, not in order :
- Altroz DCA : already mentioned in OP
- i20 Sportz 1.2 IVT : 1.2 NA with CVT, no GNCAP rating
- Amaze : only concern would be the reports of quality issues like rusting doors as reported by members.
- Baleno AMT : Just to experience the AMT

Outside of these and if you prefer, check if you can get your hands on the previous gen Brezza AT or the Toyota Urban Cruiser which is still based on the previous gen Brezza so priced better and probably the mid variant can fit. GNCAP 4 stars but the interiors would look dated and the audio quality is no match to the Altroz though.

[ajayc123]

Slightly against one of your constaints, but just one suggestion. For your first car, I could suggest you to think about MT, as it will remove your hesitancy of handling manual for the rest of your life. With that said, Brezza MT entry level could be within your budget, if you wish to consider.

[dvasudreddy]

Originally Posted by rishi.roger

AMTs are not horrible, atleast not the recent ones. However they are not that smooth either. You will feel slight jerk/lag when the gear shifts. Its annonying initially if you have experienced anything like CVTs before, however you get used to AMTs over time and learn how to push the gas pedal to reduce that jerkiness.
AMTs are cheaper to maintain, they also allow some level of manual control (most AMT cars have a manual mode..which is not exactly a 100% manual as you can control the upshift but downshift may still happen automatically).

I like what Tata offers for money, particularly safety and build rigidity. However do check out if their refinement, fit and finishing suits you. You may notice gaps in paintwork, panel fitment, rubber sealing/gaskets, and higher NVH levels comparatively.

Emotional part of me pulling towards TATAs, but so many bad reviews about their post sale services is stopping me from seriously considering them.

If anyone shares some light on Nissan's post sale services and their costs relatively, it would be of great help.

I will TD some AMTs. if anyone can share good AMTs to start with, i will test drive them.

[SoumenD]

Originally Posted by dvasudreddy

Yes, i did indeed thought about Magnite for its turbo engine. But, i was not so sure about their post sales service and their performance of their automatic. Im still wondering whether to consider AMT cars or not. I mean, are they so bad as people make out them be?

CVT & TC transmissions usually are the more reliable among ATs. But then I would strongly suggest you to get a test drive and feel for yourself. In India car purchase is still a matter of pride no matter what one wants to make you believe, so people defend their choices vehemently. That’s why all experts put a disclaimer at the end of their suggestions ‘Please test-drive for yourself and take the decision’.

Personally even I was going for AT for first time in 2019 and so wanted the Nexon. AMT TD killed the excitement for me as I was not OK with the jerks for next 7-8 years (my usual car ownership tenure). Honda CVT felt way superior and comfortable and I went with it. But then Nexon AMT sells way more than the Jazz CVT ever sold(in India), so maybe you too would find AMTs working for you? Do a test drive and if you find AMTs ok to live with, a plethora of options open up for you

[vedirah]

My personal top picks would be:

1. Altroz DCA

Because of the safety rating, comparatively nice interiors, spacious, practical. Negatives - underwhelming performance from the powertrain, Tata reliability issues.

2. Nissan Magnite/Renault Kiger

Excellent motor and nice CVT, 4* safety rated car, spacious. Negatives - interior quality and plushness, quirky ergonomics (at least for me), uncertain future of Renault-Nissan group in India.

3. Honda Amaze CVT

Typical Honda fill it, shut it, forget it kind of car, interiors have improved since the last generation (though still not as good as competitors), boot space, spacious and practical. Negatives - build quality not up to the mark, bad CVT, quirky looks (personal preference). I'd personally prefer the i-DTec over the i-VTec.

4. Grand i10 Nios AMT

Reliable, Hyundai interior quality, Hyundai ASS experience, peppy motor, nicely packaged interiors. Negatives - questionable safety.

5. Citroen C3

Excellent powertrain, nice interiors, good looking car, plush ride, comfy. Negatives - unknown brand in India, reliability is unknown, smallish SUV looks, missing a ton of features.

The sub 10 lakh segment is a dicey area. You don't have a single car that can fulfil all your needs. So compromises have to be made, regrettably. Hope you find your best first car! Wish you the best.

[dvasudreddy]

Originally Posted by ajayc123

Slightly against one of your constaints, but just one suggestion. For your first car, I could suggest you to think about MT, as it will remove your hesitancy of handling manual for the rest of your life. With that said, Brezza MT entry level could be within your budget, if you wish to consider.

Hahah yeah, i agree. I think i would have said the same thing had I been 5-6 years younger. Alas, I'm only getting older, aches and health issues will only get worse. I know i will not have connect with my machine with ATs like i do with MTs, but, yeah, it's a trade off i had to make.

[ron178]

Originally Posted by dvasudreddy

Since I have no other way of understanding the safety of any car, I am just going by NCAP ratings.

The GNCAP's offset deformable barrier crash test alone is today too narrow to be even close to an overall measure of relative safety. It also gives far too much attention to protection of less important body parts like the feet.

I'd recommending eliminating those cars that have problematic head or chest protection in the GNCAP's test, but what you should also be looking for - and what other safety ratings worldwide include - are:
-better safety assist technologies (electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, etc.)
-better protection in more types of crashes (eg. side airbags for the torso and head)

Originally Posted by dvasudreddy

Honda Amaze CVT
safety (4 star ncap rating)

Most likely the Indian one should be 5 stars. The test car was an African-market car which was disqualified from five stars only for not having a passenger-side seatbelt reminder (required by law in India). However it has very bad safety equipment otherwise. And...

Originally Posted by dvasudreddy

a kid of 2 year old.

In the GNCAP crash test of the Amaze the 1.5 year-old's child seat was ejected because the armrest struck it, and the 3 year-old's head made hard contact with the interior (this was using the Maxi-Cosi seats Honda selected in Africa). In the Altroz, the the backrest unlatched during the crash and the 3 year-old's head moved forward excessively (this was using a Britax seat).

Long story short, the dynamic performance of the child dummies was far from ideal in both the Altroz and Amaze. The Punch, Urban Cruiser and i20 had much better performance. The Amaze might do better with the Joyson Neo child seats Honda sells as an original accessory in India but we can't say that for sure yet.

Unfortunately in this segment you're going to have to compromise somewhere. The Altroz and Amaze have bad child dynamics and almost no safety assist technologies, the Punch and Jazz have almost no safety assist technologies, the i20 had problems with head and chest protection in the GNCAP's test, etc.

If I had to pick, the new Maruti Brezza might have more 'balanced' safety: the Urban Cruiser (based on the previous Brezza) did well for adults and children, and ESC is now standard equipment.

[AJ56]

Originally Posted by dvasudreddy

Hello all, this is my first in this amazing forum.


1) Budget is 10 lacs with 10% variation on both sides
2) It doesn't matter whether it is sedan, heatchback or compact suv
3) Car should be a safer car, and would be used as family car. Since I have no other way of understanding the safety of any car, I am just going by NCAP ratings. Please let me know if that's a wrong approach. And, definitely no to a car with 2 or lower ratings.
4) My commute is majorly in the city, hence, an automatic. However, once or twice in a quarter i may need to travel on highway ( 450 kms one side).
5) Mileage is not a major concern for my usage, however, a good mileage is definitely an add on.
6) Since I will be spending considerable time in the car, a good interiors and ride comfort would definitely sway my decision (including good infotainment system)
7) I live in Hyderabad, which has so many hills and accordingly many roads with considerable slopes. So, is it required to have hill hold control for an automatic. If so, that would also become part of my requirement.

Any suggestion would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Vasudeva Reddy

Welcome to Team-BHP!

As a previous gen Amaze owner with the same 1.2L L12B petrol engine and 5 speed auto (CVT came in 2014) I can assure you it’s a very underpowered vehicle that can be outright dangerous in single lane highway overtaking manoeuvres, and I’m talking about the 5 speed torque converter auto, the CVT is even slower (look up 0-100 times). It’s also speed limited from the factory to just 145 km/hr. Finally, the Amaze (both 1st and 2nd gen) is also very unstable on highways even with a slight crosswind, or if a heavier vehicle passes you, it tends to sway and drift above 75 km/hr. At higher crosswinds it’s undrivable above 70-80.

Secondly, as a family car the emphasis is on safety, at a minimum I would consider side and curtain airbags and ABS + ESP non negotiables, and none of these cars sub 10L have these. Keep in mind, a NCAP 5 star rated small car is nowhere near as safe as an NCAP 5 star rated larger car, relative mass is very important in any crash.

Also, stay away from AMT’s, from poor reliability to poor performance and very noticeable shift shock on every single gear change make it a terrible transmission choice.

So in summary, if I was in your position I would only be looking at pre owned cars in the budget, which one is your call but if safety and reliability are top priorities consider Corollas from 2015-16, you’ll get excellent ones in 7-8L, also look at 2013 2.4 Accords, you’ll get them at ~6L with the balance 4L for maintenance/parts over the next few years (not that you’ll likely use all of it as it’s so reliable). The difference in performance, build quality, ride and handling, interior and boot space is night and day between my Amaze and Accord. Doesn't make sense to spend 10L of hard earned money on compromised products in my opinion. Cheers.

[Bhupesh_2628]

Originally Posted by shancz

- i20 Sportz 1.2 IVT : 1.2 NA with CVT, no GNCAP rating

Hyundai i20 has 3 star rating from GNCAP.

Below link for reference:
https://www.globalncap.org/safercarsforindia

[ajayc123]

Originally Posted by dvasudreddy

Hahah yeah, i agree. I think i would have said the same thing had I been 5-6 years younger. Alas, I'm only getting older, aches and health issues will only get worse. I know i will not have connect with my machine with ATs like i do with MTs, but, yeah, it's a trade off i had to make.

Ha Ha ! At 32, please don't call yourself old. And if you are concerned about aches, better work on your fitness sooner than later.

Actually, as an afterthought, with our transition to hybrids and electrics over the next few years, probably MT may become a rarity.

Enjoy your hunt for your next vehicle.