Cars for every budget - October choice

Looking for your next car? We have the best in every budget.

Cars under 1 crore - Mercedes-Benz E Class

The cutting-edge technologies, elegant design, and opulent interior of the Mercedes-Benz E-class perfectly encapsulate sophistication. turbocharged six-cylinder. Mercedes-Benz might have a 15-model-strong portfolio in India, but the E-Class remains at the centre of it all.

The Mercedes may be customised to fit a variety of affluent lifestyles and is available as a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and cabriolet. It also provides a variety of unique powertrains, ranging from a base four-cylinder to a vivacious turbocharged six-cylinder.

Comfort is one thing that the E-Class has always excelled at and still does. Although the front seats are wonderful, it's the ones in the back that really take the Merc experience to the next level. The seat back can recline by 37 degrees, the wheelbase is large, and the pillow-like head restraints are just so cosy after a hard day at work.

The premium E-Class cabin's seamless fusion of modern technology and warmth from the past continues. It is a setting where open-pore wood-finished surfaces and digital screens coexist in visual harmony. The interior of the E-class has some of the most comfortable seats you'll ever try. Every model includes heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, adjustable ambient cabin lighting, and memory settings for the driver and front passenger seats as standard equipment.

A 1,991cc four-cylinder petrol engine with 194 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque powers the E200, while a 1,950cc four- cylinder diesel engine with 192 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque powers the E200d. Lastly, the 2,925cc inline six- cylinder diesel engine found in the AMG Line E350d model produces 282bhp and 600Nm of torque. An automated transmission called the 9G-TRONIC is mated to all three engines.

The E-class’s handling is competent but not sporty because it is a vehicle geared more toward comfort. When pushed hard, it leans in awkward places but rarely seems overpowered. The E- class is ideal for savouring many roads, and the ride is smooth in Comfort mode. It glides over cracks in the pavement while only barely letting the cabin know about these annoying things. The steering is pleasantly weighted—not too light, nor too heavy—and feels accurate when the drive-mode choice is set to Comfort or Eco.

Cars under 50 lakhs - Volvo XC40

The youthful design and endearing driving manner of Volvo's XC40 combine with everything we love about the brand's huge SUVs. The Volvo XC40 is a serious competitor in the small, high-end SUV segment. Although it isn't a revelation on the road, it manages to find a good balance between comfort and cruising sophistication.

The XC40 is a compact car with luxury SUV look. Passengers can now take use of the cool, simple environment and the competent infotainment system. With low pricing when compared to competitors and Volvo's longstanding commitment to safety, you're left with one of the most alluring options available.

All models in the XC40 series come standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, leather upholstery, adaptive LED headlights, power-folding exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming feature, rear parking sensors, and two USB-C outlets in the backseats.

Inside the XC40, fun and utilitarian design are combined with modern Swedish flair. Even the entry-level Momentum trim has a very upmarket feel thanks to the cabin's light and spacious ambience. The front and back seats both have substantial passenger room.

The Volvo XC40's engine is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbo- petrol unit that makes 187 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is provided by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is eager to shift up immediately before the higher of those figures in RPMs because that is when the engine performs at its finest, between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm.

It wouldn't be unreasonable to anticipate that a vehicle as typically flimsy as a tiny SUV would behave like a boat in corners, yet the XC40 maintains its composure even when forced to make an abrupt, quick turn. Not because it offers a lot of feedback, but rather because it is properly weighted and pleasingly straight, the steering enhances the experience.

Cars under 40 lakhs - Kia Carnival

The MPV market is expanding daily, and surprisingly, each automaker has a distinctive offering at various pricing points. The Kia Carnival is no exception, appealing to a select group of purchasers eager to replace their Toyota Innova Crysta with a high-end MPV.

With a single diesel powerplant, it comes in seating arrangements for seven, eight, and nine people. Since they are made to have a specific purpose, MPVs are often not attractive to look at. However, the Kia Carnival is anything but dull thanks to its enormous size and commanding presence.

Well, this is the focal point of the Kia Carnival, and just walking up to it creates a spectacular entrance with folding electric doors. Upon entering, it is immediately apparent that space is a quality that would impress anyone, regardless of physical size. Along with sideways adjustability, the seats provide back reclining, front, and rear travel adjustments. As a result, the comfort offered in these seats is fairly comparable to that of an airplane's business class.

The experience is once more profound and outstanding when it comes to the front seats and interior. The dashboard has a dual- tone finish, with the lowest beige section being plastic and the top portion being soft-touch black. An 8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Kia's UVO app support is located in the centre console.

The only available powertrain for the Kia Carnival is a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine with 197 horsepower and an eight- speed torque converter automatic transmission. It has plenty of low-end torque, and its linear power delivery and well- managed turbolag make it easy to plod along at sluggish city speeds. On the highway, the majority of the 440Nm of torque is accessible in the middle, allowing the MPV to travel at 120kmph while the engine is running at less than 2000 rpm.

The Kia Carnival's safety features also maintain their high standards. Six airbags, ABS, ESP, Cruise Control, Hill Start Assist, Parking Assist, and the additional safety feature UVO are all standard on the MPV. To minimise structural deformation and injury to occupants in the case of a collision, the structure also uses a variety of materials, such as ultra high-strength, high strength steel, aluminium, and many others.

Cars under 30 lakhs - Skoda Octavia

The Octavia is an unconventional vehicle. It is not a standard hatchback, despite the fact that it has a hatch in the back. Despite seeming like one from a profile, it isn't a sedan either. Then there's the 600-liter trunk that resembles an estate and the fastback rear, wide rear overhang, but it's neither a fastback nor an estate.

The new Octavia appears sharp, expensive, and really appealing in person. It has matured and now sports more sparkle. In combination with the angular adaptive full-LED headlamps, the Skoda family grille has greater presence, more chrome, and creates a sharper snout. The wheel arch gaps show that the ride height has been increased for India, but it's by no means awkward.

Everything is brand new on the inside. A new shift-by-wire controller replaces the gear lever entirely, freeing up additional space around the centre console. Although the cabin's actual proportions are same, this also helps to give the impression that it is more airy. The new Skoda 2-spoke steering wheel is right in front of you and feels incredibly high quality, especially the rotary dial for the volume, which has a knurled metal effect.

Use two fingers on this slider to change the temperature after pressing the climate control button to enter the air conditioning menu. The new, easily accessible free-standing touchscreen is located over in the centre console. It is simpler to use, especially when travelling, thanks to the home screen's tile style. There are plenty of networking choices, and the touch response has been improved. Design-wise, the center- mounted air vents divide the centre console from the flowing dash.

The classic 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI petrol engine, which is also offered in the Superb, powers the redesigned Skoda Octavia. This TSI is mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic with cutting-edge drive-by-wire technology and produces 188 horsepower and 320 Nm. This indicates that the gear selector is not connected to any mechanical linkages. Electronics and computers handle every aspect of shifting.

The Skoda Octavia truly shines when it comes to riding comfort. Like you would anticipate from any European model, it is comfy. It did so without hesitation, absorbing all the creases, ruts, and potholes we could throw at it. This Czech sedan passed over even the sharpest road imperfections flatly and without us having to grit our teeth.

Cars under 20 lakhs - Maruti Suzuki Brezza

It takes a lot of work to become the top-ranked compact SUV, but it takes real fortitude to hold that position for six years. The Brezza compact SUV got an update is still built on the same safe Global C-Platform, which is appropriate given that it has a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating.

Being a significant overhaul, alterations outside don't just involve "soft" plastic components; sheet metal is also used. A more angular front end is topped by an upright, flatter, and reprofiled bonnet. While the previous model's headlamps were simple rectangles, those on the Brezza are more slim and have a very noticeable dual-DRL signature.

In addition to everything else that is new on the outside, the cabin now boasts a vast number of innovations, some of which are firsts for their respective segments and may cause concern among rivals. A Head-Up Display (HUD) is positioned beneath the updated instrument cluster, and the Brezza now has an electronic sunroof, all of which are welcome additions.

A 360-degree camera, an auto-dimming IRVM, wireless charging, a cooled glove box, ambient lighting, cruise control, automatic climate control, OTA updates, and Suzuki Connect telematics are a few additional noteworthy features that make owning a Brezza more convenient.

The 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, K15C, normally aspirated petrol engine that powers the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza is responsible for its maximum power output of 102 bhp and 136.8Nm of torque. Both a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a five-speed manual transmission are used with this engine.

Although it weighs enough to handle the increase in speed, it is light enough for daily use in terms of steering reaction. Due to the additional 40 kilogrammes the car has gained from the increased feature package, Maruti claims that the suspension has undergone a slight tuning adjustment. The Brezza generally keeps its passengers comfortable as it travels across undulations and nearly nonexistent portions of the tar and concrete that we refer to as roads.

Cars under 10 lakhs - Nissan Magnite

Finally, the Nissan Magnite appears to be a device with outstanding promise from Nissan. It boasts a wonderful design, a tonne of amenities, a fantastic turbo engine, and a similarly tuned CVT gearbox. For those looking to upgrade from hatchbacks or who desire their first SUV, the Nissan Magnite makes a lot of sense.

Nissan has also given the Magnite a number of industry-first features. This includes the digital instrument cluster, which displays data from the TPMS, two trip computers, and average fuel efficiency. And no other vehicle in the segment offers the 360-degree camera that was taken from the Kicks.

A wireless charger, air purifier, six-speaker JBL sound system, LED scratch plates, and ambient and puddle lighting are among the perks you receive if you choose the tech pack. Other features include voice command, push-button start, automatic climate control, powered mirrors, LED DRLs and headlamps, rear AC vents, automated headlamps, cruise control, and LEDs.

Despite the Magnite's modest height, getting inside is simple because to the comfortable seat height and wide doors. Once inside, there are lots of appealing features. A unique all-digital instrument cluster that seems like it belongs in an arcade game greets you right away. It has great graphics. Additionally, there is adequate room in the automobile for 4 persons to seat comfortably, and even 5 people can sit for shorter drives.

Nissan's new 1.0-liter HRA0 turbo-petrol engine drives the Magnite. The 1.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, which also serves the Renault Triber, is the alternative engine choice. It is available with either a CVT automatic or a five- speed manual transmission. At 5000 rpm, this three-cylinder motor generates 98 bhp of power, and between 2800 and 3600 rpm, 160 Nm of torque is available.

Regarding ride quality, Nissan appears to have adjusted the Magnite for habitation in cities. The suspension system is soft and very pliant at moderate speeds. Everything, from minor imperfections to obscenely enormous craters, is well absorbed without causing the occupants any discomfort. Even the bumps with pointed edges have been taken care of. However, the ride seems to lose its composure as you accelerate. Therefore, it won't usually make a terrific highway vehicle.

Cars under 7 lakhs - Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz is well-liked by Indian shoppers due to its attractive appearance, excellent cabin, plenty of internal space, 5-star Global NCAP rating, mature suspension, and "Vocal for Local" concept. It will definitely be the safest car you can get under 7 lakhs.

First things first: the Tata Altroz is unquestionably the country's best-looking hatchback right now, and not just in its class. The car has a distinct aesthetic and simultaneously appears luxurious, athletic, and snappy. The grille, which is prominent at the front and is smoothly blended with the headlamps, is the vehicle's focal point.

The 1.2-liter, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that powers the Tata Altroz DCA cranks out 85 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 3,300 rpm. The vehicle is available with both the new DCA unit and a five-speed manual unit.


Inside, there is a respectable amount of room, and even after adjusting the front seats to our preferred positions, we still had plenty of room in the back. The front row has an adjustable armrest, and the second row has a foldable unit, so convenience isn't sacrificed either. The 1.2-liter, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that powers the Tata Altroz DCA cranks out 85 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 3,300 rpm. The vehicle is available with both the new DCA unit and a five-speed manual unit. Inside, there is a respectable amount of room, and even after adjusting the front seats to our preferred positions, we still had plenty of room in the back. The front row has an adjustable armrest, and the second row has a foldable unit, so convenience isn't sacrificed either.