I am planning to buy a car. I have learned driving at a driving school, but still need more practice. I am thinking of buying a new car, as used cars in good condition are quite expensive. My budget is ₹8 to 12 lakh. Should I go for a manual or an automatic? I want a car that is easy to adapt to, as I do not have much driving experience.

Asked by: Vishal

Since you are a new driver, we would recommend that you go for an automatic car. This will make your driving experience much easier and stress-free.

In your budget, you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Swift, which is available with a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox. The Swift is a fairly spacious and practical hatchback that is easy to drive and own. Prices for the Maruti Swift AMT range from Rs 7.04 lakh to Rs 8.65 lakh (ex-showroom).

Alternatively, you could consider the Hyundai i20, which comes with a more spacious cabin and a smoother CVT automatic gearbox.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Answered by

Autocar India Team

Dec 23, 2025

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