Buying a car needs a lot of research, as the car as advertised and the car in reality can have a marked difference. Besides customer’s preference, its maintenance, servicing, vehicle type and road conditions,all need to be considered while buying.
Moreover, driving in the city is different from highway driving. Increased number of vehicles and chaotic traffic in cities has made travelling extremely difficult. The basic need under these circumstances is a small city car, which is easily maneuverable and has a balance between performance and fuel economy. Along with small cars and sub compact SUVs, manufacturers are wooing city dwellers with electric cars and plug-in hybrids which can also be an excellent choice for city driving. Keeping all this in mind, here is a list of top 5 cars that are practical for city driving.
HONDA JAZZ (Rs. 5.6 lakh to Rs. 9.0 lakh) – Honda’s reliability, light clutch and steering, generous space to relax and store luggage makes the Jazz practically desirable. The updated one launched in mid 2018 is equipped with new features and limited variant lineup. Its petrol and diesel engines are mated with 5-speed manual or a 7-step CVT with paddle shifters and 6-speed manual as standard respectively, enhancing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and making it perfect for inside-city drive. Its ample safety features, smart infotainment system and cruise control are enough to cut down the monotony and boredom while maneuvering through narrow and clogged streets.
MARUTI WAGON R (Rs 4.1 lakh to Rs 5.2 lakh) – This is the most popular and comfortable car from India’s favorite car manufacturer. Its tall body structure provides plenty of space for occupants and the dynamic motor with light steering as well as AMT gives a heavenly feel while driving in a clumsy city road. Early 2018 saw a new range-topping variant – the VX+. The power packed petrol engine and the features with its dashing interior is a bonus for the owner. A complete maintenance free and cost-effective vehicle providing smooth rides is its USP.
RENAULT KWID (UNDER 5 LAKH) – Often described as a Jack of all trades, this car is one of the best-selling vehicles in India due to its pricing and SUV like styling. With an option of choosing from 20 odd variants, it is extremely suitable for Indian city roads because of its compact size and light weight. Kwid offers a digital instrument cluster, a big touchscreen on the centre console and a fuel efficiency of 24km/litre.
TATA TIAGO (Rs 3.2 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh) – This car is the cause of the Indian auto giant’s revival in the country. The design, compact and sharp proportion with 8 speaker Harman audio system make it a perfect companion for the congested traffics. Offered in 8 variants, the Tiago also has an AMT option with petrol engine. It’s also the only car in its category to provide multiple driving modes such as Eco and City. It is one of the most abundantly featured cars in its class with almost all appealing features of more expensive ones.
NISSAN MICRA (Rs 5.4 lakh to Rs 7.7 lakh) – With a 30-year heritage attached to the name, the Micra has been successfully accepted as an accommodative car for crowded cities. Its energetic engines and numerous comfort features are aimed to make the insiders satisfied and happy.
Available in 2 variants with CVT in petrol and manual in diesel, this is a sleek car combining comfort and convenience. Sporting decent looks, stylish interiors and a good audio unit, it is a friend indeed for busy car owners.
