Team-BHP (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/)

-   What Car? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/what-car/)

-   -   Automatic car with the best visibility for a newbie driver (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/what-car/280604-automatic-car-best-visibility-newbie-driver.html)

Hello,
I have been asked to recommend an automatic car with great visibility (highest seating position and lower bonnet height) for a new learner driver female friend of short height. EVs are out of scope because of occasional Highway runs and range anxiety.

I would think of following options and would like to get views and suggestions from fellow BHPians:

• Tiago AMT
• Amaze CVT
• I20 CVT
• Grand i10 Nios AMT

From the given options I have seen the Amaze to have clearly visible bonnet. A smooth CVT is a bonus.

Let me tell you .. in my view the best small car that is learner friendly is a Jimny.

- Its small
- Its abuse friendly and good clearance.
- It has great visibility
- It has simple mechanicals
- It has fiber all around for those fender benders.
- It can be pulled out of most difficult situations if needed (eg: mistakenly going off the road)
- It is moderately safe.
- It’s got a terrible steering and turning radius. (Will make you a better driver)
- It has AT if required.
And more ..

Budget can be upto 12 Lacs, but looks matter a lot.
Spresso, Ignis and Wagon R not preferred for their looks and Punch has high bonnet (need a car with low bonnet height, most likely a hatchback or low sedan under 4 meters, easier to look at the road ahead and have better idea of distance in the front for new learner driver)

Jimny won't suit because of longer turning radius and higher bonnet height.
Also, it's not a popular selling model - would like to go with a more conventional high selling small/medium car.

Sorry, I had to edit the message since I saw the poll later. I changed it and voted for Amaze. My couple of friends have one and are happy since 6+ years.

Issue with small/compact CSUVs like Punch and Exter with higher bonnet height (as compared to Tiago and I20) is that "Nearest Visible point on ground" moves further ahead and it's more difficult to judge distance ahead for a new learner driver.

I would recommend Honda AMAZE.

1.) Honda is more reliable with their engines and gearbox, with long term usage in perspective.
2.) One get's a absolute boot space for inter city travels.
3.) Honda is the only brand to provide 10 Yrs/unlimited kilometers extended warranty (subject to T&C's). No other brand has this advantage.
4.) For a new user, a couple of days of driving shall boost their confidence with the vehicle as they get accustomed with it. Although, there are less features in comparison to the competitors the overall experience is absolute fun for people who wish to drive classic styling and sedate.
5.) Their AC can't be missed out.


I back my support with the below posts for justification.

A quick reference from one of our forum member's post dating back Dec'23.
https://www.team-bhp.com/news/month-...ng%20confused.

Also, our forum's Honda Amaze: Official Review

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...l?#post5743052

Fronx would be a good option as well. If punchy car is not needed the 1.2NA of Fronx will be perfectly fine either in city or moderate highway drives.

Wasn't aware about 10 year warranty, that will be a huge factor in deciding, thanks.

Hatchback or small sedan would suit more because of reasons listed above (low bonnet height and "Nearest Visible point on ground" ahead as a result of that)

The novice driver in question won't stay as one for long. It's just a matter of few months before she gets a hang of it and would be at ease behind the wheels. My suggestion is to buy a car that suits her larger tastes and preferences. And of course, do take into account factors such as ease of parking, city driving etc.

Too much emphasis on making it easy for the beginner may end up with you choosing a wrong car. One buys the car for typically 5 years of ownership, at the very minimum. And 8-12 months is a good time for someone to move from a rookie to a confident driver.

Have experience with all the 4 cars listed.

Tiago
Pros:
Good build quality
Good suspension
Good audio set up
Good visibility (If driver seat is adjusted for some height)
Light steering
Compact size
Cons:
Tata niggles
Fit and Finish
Engine/AMT is not smooth as Hyundai/Maruti

Amaze
Pros:
Reliability
Smooth Engine + CVT combo
Bonnet will be clearly visible
Cons:
Not very compact, not sure if boot is needed
Engine is not very peppy + CVT rubber band effect will be prominent
Very soft suspension

I20
Pros:
Premium feel
Reliability
Smooth Engine + CVT combo
Good visibility
Cons:
It is not a small car, turning radius will be similar to Verna
Engine is lethargic (Compared to K12)

Nios
Pros:
Engine feels peppy (Though it is not in i20)
Very compact
Cons:
AMT, but Hyundai AMT is almost like 75% of a proper torque converter, better than that of Tata/Maruti for sure

Quick answer to your query.

Tata Tiago EV.

Easy driving, decent visibility, excellent torque.

Do take a test drive!

Best wishes.

Didn't know about turning radius of I20 - thanks for that.
Checked turning radius of all 4 cars in short list - Amaze has shortest turning radius of 4.7 meters - same as Nios, that's great for a small sedan.

Had taken a test drive of Nexon EV and loved it - only two concerns were EV Range anxiety for occasional highway runs and no hill hold control.

You have highlighted visibility as a perquisite to zero upon your choice. The "A" pillars of many cars create blind spots on either sides. Please check such created, blind spots for all the cars and the one with the least needs to get a better score, apart from other routine considerations.

Just skip these and get the WagonR. Thats the best car for people with this preference.