Best automatic car for a new driver with short height under 12 lakh

I shortlisted 4 options, none of them are EVs because of occasional highway runs & range anxiety.

BHPian MaanSingh recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

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 the following options and would like to get views and suggestions from fellow BHPians:

1. Tiago AMT
2. Amaze CVT
3. i20 CVT
4. Grand i10 Nios AMT

Update: The budget can be up to 12 lakhs, but looks matter a lot.

S-Presso, Ignis and WagonR: Not preferred for their looks and Punch has a high bonnet (need a car with a low bonnet height, most likely a hatchback or low sedan under 4 meters, easier to look at the road ahead and have a better idea of distance in the front for new learner driver)

Jimny won't suit because of the 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.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

The Punch has excellent frontal visibility. That's why we insist, on always test-drive the car (and reading the Team-BHP Official Review) before approving/rejecting cars based on assumptions.

From our Official Review. Also, I am currently test-driving the Punch EV and its frontal visibility is a redeeming quality!

A tall windscreen offers good frontal visibility. Many drivers will appreciate the fact that the bonnet is visible from the driver’s seat:

Lastly, please keep in mind that there is no "perfect" car. You are rejecting too many cars based on unimportant reasons. Every car on sale in the market has a long list of pros & cons. Test-drive and pick the one that best fits your needs.

Here's what BHPian RavSam had to say on the matter:

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

Here's what BHPian sameerpatel90 had to say on the matter:

I would recommend Honda AMAZE.

1. Honda is more reliable with their engines and gearbox, with long-term usage in perspective.
2. One gets an absolute boot space for inter-city travel.
3. Honda is the only brand to provide a 10-year/unlimited kilometres extended warranty (subject to T&Cs). 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 to it. Although, there are fewer features in comparison to the competitors the overall experience is absolutely 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 posts dating back Dec'23.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.