We own a 2010 Maruti Ritz with 1.6 lakh km on the odometer and are considering an upgrade, especially after the GST 2.0 changes. We've set our sights on the Kia Sonet 1.2 MT HTK-O due to its appealing looks and features. However, we've come across YouTube reviews mentioning that the 1.2L engine is underpowered, has poor mileage, and has a stiff suspension. Additionally, there are concerns about high service costs and expensive spare parts. We're also considering the Maruti Baleno/Glanza (top model), Hyundai Venue S+ Opt, Hyundai i20 Sportz, and Honda Amaze VX as alternatives. Could you provide an expert opinion on these options?

Autocar India

•22w

We haven’t driven the 1.2-litre version of the Kia Sonet yet, but we’ve experienced the same engine in the Hyundai i20. Given that the Sonet is slightly larger and heavier, it isn’t expected to feel particularly powerful. For city commutes and bumper-to-bumper traffic, however, it should be adequate. On highways, you might notice it could use a bit more power. If you frequently drive on highways, we recommend the Sonet 1.0-litre Turbo IMT HTK variant, which is slightly pricier but noticeably stronger. The other options you mentioned also come with 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engines and won’t feel much different from the 1.2-litre Sonet.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.30 Lakh

Hyundai

i20

from ₹6.66 Lakh

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Latest questions in the community

Ashish

•1w

Hi Autocar Expert, I currently own a Tata Nexon XZA diesel and am planning to upgrade. However, I have a major parking constraint at my home. I am interested in the Toyota Innova Hycross, but if it is parked in my parking space, the doors cannot be opened properly due to limited space. Because of this, I am considering buying a car that offers an automatic or self-parking feature. Could you please guide me on which cars offer this feature and would suit my situation?

Autocar India

•4h

Auto parking might not solve your problem if your parking space is too narrow to open the doors. The summon feature that the Tata Harrier EV gets could be of some use, but it won’t fit your requirements if you need a three-row vehicle like the Toyota Innova Hycross.Instead, we suggest you take a look at the Kia Carens Clavis. It is narrower than the Hycross by about 45-50mm and is roughly the same width as your Nexon, so it should fit in your parking space. In terms of interior volume, while it is not as spacious as the Hycross, it offers plenty of room in the second row and a genuinely usable third row.

Tata Harrier EV

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Carens Clavis

Vaibhav

•5d

I currently own a 2012 Hyundai i10 Era and am planning to upgrade to an SUV. My budget is ₹15-17 lakh (on-road). My annual driving is around 3,000 km, mostly in the city with occasional long drives. My priorities are low maintenance, good mileage, and better rear seat and boot space. I am more inclined towards an automatic transmission and would also prefer ADAS Level 2 features. At the moment, I am considering the Hyundai Venue HX10 and the Honda Elevate ZX. I am not considering Tata or Mahindra models. Could you share your opinion on choosing automatic versus manual transmission for city driving in a place like Ahmedabad? Also, how useful are ADAS features in city traffic? Please suggest any alternative models based on your experience.

Autocar India

•5h

Since most of your driving is in the city, an automatic gearbox makes the most sense. Compared to a manual, it brings a lot more convenience and generally makes driving less stressful. ADAS is good to have, but it should be treated as an added safety net rather than something you depend on completely.Between your two choices, the Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV, and the Honda Elevate is a midsize SUV. Naturally, the Elevate is the larger of the two, but if you want ADAS, you will need to opt for the top ZX trim, which costs around Rs 19.5 lakh on-road, putting it out of your price range. The new Venue HX10 with the turbo-petrol DCT combination is a good fit for your budget and even has more ADAS features than the Elevate. However, it cannot match the larger Elevate in terms of interior space, which is why we also suggest you take a look at the Kia Syros.In the compact SUV segment, it is the most spacious vehicle. It uses the same powertrain and has most of the same ADAS features as the Venue. It is more expensive than the Venue, but it also gets features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated rear seats.

Hyundai Venue

Honda Elevate

Shibani Rastogi

•1d

Which car should I consider buying if I am planning to sell and upgrade from my 2018 Skoda Superb?

Autocar India

•6h

It's hard to guide you to the perfect fit without knowing more about your requirements and your budget. However, assuming it's a sedan that you are keen on, the ideal upgrade from a 2018 Skoda Superb would be a BMW 3 Series LWB. The long wheelbase opens up lots of legroom at the back, which is something you'd be used to from the Superb. The 3 Series LWB also delivers on ride comfort and is also very nice to drive. The 330Li petrol is particularly impressive. Further up the price ladder, there's the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The interior is not just spacious but very well appointed, and feels properly luxurious. Refinement is fantastic too, and there are loads of features and tech packed into the model as well.

BMW 3 Series LWB

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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