I've driven only 23,000 km in 9 years and use my car very little. I'm planning to upgrade to an automatic hatchback within a ₹15 lakh budget. I first considered the Swift and Altroz, but now I'm confused by the many options in this segment. Which automatic hatchback should I choose for reliability and low maintenance?

Autocar India

•6m

Without knowing your budget and more requirements, we can't recommend the ideal choice for you. We have shortlisted models that you should consider, and why they are of interest. Compact SUVs- Hyundai Venue: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, good interior space, upmarket interior | (-) Expensive for its size- Kia Sonet: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, upmarket interior, good value | (-) Rear seat space is limited, due to be replaced in the coming year Midsize SUVs- Kia Seltos: (+) Spacious interior, well equipped, good ride comfort | (-) Performance is adequate only- Tata Sierra: (+) Class-best space, feature-packed, tough build, ride comfort | (-) Engine feels noisy, road noise- Hyundai Creta: (+) Well equipped, decent performance | (-) Due to be replaced in the coming year

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•3h

Given your requirements, you should consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It's a compact SUV that's powered by a refined 103hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine. It comes with a smooth, 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and has a claimed mileage of 19.8kpl.Being a Maruti car, it will be reliable for you for 8-10 years, and it's backed up by the brand's widespread service network, which should give you added peace of mind. The Brezza also has a comfy and spacious cabin, and it comes well-equipped with features.As for safety, the Brezza has not been crash-tested yet, but it does come with 6 airbags, traction control and more. Maruti Brezza petrol-AT prices range from Rs 10.60 lakh to Rs 12.86 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•1d

Given your requirements, the Skoda Slavia would be a good option to consider. Within the Slavia range, we would recommend the 1.5-litre TSI engine with the DSG gearbox. This will give you the enthusiastic driving dynamics you want, which frankly, no mid-size SUV can offer. It also has fantastic handling manners and is extremely stable on the highways. The bootspace at 521 litres is massive, and it has a good ground clearance to clear most of our badly built roads.In the city, the Slavia also gets cylinder deactivation that helps save fuel, and it is light and breezy to manoeuvre. Also, the music system in the Slavia is one of the best stock systems out there. It is punchy, clear and feels properly high-end. If you're an audiophile, you will enjoy it compared to any other car or SUV south of Rs 30 lakh.

Skoda Slavia