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I want to upgrade from my Maruti Suzuki A-Star to a compact SUV. My usage will be mostly on highways, and I want an automatic car. My budget is around ₹12 lakh. I have driven 1.35 lakh km in my A-Star, which has good power in third gear, good fuel efficiency, and high reliability. I am looking for a similarly powered, reliable, and fuel-efficient SUV that can be used for the long term. Please suggest options.

Asked by: Suresh Kumar

1,35,000km is a commendable amount, and since you're accustomed to the reliable peace of mind a Maruti Suzuki gives, we'd recommend sticking with the brand. There are two options - the Brezza and Fronx - that are surprisingly different from one another, each with its own pros and cons. 

While the Brezza is larger and more spacious, its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is not particularly punchy nor fuel efficient. Especially in automatic guise, and you will feel strained out on the highway, where you do most of your driving. 

The Fronx may be a bit smaller, but its 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine offers far more punch, while remaining reliable and fuel efficient. Given your usage, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 Turbo AT should be the pick for you. 

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Answered by
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Autocar India team19 Jan' 26

Latest questions

Asked by: Jayveersinh Zala

Hello Autocar and everyone reading this. I own a Honda Amaze Petrol VX MT (2022), and I am thinking of upgrading with a budget of around ₹13-14 lakh. My monthly running is about 1,200 km, mostly in the city and weekend trips to nearby places. City traffic is not heavy - it’s mostly flowing. Should I go for diesel because of the mileage and torque (which I’m more inclined toward)? If yes, please suggest the best car. I can stretch the budget a bit if required. Thank you.

If you're inclined toward a diesel, you should go for it, as they are becoming a rare breed in the face of tighter regulations. That being said, your usage is low enough that the higher cost of a diesel variant may not pay off in the long run. You have to also consider the additional maintenance diesel cars now require in the BS6.2 era. We suggest you check out the new Hyundai Venue, which handily offers both, petrol and diesel options. The diesel is not too exciting, but it does deliver on the torque and fuel efficiency fronts, and mated to smooth manual and automatic gearboxes, it should be a breeze in your moving city traffic commute. The 1.0 Turbo Petrol packs more punch and comes with a slick manual, or a quick, if slightly clunky DCT auto. If you're inclined towards diesel, you can't go too wrong with the Venue in this segment.
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Autocar India team
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Asked by: Rahul Kumar Kusuma

I want to buy a premium automatic petrol SUV with a budget of around ₹20–25 lakh. My driving pattern will be 75 % city and 25 % highway. I have shortlisted the following cars with their ex-showroom prices: Hyundai Creta King IVT – ₹18.67 lakh Kia Seltos New GTX A IVT – ₹19.49 lakh Kia Seltos New GTX A DCT – ₹19.99 lakh Creta King IVT vs New Seltos IVT: The Creta King IVT is about ₹80 k cheaper than the top-end Seltos IVT and offers many features that the Seltos doesn’t, such as an adjustable hand rest, electric adjustable passenger seat, front dash cam, and rear wireless charging. However, the new Seltos feels more upmarket and premium in both interior and exterior design. New Seltos IVT vs New Seltos DCT: In the Seltos lineup, the price difference between the IVT and the DCT is only ₹50 k. I’m tempted to go for the DCT due to better power and performance, but since most of my driving is in the city, I’m wondering if the DCT causes issues like noise or heating. Which one do you recommend?

With 75 percent of your usage in the city, we would recommend the more relaxed and smoother CVT in either the Kia Seltos or the Hyundai Creta (called IVT by both brands). Unless you specifically want the extra performance of the turbo petrol DCT, which comes at the cost of some smoothness and efficiency in slow traffic.On paper, the Creta may appear to offer better value for money, but it is also worth considering that the Seltos is the newer car. It is slightly larger, offers more space, a bigger boot and has a noticeably more premium fit and finish. It also gets larger and more modern infotainment and digital instrument screens. In our view, the newer Seltos makes more sense today, especially as the Creta is expected to be replaced by an all-new generation early next year. It could make the current model feel dated sooner.
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Autocar India team
27 Jan' 26
Asked by: Ipsita

Hey team, I am planning to buy a new car. My budget is ₹10-12 lakh. We are a family of four and the car will be used for both city driving and long tours. Please suggest one sedan and one compact SUV, with performance and safety as my priorities.

Given your priorities, we would recommend you look at the Mahindra XUV 3XO in compact SUVs. It's got a tough build, strong engines and scored well in terms of cabin space. Alternatively, you could look at the turbo versions of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. The two models are underrated and actually deliver great value for money. Among sedans, if you don't mind the absence of many tech and comfort features, the entry-level Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are worth considering. Their strong turbo-petrol engines and tough build are highlights. If you want more features, there's the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, but you'll have to compromise on power and performance.
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Autocar India team
26 Jan' 26
Asked by: Raj

I am 5 ft 8″ and 50 years old with a slight back problem. I’m looking for a comfortable and powerful bike with spacious seating for both rider and pillion. My regular usage is 30-40 km in the city and occasional highway rides of 300-500 km. I can’t decide between the Royal Enfield Bullet 350, Honda CB350, and Triumph 400X. Please advise.

Of the three bikes you're deciding between, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X will be the most capable machine in terms of carrying a pillion and covering distances. This is because it is the largest feeling bike here with the best suspension comfort and spacious seats. Its 40hp engine will also give you levels of performance the other two air-cooled 350s won't be able to match. However, if you are a relaxed rider, then the Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield Bullet 350 will be right up your alley. Both have smooth, torquey air-cooled engines, wide and spacious seats, and good suspension.It all comes down to what sort of riding experience you prefer. We would recommend a test ride of each bike with your preferred pillion so you can make a more informed decision.
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Autocar India team
26 Jan' 26
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