Hello Autocar Team, I have been driving a Tata Altroz DCT petrol since 2022, but I now want to replace it after being involved in an accident while driving. Additionally, the fuel efficiency has also been a concern for me. I am now interested in buying a compact SUV within a budget of ₹10-12 lakh. My driving is mostly in crowded city areas, and my monthly usage is around 600 km. Could you please suggest the best compact SUV options in this budget for city driving, keeping in mind good mileage, comfort, and ease of driving?

Autocar India

•3m

Moving up from a hatchback to an SUV in a budget of Rs 10-12 lakh, you should check out the Nissan Magnite. Its 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is punchy and comes with a smooth CVT auto gearbox, which should be handy for driving through crowded city traffic.

Moreover, this engine is fuel-efficient, and the auto gearbox doesn't lower the mileage too much, which is something you will appreciate. At around Rs 12 lakh, you will get a fully loaded Nissan Magnite with most modern features included, making this one of the best value for money SUVs out there. And to top it all off, the Magnite has a 5-star crash test rating from Global NCAP, which should give you a bit more peace of mind.

Explore cars mentioned

Nissan

Magnite

from ₹6.25 Lakh

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Got a suggestion for Monica?

Add a Comment

Latest questions people are discussing

Srujan

•4d

I really like the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI AT, but I am unable to finalize my decision because of the rear seat space and a few other compromises. My other options within a ₹14 lakh budget are the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX and the Nissan Magnite CVT. Considering these choices, which would be the best option overall? Also, what should I prioritise more in this segment - space and practicality or driving performance?

Autocar India

•1h

It's a shame that the Skoda Kylaq's rear seat space is not quite up to the best in the segment, because otherwise it is a superb compact SUV that scores highly on most other counts. Of the other options, the Nissan Magnite, while capable and a great value for money, feels like a sub-segment lower in terms of quality, space and performance. The Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX should be your best bet because it offers both - performance and rear-seat space. In fact, it has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment, although the boot is a bit smaller than others. The RevX offers a good feature set as well, along with a few unique styling embellishments, and overall, we feel this is the one you should pick.

Rishi Thaker

I drive around 30-35 km daily to work within the city, with varying traffic conditions. I’m planning to buy a new automatic car, preferably a hatchback or a compact SUV, with a budget of ₹10-12 lakh. The car should be comfortable enough for a family of five, especially for occasional weekend getaways. Second-row comfort is very important, as my current Toyota Etios Liva offers good rear-seat space, and I would prefer something similar or better. I am also looking for a car with a good safety rating. Currently, I am confused between the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, and Hyundai Venue. Which of these would be the better choice considering my requirements?

Autocar India

•2d

While a premium hatchback is the logical update for your budget, the simple fact is that even the largest of them, like the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz, can't provide quite as much space as a compact SUV in the second row, and three passengers here will be a squeeze. Conversely, getting an automatic in most compact SUVs with a decent level of creature comforts would push them outside your budget. The exception here, and the car we would recommend, is the Nissan Magnite. You'll get the fully loaded turbo-petrol CVT version in your budget and it has all the features you need, plus a spacious back seat and comfortable suspension. Its 100hp turbo petrol engine will also have enough pep for your weekend getaways with 5 on board. Moreover, it has received a 5-star crash test rating from Global NCAP, which should give you peace of mind.

Nissan Magnite

Venkatesh D

•3d

I currently own a Hyundai Xcent, which I purchased in 2015, and it has covered around 42,000 km so far. My driving is almost entirely in bumper-to-bumper city traffic (about 95%). I am now planning to buy an automatic car, preferably a sub-4 metre SUV, to make daily driving easier. My daily usage will be around 40–50 km in heavy city traffic. Considering these requirements, which automatic sub-4 metre SUV would you recommend?

Autocar India

•2d

For bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Maruti Brezza 1.5 Petrol 6AT is ideal. The engine-gearbox combination is smooth, and it feels peppy within urban confines. Also, the 6-speed torque converter is more suited for the constant stop-go usage than other transmission types like AMT or DCT. If you need something even smaller than the Brezza, you can consider the Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo CVT, which is another great option for you.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Nissan Magnite

View all Posts