Hi, I am planning to buy a mid-size SUV with a budget of around ₹15-16 lakh on-road. I have shortlisted the following options: Tata Sierra Honda Elevate Renault Duster I am considering the second base variant, and my driving will be around 60–70% in the city and the rest on highways. Please suggest a tension-free (reliable and low-maintenance) engine option, as I am currently using a Tata Altroz NA engine.

Autocar India

•1h

Since you are looking for a proven tension-free engine, pick the Honda Elevate, its 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated engine is a very reliable unit and coming from your Tata Altroz NA. You’ll appreciate the Elevate’s smooth, linear power delivery from a simple 4‑cylinder petrol, no turbo lag, fewer parts to worry about, and a decade of reliability in India.

The steering is very light at low speeds, and this is also something you would like, given that you drive mostly in the city. What's nice, though, is that it weighs up nicely as speeds rise. The ride is a bit firm but not to the point of being uncomfortable. The 1.3 litre turbo direct injection engine on the Duster is also another good and reliable powerplant, and should you not like the Elevate, you could also look at this. You will have lower rear space, and the gearbox is a DSG unit, which in start-stop city traffic is not as smooth as the CVT on the Honda.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.73 Lakh

Tata

Altroz

from ₹7.44 Lakh

Bixapathi K

•22m

Hi, I am planning to buy a mid-size SUV with a budget of around ₹15-16 lakh on-road. I have shortlisted the following options: I am considering the second base variant, and my driving will be around 60–70% in the city and the rest on highways. Please suggest a tension-free (reliable and low-maintenance) engine option, as I am currently using a wagon r

Bixapathi K

•23m

Recommended questions for you

Rudra

•2d

I am a first-time buyer and was confused about which car to choose (budget under ₹10 lakh). I don’t want to go for the top variant; a variant with decent features would be sufficient. I visited Tata dealerships and checked out the Altroz and Punch. In the Altroz, there was very little headroom left (just about 3-4 fingers), so I moved to the Punch, which gave me more confidence. I am planning to purchase in the next 2-3 months. Are there any suggestions other than the Punch?

Autocar India

•1d

The Tata Punch is a good option, and as you have stated, it does indeed offer more headroom than the Tata Altroz. Since it appears that this is of priority to you, another option would be the Hyundai Exter. The tall stance liberates a lot of interior headroom, and like the Tata Punch, the Exter too has a compact overall footprint. The Exter would also fit well within your Rs 10 lakh budget, especially a mid-level variant, which you have said that you are open to and would prefer instead of a top model.

Pradip

I am confused between the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz, and my budget is ₹8-9 lakh on-road. Which one should I choose?

Autocar India

•6h

The Hyundai i20 has a smoother, more refined four-cylinder petrol engine. Its steering, gearbox and clutch feel light and effortless to operate. Also, its fit-finish and interior quality are superior to the Tata. The i20 Sportz petrol MT variant should fall within your Rs 9 lakh (on-road) budget too.For similar money, the Tata Altroz could get you a few more features. Additionally, it also feels a bit tougher, and its suspension feels more suited to tackle bad and broken roads. Still, the i20 feels like a more polished car, hence it gets our vote.

Hyundai i20

Tata Altroz

Indranil Basu

•7h

I currently own a Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi. While I like its compact size and ground clearance, I now feel the need for a proper 5-seater car. My driving includes about 200 km per month within Bangalore city and around 4,000 km of long-distance travel annually. Could you suggest an automatic car with good ground clearance, a high seating position, and a comfortable rear seat for three passengers?

Autocar India

•1h

Check out the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It has a relatively compact sub-four-metre footprint, but still manages to be spacious for five adults, thanks to its boxy and tall design. This design also affords it a tall seating position, and visibility is great all around. And since you're already in the Maruti Suzuki ecosystem, it will be an easy transition, and you could even ask them for a loyalty bonus. The Brezza's 1.5-litre petrol is not exceptionally powerful, but it is sufficient, and its 6-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and seamless with its shifts. The best part, however, is that it's incredibly fuel-efficient, which should make your annual long drives a little easier on the pocket. Ground clearance is a substantial 198mm, and the suspension is well-tuned for comfort and stability. Another alternative is the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which also has a wide second row bench and strong petrol and diesel engines as well. But its driving position isn't as tall, and it isn't particularly fuel efficient.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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