Looking to buy a car or SUV with a budget of ₹14–15 lakh for a family of 3. Which petrol automatic options should I consider?

Autocar India

•32m

The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is nowhere near as popular as its twin, the Toyota Innova HyCross, though both are virtually the same car. With the Invicto not being in as much demand, better discounts are possible, but you will also take a hit in resale value when you go to sell it. If you are comfortable with the Maruti-Suzuki badge, choose the Invicto Zeta+ (7‑seater) strong‑hybrid. It offers the most usable three‑row comfort, smooth city driving, and the widest service network.At over 4.7 m long and with about a 2,850 mm wheelbase, it offers real space across three rows. The strong‑hybrid setup keeps the city running very smooth, often shutting the engine off at low speeds and running on pure electric power. As a result, fuel efficiency is very good.The one thing you give up is ADAS features. The Invicto doesn’t offer lane keep, adaptive cruise, or AEB, which some rivals provide at this size. If you specifically want ADAS and more top‑end features, consider the Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid ZX (O) instead. It adds active safety tech, but it will cost you more and involve longer wait periods.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Toyota Innova HyCross

Autocar India

•1h

Choose the updated Tata Punch Accomplished MT. For an around Rs 10 lakh budget and 80% city use, it blends five-star safety, a comfortable cabin, a cushy ride and easy ownership.Your city-heavy usage suits this Tata car’s compact footprint and light steering, making parking and tight turns easier. Its Bharat NCAP five-star safety rating adds confidence for safety-focused buyers. In our testing, the 1.2-litre petrol returned around 13kpl combined, which is decent for a vehicle of this kind. Its simple 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine (no turbo or direct injection) keeps maintenance straightforward. Ride quality is absorbent over potholes, and the 187mm ground clearance clears speed breakers easily, improving day-to-day comfort.The one trade-off is highway performance. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine feels modest for quick overtakes with five occupants on board, so you will need to plan manoeuvres and keep the engine in the power band. If you need a bit more performance, consider the turbo-petrol version, even if it means opting for a lower variant.On the test drive, check if the performance is adequate for your needs, and ensure the clutch and gearshift action are light enough for your city commutes.

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•1h

Pick the Skoda Slavia Sportline 1.0 TSI AT. For a family of 4 and monthly highway runs, it blends 5‑star safety, surefooted 100-120 kph stability, and comfy rear seating.Your daily office commute will benefit from the smooth 6‑speed torque‑converter AT, which reduces fatigue in traffic. With four outstation trips a month, the Slavia’s strong brakes and taut suspension feel planted at 100 kph on patchy roads, while over 500 litres of boot space fits all the luggage you would need for an outstation trip. The 1.0 TSI has ample mid‑range for quick overtakes with four onboard, and 6 airbags plus ESC are standard.The one thing you give up is Maruti/Hyundai‑level reach. Skoda’s service network is smaller, so in smaller towns you may have fewer workshops. The Sportline trim offers a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera with parking sensors, LED headlamps, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple and Android connectivity and more. It is a well-sorted car with lots of practicality, comfort and ease of driving.

Skoda Slavia