I am buying my first car with a budget of Rs 10 to 12 lakh, which can be stretched to a maximum of Rs 13-14 lakh. My usage is around 40% city and 60% highway, with a daily running of about 100 km, mostly on highways. I also do a long drive of around 500 km once a month. We are a family of five, and I am looking for an SUV with safety, mileage, and maintenance as my top priorities. I have evaluated most compact SUVs and some midsize SUVs, but am unable to make a clear decision. Please suggest the best options along with exact variants.

Autocar India

•12w

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is a good option for you. The car is a good all-rounder that will satisfy you on the highway as well as the city streets with an easy and comfortable drive. The Victoris will also deliver well on your requirements of mileage, maintenance, and safety with a good equipment list, and it has also secured a 5-star crash rating from both GNCAP and BNCAP.

The rear headroom of this Maruti Suzuki car is tight, though, and since you travel 5 aboard, we would recommend you personally have every member sit inside and check if this is okay for you.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Victoris

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Latest questions people are discussing

Kushal Yadav

•1d

I am planning to buy a Brezza CNG Zxi. I have heard a facelift is expected around April-May 2026, which may come with an underbody CNG tank and a manual 6-speed gearbox replacing the existing 5-speed gearbox. Should I wait, or should I buy right now?

Autocar India

•19h

The update is expected around April-May 2026, and there are chances that the CNG version could get improvements such as a better-packaged CNG tank, like in the Maruti Victoris and possibly a 6-speed manual. Even if the exact changes are different from what is currently expected, the facelift will at least bring cosmetic updates and feature additions.Since the timeline is quite close, waiting a few weeks will give you clarity on what the updated model offers. If the changes are meaningful, you can buy the new version. If they are minor, you can still choose the current model, often with better discounts as dealers clear older stock.Given how close the facelift appears to be, it makes sense to wait a little before buying the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG so you can decide with full information once the updated model is revealed.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Sylvester Mathew

•1d

I have been driving a 2012 Ford EcoSport diesel with a manual transmission, and I am quite impressed with its performance. Since the fitness certificate (FC) renewal is due soon, I am planning to upgrade. I am specifically looking for a diesel manual SUV and have shortlisted the Tata Sierra and Tata Harrier. However, I am inclined towards the Harrier mainly for two reasons: Build quality The Fiat-sourced diesel engine That said, the Sierra appeals to me because of its design and features. I am comfortable with the Pure+ variant, but I am not convinced that a sunroof should be mandatory on higher variants. Could you please suggest which of these two would be the better option? Also, if there are any other alternatives, please let me know. My main priorities are build quality and ride comfort.

Autocar India

•29s

Given what you're looking for in your SUV, the Tata Sierra makes more sense than the Harrier for you. It will feel like a considerable upgrade from your Ford EcoSport Diesel MT, most notably in size and features. And yes, as you mentioned, its standout design is really one of its biggest selling points. The Harrier has a much stronger engine, though build quality isn't too far off, but the premium Tata Motors is asking over the Sierra, spec for spec, doesn't feel worth it when the latter is such a good package. The sunroof, unfortunately, has become an inescapable feature in modern cars, especially in these segments, and it's something that you'll just have to accept and not use if you want the rest of the features as well. Tata is known to update its models regularly and add new trim levels, and maybe it will introduce more variants that have the rest of the features minus the sunroof. All things considered, the Sierra represents far better value than the Harrier.

Tata Sierra

Tata Harrier

Jithin

•2d

I am looking to buy my first car. I will mainly use it for travel between my hometown Kochi and Bangalore, while the rest of the driving will be frequent city usage. I was initially planning to buy the Kia Sonet diesel GT variant, but I am also very attracted to the Skoda Slavia, mainly for its driving quality. The Sonet would cost around ₹16 lakh, while the Slavia Sportline automatic comes to about ₹17 lakh. Which of these would be the more suitable option for my needs? I previously owned a Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, which I absolutely loved, so I would prefer something with similar power and performance.

Autocar India

•3h

The Kia Sonet diesel AT is a great car - compact, frugal, smooth and efficient - and feels like a logical compact upgrade to your Figo TDI. However, the fact that you're even considering the drive quality on your long journey to your hometown means you should go for the Skoda Slavia instead. Yes, the fuel efficiency won't be as good as the diesel, and it is a larger vehicle, which you might feel during your use in the city. But other than that, the driving pleasure it offers is on a different level, and will remind you fondly of your Ford, which is also a great handler. Its punchy 1.0 TSI makes a strong 115hp and 178Nm of torque, which are comparable to what you get in the Figo, and comes with a slick 6-speed MT or smooth 6-speed AT. Whichever you choose, you'll get a car that's fun to drive, stable out on the highway and friendly to use around town.

Kia Sonet

Skoda Slavia

View all Posts