Autocar India
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Ankit Sagwekar

7w

We are a family of four, and due to budget constraints, I am planning to buy a second-hand car that is comfortable for my parents, who usually sit in the rear seat. Ease of ingress and egress, along with good rear seat space and comfort, are important priorities. My budget is ₹5-7 lakh. I have shortlisted a 2020 Maruti Brezza (petrol manual) and a 2022 Tata Nexon (petrol manual). Our usage is limited- mostly weekend city driving in Pune and 4-5 annual trips to our hometown in Konkan. Are these good choices, or would you suggest any better options within this budget?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7w

Go for the 2020 Maruti Brezza petrol manual, ideally a VXI/ZXI in good condition - for your use, it will keep your parents most comfortable in the back. The Brezza’s seat height and wide door opening make getting in and out very easy, which matters for parents. The rear seat is broad, the backrest is nicely upright, and the big windows make the cabin feel airy, so they won’t feel cramped on Pune traffic runs or the Konkan drives. 

In the city, the Brezza feels smooth and easy, with a light clutch and gearshift, and Maruti’s service reach in Pune and along the highway is strong, which keeps ownership simple. Your Tata Nexon shortlist is not a bad pick for ride comfort and safety, but the petrol manual can feel a bit heavy and jerky at low speeds. The rear windows are smaller, so the Brezza will likely feel easier and more airy for older parents.

One thing to be aware of with the Brezza is that it doesn’t feel very quick when the car is fully loaded on the highway, and the cabin is simpler than fancy. If you want an even easier entry and the most space, look for a well-kept Maruti Ertiga petrol within your budget. It rides softly and the second row is very comfortable, but it is bigger to park.

When you check the cars out, in addition to an overall check, look out for a smooth clutch action and a full service record before you commit.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

More questions on similar cars

PR

Pratyush

4d

I am planning to purchase a primarily sub-4 metre automatic SUV for tax-saving purposes under the BH series registration. We are expecting a baby soon, so the car will mainly be used by a family of three, with occasional travel involving four people. I have already test driven the Skoda Kylaq, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Maruti Brezza. While I am not a driving enthusiast by nature, I found the Brezza’s pick-up and acceleration above 70 km/h somewhat underwhelming. I loved almost everything about the Kylaq except for the AC performance, which feels like a major drawback for Indian summers and traffic conditions. As for the XUV 3XO, I have come across mixed reviews regarding high-speed stability and after-sales service, although I personally did not feel any issues during the test drive. My priorities are: Good fuel efficiency Comfortable city usability (monthly running around 600–800 km in Hyderabad) Performance and highway capability for 2-3 long trips annually Strong safety credentials Decent long-term maintenance costs and peace of mind ownership Good warranty and service packages My budget is around ₹14-15 lakh and can be stretched slightly if required. I am also open to considering sedans like the Honda City or slightly larger SUVs like the Honda Elevate if they make more sense overall. Could you please suggest the best option for my requirements?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4h

Mostly city use in Hyderabad and a few long trips - in that brief, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic fits you best among your picks. It pulls strongly when you need to pass, so you won’t face the same dull pick-up you felt in the Brezza, and it stays steady at highway speeds. The AC cools the cabin quickly, and the rear seat is shaped well for a child seat with one adult beside it.A few watch-outs: the boot is not very big, so check whether your stroller fits. It also lacks ventilated seats, which is something you might want. Alternatively, consider the Kia Syros if you want a roomier cabin and a bigger boot.If a Honda Elevate fits your budget, it would be a better choice than the sub-4 metre SUVs, but you might have to opt for a lower trim and miss out on some features. Overall, the Mahindra is a good fit for your needs.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleKia Syros
VehicleHonda Elevate
AS

Ankit Sagwekar

1d

We are a family of four, and my budget is up to Rs. 10 lakh. I am looking for a car that is safe, fun to drive, and offers good mileage. It should be comfortable for three passengers in the rear seat, have a good sound system and effective air conditioning, and provide adequate boot space. My preference is for low maintenance costs and a hassle-free service network. My usage is mainly on weekends, with approximately 60% city driving and 40% rural driving. I prefer a petrol manual transmission only. Could you please suggest an ideal family car that meets these requirements within my budget? I am also open to considering used car options.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
13h

Get the Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 petrol manual. It fits three in the back better than most at this price, sips fuel, and Maruti’s service network and parts costs will keep ownership simple. For your 60% city and some rougher rural runs, it rides comfortably enough, has a light clutch and easy steering, the AC cools fast, the sound system is crisp, and the large boot swallows a weekend’s luggage without drama.It is also one of the few cars under Rs. 10 lakh that can balance space, mileage and low maintenance without feeling cheap inside. If you pick a mid variant, you’ll still get the essentials and stay within budget in most cities.However, if safety rating is your top concern, then the Tata Altroz petrol manual feels more solid, and its Harman audio is better, but it is not as light to drive in traffic, and Tata service can be patchy.In the used car space, a gently used Maruti Brezza manual keeps the same strengths and adds peace of mind.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Baleno
VehicleTata Altroz
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza

Popular discussions right now

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Deepak Jain

6d

I am planning to buy the Honda City facelift that was launched yesterday. How does it compare with the Volkswagen Virtus? I am also assuming that the government will continue supporting E20 fuel even if E85 is introduced in the future. So, is it still safe to buy a petrol vehicle in Delhi/NCR?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
5d

The new City facelift does make a stronger case now because Honda has added genuinely useful features like a larger infotainment screen and ventilated front seats, while pricing has remained fairly sensible. But fundamentally, the character of the car has not changed.Against the VW Virtus, the choice still comes down to personality. The Virtus is the more fun to drive option, especially with the turbo petrol engines, because it feels stronger, more eager and more engaging from behind the wheel. The City, on the other hand, is the more balanced sedan. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol is smooth, refined and easy to live with, but if outright performance is your priority, it will not feel as quick as the turbo Virtus. The City hybrid changes that equation because it is genuinely quick and can match the 1.5 TSI for straight line pace, but it is still not what you would call an enthusiast’s car.On the fuel front, yes, it is safe to buy a petrol car in Delhi NCR. Current mainstream petrol cars are already E20 compatible, and even if India eventually pushes toward higher ethanol blends, that transition will be gradual rather than an overnight switch. Beyond a certain point, if the country were to move meaningfully toward very high blends like E85, manufacturers would need proper flex fuel engines engineered for that fuel, and the government would also need to continue offering lower blend fuel options during any transition.

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Posted on: 6 Apr 2026