I am planning to buy a car within a budget of ₹12 lakh and am currently considering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI and the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5. However, I am confused between the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine. My driving usage will be approximately 60% on highways and 40% in the city, with a monthly travel of around 1,000 km. I would like to know which engine option would be better suited for my usage in terms of performance, fuel efficiency (mileage), and overall value for money.

Autocar India

•2d

Go for the Tata Nexon EV with the 45kWh battery. You can easily expect around 350km of real-world range, and with home charging, you can top up its battery overnight and run for a week without worry, keeping your 50-75km usage in mind. In daily traffic, it feels smooth and quiet.But if you can't arrange for home charging, then you could consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel-AT option. Keep in mind, being an AMT, gearshifts aren't very smooth, and on account of its weight, the XUV 3XO won't be as efficient as a Kia Sonet or Hyundai Venue diesel-automatic, which will also be far smoother to drive.

Tata Nexon EV

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue

Autocar India

•2d

The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L is substantially more expensive than the Maruti Brezza ZXI+; however, you get a lot more for the money. In addition to features like ADAS, all-wheel disc brakes, etc, you also get a more powerful 131hp turbo-petrol engine. It makes the drive experience far more effortless, both in the city and on the highway. Also, the XUV 3XO's cabin feels a lot more upmarket and airy, not only due to the bright interiors, but also due to its panoramic sunroof. As a product, it is certainly superior to the Brezza.Space-wise, though, the Maruti Brezza is similar, and both cars feel equally capable over bad and broken roads. The Brezza has an edge in terms of boot space, and its fuel-efficiency will be better than the Mahindra's. The Maruti's overall ownership experience with its wider service network is likely to be trouble-free as well. In case you're going for the Brezza, wait for the updated version which is likely to be launched in a few months.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•5h

Consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi automatic for your Navi Mumbai city use, it will be easier to live with, use less fuel than a Kia Seltos, and keep service costs lower. Coming from a Tata Tiago, you will like the higher seat and wide view out, the light steering, and the 6-speed automatic is a torque convertor unit. It is the smoothest type around, which will make stop-go traffic far less tiring. The Brezza’s suspension handles speed breakers and rough patches very well at low city speed and the ride is nice and plush. Maruti’s service network is huge with quick turnarounds and easy-on-the-pocket parts. It is also shorter and easier to park than a Seltos, which matters in tight city spots. One thing to consider, the Brezza is not as quick on highways as the Seltos, and its cabin does not feel as rich. In all other aspects, though, the Brezza will do well.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Tiago

Kia Seltos