Hi Team, we are a family of five with a monthly usage of around 1,000 km, of which nearly 90% is city driving. I am confused between the Hyundai Venue HX8 1.0 turbo-petrol DCT and the Maruti Grand Vitara Smart Hybrid Alpha Optional manual. The price difference between the two is around ₹1 lakh after current offers. Please suggest a better option.

Autocar India

•5w

The Hyundai Venue, with its turbo-petrol engine and dual-clutch transmission, is more fun to drive and offers stronger performance along with the convenience of an automatic gearbox. So if your daily usage includes a lot of stop-and-go traffic, this could be a deciding factor for you. This Hyundai car is also equipped with a better audio system, and its relatively smaller size makes it a touch easier to park as well.

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, on the other hand, offers light controls and a refined yet responsive 1.5-litre petrol engine. Its 5-speed manual gearbox is among the best in the segment. It also feels a touch more adept while dealing with bad roads, and its overall ride quality is better.

Yes, you are getting a larger car that's a bit more mature, but you are also paying more. So if you don't mind spending that extra amount, and you're willing to sacrifice the convenience of an automatic, go for the Maruti car.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Venue

from ₹9.07 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Grand Vitara

from ₹12.54 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Siddhartha Soman Mookerjee

•1d

My usage is strictly within Kolkata city, with almost no highway travel. I am not worried about fuel economy, but want a sub-4-metre SUV that is reliable, easy to maintain (spares should be quickly available), and offers very good ride quality and features, especially a strong infotainment system.

Autocar India

•13h

Since you're after the best infotainment system in a sub-four-metre SUV, it has to be the new Hyundai Venue, whose Nvidia-based dual-screen system is the best in the segment by a long shot. What's more, the 8-speaker Bose sound system is an excellent companion for driving around town, and while the previous Venue had a firm suspension and choppy ride, things are far improved with the new version that's built on an all-new platform.Being a Hyundai car, service is no problem, with plenty of coverage and easily available parts. Since your usage is primarily around town, we recommend the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with the 7-speed DCT gearbox.Another alternative is the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, which is perhaps even easier on the maintenance side, but is not as spacious or comfortable as the Venue, and misses out on some features in comparison.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Hyundai Venue

Vijay singh

•1d

I am going to buy my first car. My usage will be around 50-80 km during peak summers and peak winters, mostly for about 8 months. For the rest of the year, the car will almost remain parked at home. The only car that comes to mind is the Tata Punch because of family safety. However, I feel I might be ignoring other factors like mileage and after-sales service costs. Please guide me on various options, keeping safety and a budget of not more than ₹9 lakh in mind. I would prefer a four-cylinder engine if possible, although the Punch has a three-cylinder engine. Can the Altroz diesel be a good alternative? My preference is a manual transmission.

Autocar India

•1d

The Tata Punch is a good, practical car that's proven its mettle for its safety. As you've mentioned, its three-cylinder petrol engine feels inadequate, and Tata doesn't have a solid reputation for after-sales support either.Since you're looking for a four-cylinder option with mileage, service costs, as well as safety, we'd recommend you consider the Hyundai Venue, the 1.2 Petrol MT HX2 variant, which is the entry-level variant. As far as smoothness, refinement, space, and an upmarket interior feel go, the Venue is easily the better car.

Tata Punch

Hyundai Venue

Trevor de Nate

•1d

I’m planning to purchase a petrol automatic SUV in the ₹15 – 20 lakh (on-road) price range and would really appreciate your guidance. Here’s what I’m looking for: Best possible real-world fuel mileage in bumper-to-bumper city traffic — this is very important since I drive mostly in the city. And on good weekend of a month for highway or outtoors Automatic transmission that feels smooth and stress-free in traffic jams (not jerky). Long-term ownership focus — I plan to keep this car for several years, so I want: High safety (good crash ratings and safety features) Strong reliability and durability Low maintenance costs Good after-sales support and service network in Karnataka SUV models I’m considering: Hyundai Creta (automatic petrol) Kia Seltos (automatic petrol) Tata Nexon (automatic petrol) Hyundai Venue / Venue N Line (automatic petrol) Skoda Kushaq (automatic petrol) Mahindra XUV700 (automatic petrol — if it fits the budget) If you’ve driven these in city conditions, or own one, please let me know: How is the actual mileage in city traffic? How comfortable and smooth is the automatic transmission in stop-and-go traffic? Any issues with maintenance, reliability, or service costs you experienced? Which variant (mid / top) offers the best value for long-term ownership? Also which transmission to go for TC, DCT, AMT, IVT, AT

Autocar India

•1d

You have a wide choice of cars, but based on your requirements, we would suggest going for the new Kia Seltos.Within the Seltos range, the 1.5 litre IVT automatic in the HTX variant fits within your budget and offers a very good mix of premium and essential features. It meets almost all your requirements. The 1.5 litre naturally aspirated engine is refined, and the IVT gearbox is silky smooth, especially at low speeds, which makes it extremely easy to drive in stop go city traffic. It also has enough performance for weekend highway use and, while fuel efficiency is not phenomenal, it should consistently return better figures than the turbo petrol options you have shortlisted. The newer generation Seltos has also grown in size, interior space and overall cabin quality, which is now among the best in the segment. Ride quality has improved significantly too, and it feels comfortable both in the city and on the highway.The Tata Nexon and the new Hyundai Venue are good options, but their turbo petrol engines paired with DCT gearboxes are not as smooth as the Seltos’ IVT. The Seltos is also a size larger, more comfortable and feels more premium overall. The same applies to the turbo petrol powered Skoda Kushaq, which again will not feel as smooth as the Seltos in daily use. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is another size up and, while its 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine is powerful and smooth, the larger size makes it less easy to drive in the city and fuel efficiency will be much lower. Within your budget, the AX3 variant just about fits, but it misses out on several features that the Seltos offers.The Hyundai Creta is also a good option and uses the same engine and gearbox as the Seltos. However, it is expected to be replaced early next year and, compared to the Seltos, it is smaller, less spacious, offers fewer features and is similarly priced. Because it is nearing replacement, the current model will also age quicker. That said, if you are getting a strong deal on the Creta, it is still worth considering.Another car you should look at is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Strong Hybrid. It meets most of your requirements and will be even smoother to drive at low speeds, as it runs on electric power for a large part of city driving. Being a Maruti Suzuki, reliability and after sales support are strong points. It has also scored a 5 star BNCAP rating, and as a hybrid, fuel efficiency is exceptional. In fact, you can expect close to double the mileage of most of the cars you have shortlisted.A few things to note, however: the Victoris is not as spacious as the Seltos, especially in the rear seat, and boot space is compromised due to the hybrid battery pack under the boot floor.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Tata Nexon

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kushaq facelift

Mahindra XUV 7XO