I’m planning to buy a compact SUV with an automatic transmission. I’m considering the new Venue and the Brezza. Most of my driving is in hilly areas, and I’m not sure about the Venue’s DCT and smaller 1.0-litre engine. Would this cause issues in the hills? Is the Brezza AT a better option because of its torque converter gearbox and bigger engine?

Autocar India

•10h

With 60% city and 40% rougher rural runs, a petrol manual under Rs 10 lakh that covers space, comfort, AC and running costs best is the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 manual in a mid variant. It rides higher than a regular small car, so bad roads and speed breakers are easy. The back seat is wide enough for three for most trips, the AC is strong, the boot is decent for a family of four, and you get Maruti’s big service network and easy mileage. It is light and easy to drive in traffic, yet steady at highway speeds.The trade-offs: the engine is smooth but not very exciting when fully loaded, and the audio system in lower trims is just okay.If you can stretch by Rs 1-2 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza manual fits your brief even better with a roomier back seat, tougher ride for rural roads, and strong AC.In the used market, you should be able to find a 5-6 year old Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos with the 1.5 NA petrol manual combo from a trusted source like Spinny. Overall, the Fronx meets your needs without big compromises; the Brezza is the nicer step-up if you stretch.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•15h

Check out the Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi AT. It suits you after a Wagon R because it is a taller car with high seating, the steering is light, and the automatic shifts smoothly at low speeds. The back seat is wide and fairly flat, so three adults fit better than in most small cars, and the AC is strong with rear vents, which helps the whole cabin cool quickly.On the highway, it feels steady, rides over bad patches without fuss, and the simple petrol engine is calm at cruising speeds. There's also the peace of mind you get with buying a Maruti.Two things to keep in mind: when fully loaded, quick overtakes need a firm press on the accelerator, and the cabin is plain compared to some rivals.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•18h

For your requirements, the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Maruti Suzuki Brezza are the options to consider. The Tata Nexon feels tough, and its suspension does a great job on broken roads, which you encounter frequently. Performance is decent, but the manual gearbox is not the slickest. The Mahindra XUV 3XO delivers stronger performance, and you'll also appreciate the ride and handling balance. It tackles bad roads comfortably, and as a bonus, it's the roomiest for five passengers in case that's a requirement. However, fuel economy isn't the best. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza also makes for a sensible choice. It delivers a comfortable ride quality even on poor roads, while its naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers consistently good fuel economy. Maruti's hassle-free service is a big point in the Brezza's favour too.

Tata Nexon

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza