I am planning to buy the Maruti Fronx 1.2 NA, which is costing me around ₹8.5 lakh on-road, including accessories. Since this will be my first car, I wanted to know whether it is a good option for long-term ownership.

autocar.india

•1h

If your Ciaz is running well and you’re not in a tearing hurry to upgrade, it would be wise to wait another year or so. The market is on the verge of a significant transition, especially in the compact SUV segment you’re looking at.2027 is shaping up to be a particularly important year. Carmakers like Hyundai, Mahindra, Renault, Kia, MG and JSW Auto all have new or heavily updated compact SUVs in the pipeline. Maruti Suzuki too is expected to expand its range with a Punch rival and introduce its first strong hybrid system, likely in the Fronx.More importantly, hybrids are set to become far more mainstream. With tightening CAFÉ norms and rising fuel costs, manufacturers are increasingly positioning strong hybrids as a practical middle ground between conventional ICE and full EVs, especially in India, where charging infrastructure is still developing.There is also a steady wave of new EVs due over the next 12 to 18 months. These should bring improvements in range, charging ease and pricing, giving you a much clearer picture of how viable an EV is for your usage.Given your 7 to 8 year ownership cycle, waiting allows you to choose from a more mature and diverse set of powertrain options. It also reduces the risk of buying just before a new generation of more future-ready products arrives.

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

autocar.india

•19h

If you want something that's compact and easy to drive while being efficient, then consider the Maruti Fronx or Toyota Taisor 1.0 Turbo 6AT. The engine is smooth, performance is strong, and the transmission works seamlessly. If you want a more "SUV" feel, then you could consider the turbo-petrol automatic versions of the Hyundai Venue, Skoda Kylaq or even the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The XUV is the most spacious and has the strongest engine; the Kylaq feels the sportiest to drive; while the Venue is very well-rounded, and thanks to its light steering, it feels easy to drive.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•34m

Pick the Tata Safari 6-seat. It keeps the family happiest on long trips thanks to the comfiest ride and the most adult-friendly third row in this class. The suspension soaks bad roads, it stays settled at highway speeds, and the captain seats are wider with better thigh support. The third row sits a touch higher, has better recline and vents, so even two adults can manage a few hours without grumbling. Luggage space with all rows up is tight on both.Behind the wheel, the Safari is a relaxed mile muncher. The driving position is upright, visibility is great, seats are supportive, and the automatic is smooth. It is not the quickest to kick down, the engine is gruff and not as refined as the Mahindra, and there is some lag at low speeds, but on open roads, it cruises quietly. Coming from a Duster automatic, the ride upgrade is big.The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L is the sharper drive with a stronger diesel and snappier responses, and its ADAS feels better tuned. If you often climb hills fully loaded or love brisk overtakes, it makes life easier. For all-row comfort, choose the Safari.

Tata Safari

Renault Duster

Mahindra XUV 7XO