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

•2d

With a budget of Rs 11 lakh, a monthly running of 700-750 km split between city and highway, and a priority on refinement and ease of use, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno petrol automatic is the most sensible upgrade from your Wagon R. The Baleno offers a smooth and refined four cylinder petrol engine, a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin, making it easy to drive in the city while remaining stable and relaxed on the highway. It is also one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in its segment, which will help keep running costs in check. The automatic gearbox is reliable, making it particularly well-suited for your usage pattern. Maruti's wide service network and low maintenance costs further add to the ownership peace of mind. If you prefer a slightly higher seating position, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx petrol automatic is a good alternative, offering a similar experience with better visibility and a more SUV-like stance, though it will be slightly less fuel-efficient than the Baleno. Overall, the Baleno strikes the best balance between refinement, efficiency and ease of ownership for your requirements.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

autocar.india

•2d

With your low daily running and a budget of Rs 12 lakh on-road, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno automatic is the most sensible recommendation. Your usage pattern does not justify a diesel and the Baleno’s petrol engine paired with the AMT is simple and reliable. It is also a very easy car to drive in the city, offers good fuel efficiency, and Maruti’s service network is a big advantage for long-term ownership. The Baleno also offers a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin for a family of two and enough boot space for occasional trips. If you prefer a slightly higher seating position, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx automatic is worth considering as well. It uses the same engine and gearbox combination but offers a more SUV-like stance and better ground clearance for rough roads. Both cars are well within your budget and prioritise reliability and low running costs, which should help avoid the kind of ownership issues you faced with the TUV300.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

autocar.india

•11h

Yes, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is exactly that - a combination of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor with a battery that can be charged from an external source. The idea is that you can use the electric-only mode for short local trips, and then the car seamlessly switches to the petrol engine for longer journeys, so you never have to worry about range.In India, however, the options are quite limited. You have the Mercedes S 450e at the top end as the only plug-in hybrid available at the moment. However, JSW MG is launching the MG Hector Tomahawk later this week, a plug-in hybrid, and next year you will get a Jetour T2-based SUV from JSW, also a plug-in hybrid. Other than these, there are no PHEV options for now.

MG Hector Tomahawk

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

JSW Motors Jetour T2