PR

Pradeep

6w

Hi, I’m using a Ford EcoSport AT petrol. I’m very happy with the car’s build quality, handling, and performance, but I’m concerned about the mileage. In Bangalore city, I get about 8 km/l, and on the highway it’s about 14 km/l. I want to upgrade to a similar SUV with greater mileage (over 20 km/l), good safety, and durability, costing between ₹10 L and ₹15 L on-road. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6w

Unfortunately, there's no petrol automatic compact SUV today that will achieve anywhere near 20kpl in the real world, in the city or on the highway. The most efficient petrol compact SUVs are the Maruti Suzuki Fronx or Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

If you want something more spacious, consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, though it is slightly less efficient. If you want more efficiency still, though, consider a diesel compact SUV like the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet. They are the smoothest and most efficient in the segment, and are more likely to get close to or surpass 20kpl. 

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

MA

Mayank

6w

Nexon cng is also a good option if you want to go for a cng car.

More questions on similar cars

KE

Kedar

2d

Hello Team, I am planning to replace my 2011 Ford Figo Petrol and have shortlisted two options: Maruti Suzuki Baleno AGS is a safe and hassle-free ownership choice (NA engine, no direct injection, low maintenance, and strong service network) Skoda Kylaq Classic Plus AT is a more fun-to-drive option My budget is strictly ₹11-12 lakh (on-road). I believe the Baleno offers one of the best 1.2L naturally aspirated engines in the segment, while the Kylaq provides a strong balance as a sub-4m SUV with a turbo engine. My usage will be around 900-1000 km per month, and I plan to keep the car for long-term ownership. I would like your advice on: Which car would be the better choice overall for my usage? Which one is likely to age more gracefully over time? Whether the Baleno is sufficiently capable, or if I would be sacrificing too much in terms of performance and driving enjoyment Whether the Kylaq justifies its higher running and maintenance costs For context, I also own a Duke 390, so performance is not my only priority. My total motoring cost would be around 15-17% of my income, so both options are financially manageable.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7h

Your logic is quite sound. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT fits your first brief of being the least hassle, while being reasonably fun. It does have the best 1.2 NA petrol around, and it falls well inside your budget.Coming from a 2011 Figo, the Baleno will feel easier in the city, with lighter steering, better low-end responses and, of course, an automated shift. For 900-1000km a month, its 1.2 petrol is punchy enough, and Maruti’s wide service network means quick, cheap upkeep almost anywhere. It will also hold value well. It's just that an AMT will never be as smooth as any other automatic, and maybe the manual is the better bet here.The Skoda Kylaq AT makes a compelling argument as the fun option. Though we would recommend it overall, apart from the fact that you will only get it in a low to medium variant in your budget Classic+, as you have mentioned, you could even stretch to a Signature.Still, it's not barebones on features by any means, and if that's okay with you, you should definitely follow the emotional pull. Yes, it won't be as frugal on maintenance costs (or fuel costs) as the Maruti, but they're not bad enough to be a deal breaker.If you want a middle ground between these two, consider the Hyundai i20 N Line or the Maruti Fronx Turbo, both of which offer the best of both your diverging requirements.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Baleno
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleHyundai i20
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
AY

Ayush

3d

I am planning to buy a CNG car with a budget of around ₹10 lakh. My preference is for a 4-cylinder engine. My first choice is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG, but the VXI variant costs around ₹11.8 lakh, which is slightly above my budget. I am not considering the LXI variant as it is too basic. I also have two concerns: I am open to buying a diesel car, but since I live in Delhi, I am worried about the 10-year diesel ban and possible future restrictions. With the government promoting ethanol blending (up to 20-30%), I am concerned about its impact on mileage and long-term engine performance. Considering these factors, could you please suggest the best option for me within my budget?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
10h

Pick the Maruti Fronx Delta CNG, it fits your Rs. 10 lakh budget, gives you the smooth 4‑cylinder you want, and it is the closest to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza feel without paying Brezza VXi money. The 1.2 CNG is quieter and smoother than most 3‑cylinder CNG cars, and the Delta trim has the basics you need, so it won’t feel as bare as a Brezza LXi. Maruti’s service network in NCR is widespread, which keeps ownership simple.Be aware of two things. With CNG, pick-up is calm, especially with four or five people and the AC on, so plan overtakes. The CNG tank also eats into the boot, so luggage space is limited.If these are deal breakers for you, then consider the Tata Nexon iCNG in Smart+ trim. It uses twin-tanks so you get a 321-litre usable boot and gets all the basic features you need. It has a 3-cylinder engine instead of the 4-cylinder you prefer, but it is turbocharged, which means you get a lot more performance.On the test drive, load three adults, switch on the AC, and climb a flyover to see if performance is adequate.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
VehicleTata Nexon
SH

Shorabh

3d

I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of around ₹15-17 lakh. My daily running is approximately 50-70 km, with 80% city driving and 20% highway usage. I will be upgrading from a Honda Amaze diesel manual, which has been delivering good mileage in both city and highway conditions.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
12h

Go for the Kia Sonet HTX diesel manual for your 50-70 km a day with mostly city use, as it keeps fuel bills low like your Honda Amaze diesel. But feels like a clear step up in terms of comfort, features and safety.In stop-go traffic, the Sonet diesel pulls cleanly from low speeds, so you do not need to shift gears as often, and the clutch is light, which makes daily driving fairly easy. The higher seating position gives a better view out, and getting in and out is also easy. It is still small enough to park without stress, but the cabin feels nicer and more solid, and highway runs are relaxed thanks to the strong mid-range of the diesel engine. Kia’s network is wide now in most cities, and upkeep has been reasonable for owners in this price range.A couple of things to be aware of. The back seat is not very wide, so three adults will feel tight on longer trips. Also, like all new diesels, it has a particulate filter, which requires you to run a regeneration cycle periodically.If you prefer Hyundai’s aftersales and a slightly softer ride, the Hyundai Venue diesel manual is a good alternative. If your priority is the lowest running cost, look at the Maruti Victoris CNG.

VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleHonda Amaze
VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris

Posted on: 27 Feb 2026