I’ve been driving a 2019 Dzire ZXi AMT (BS6) with 66,000 km on the clock. The engine is smooth but not peppy, and the AMT feels jerky. I’m looking to upgrade to an automatic non-AMT car under ₹10 lakh (used is fine). My monthly driving is about 1,200 km in the city, with one annual 1,500 km outstation trip. I prefer good suspension and handling, and a city mileage of around 12-14 km/l. Please suggest options.

autocar.india

•1h

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza Turbo ZXi is a sensible upgrade from a 2015 Duster 85 PS diesel, but it will feel different rather than outright better in the areas you care about. The Brezza Turbo’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine produces 110hp and 170Nm, with a very linear power delivery; not the same low-end diesel punch you are used to. Hence, on steep hill climbs, you will need to work the engine and gearbox a bit more, whereas the Duster’s diesel torque made those climbs feel effortless.In terms of driving dynamics, the Brezza is a well-balanced car with predictable handling and a comfortable ride, although the Duster has an edge as far as ruggedness and off-road ability goes. That said, the Brezza is more refined and easier to live with in daily use.Where the Brezza Turbo ZXi is a clear upgrade is in safety, features and overall ownership experience. It is a far more modern car with better safety equipment, a more comfortable cabin and Maruti’s strong service network. It is also a genuinely good car to drive, just with a different character.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Renault Duster

autocar.india

•2h

Given your usage pattern of highway and long drives with a mix of Bangalore city traffic, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid S is a sensible upgrade from your Renault Kiger. The strong hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in city conditions, where the car can run on electric power at low speeds and in stop-start traffic. On highways, the hybrid system still contributes to efficiency, though the gains are less dramatic than in the city. The Hyryder also offers a more comfortable ride, better refinement and a more premium ownership experience compared to the Kiger.However, it is worth considering the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid as well. It is essentially the same car underneath, but the Victoris gets a slightly more premium interior and a richer feature set, including Level 2 ADAS, at a similar price point. If you are open to the Maruti badge, the Victoris Hybrid is arguably the better value proposition.The only caveat with the Hyryder Hybrid is that the boot space is compromised due to the battery pack, which may be a consideration if you regularly carry a lot of luggage on your long drives. For the added practicality and a plusher interior we would recommend the Maruti Suzuki Victoris.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Renault Kiger

autocar.india

•8h

The Hyundai Creta would be the best fit for your requirements. Coming from a Honda City that has served you reliably for 12 years, it sounds like you value hassle-free ownership, comfort and practicality over outright performance or flashy technology. This Hyundai car offers a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, refined petrol automatic, and a proven ownership experience, making it one of the easiest SUVs to recommend. The SX variant strikes the best balance between features and value, while the SX(O) is worth considering if you want a few additional convenience and safety features.If you prefer something familiar and your running remains 300km a month, the Honda Elevate ZX CVT is another excellent choice. It retains the Honda refinement and simplicity you're already used to, has physical controls for most functions and doesn't overwhelm you with digital interfaces.

Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate