Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Dzire automatic (top-end variant). My usage will be mostly on highways, and my budget is around ₹12 lakh (on-road). Could you please advise whether the Dzire automatic is a good choice in terms of mileage, comfort, and maintenance costs? Also, are there any better alternatives I should consider within this budget?

Autocar India

•1d

The important thing to understand is that while the government has notified standards for fuels up to E30, it has not mandated an immediate switch to E30 fuel. In fact, the government has asked ARAI to conduct long-term testing on how E25 affects existing E10 and E20 vehicles before taking any further decisions. The study is expected to assess durability, mileage, engine health and long-term reliability over tens of thousands of kilometers.There is also a strong possibility that consumers will be offered a choice of fuel blends at petrol pumps rather than a sudden replacement of E20 with E30. Discussions are already underway around offering multiple ethanol blend options based on vehicle compatibility. Even if higher ethanol blends eventually arrive later in the decade, manufacturers, fuel companies and regulators will have to provide a transition path because millions of E20-compatible vehicles will still be on the road.Between the two cars, we would actually lean towards the Baleno AMT. The Baleno's 4-cylinder petrol engine is noticeably smoother and more refined than the Dzire's 3-cylinder unit, which makes a difference in everyday driving. It also has one of the better calibrated AMT gearboxes in the segment, feeling smoother and more predictable than many rivals. For elderly parents, the Baleno's wide-opening doors, comfortable ride and easy drivability are all strong positives.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

•6h

With a daily running of 150-200km, a strong hybrid makes the most sense. Within your budget, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid or the Toyota Hyryder Strong Hybrid would be the top recommendations.Both deliver excellent real-world fuel efficiency, often exceeding 20kpl even in city conditions, while offering the convenience of a petrol powertrain and lower maintenance concerns compared to modern diesels. For high-mileage users, the fuel savings can be substantial over time.While the diesel Kia Seltos remains a capable SUV, modern diesels are not quite as efficient as they once were due to stricter emissions equipment. This is especially true in automatic variants, where the torque converter gearbox further reduces the efficiency advantage over hybrids.As for the Seltos GTX(O), there is currently no confirmation of a new GTX(O) variant arriving in the immediate future.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•9h

The Kia Seltos HTK(O) 1.5 Petrol CVT would be the pick here. It feels more premium than the Elevate, offers a comfortable ride and the smooth CVT suits everyday driving extremely well.As for performance, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol is essentially the same engine that powers your Creta. If you are happy with your current car's performance, there is no reason to worry about the Seltos feeling underpowered. It may not be the quickest SUV in the segment, but it is smooth, refined and well-suited to relaxed driving.The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 AT feels punchier in the mid-range and is more enjoyable to drive, but the Seltos is the more rounded package overall. The Honda Elevate CVT is comfortable and practical, though it does not feel as premium inside.

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kushaq