I want an SUV-styled CNG car and am confused between the Nexon CNG and Exter CNG. I have taken a test drive of both. The Exter felt easy to drive, had smooth gear shifts, was silent, and I loved its driveability. The Nexon's gear shift felt a bit notchy and not as easy for city driving, but I loved its suspension, comfort, and looks. I'm buying the car for high-kilometre usage. I have an Aura CNG, which I've driven for 2 lakh km and it is still in A1 condition. I'm expecting the Exter CNG to be the same. I don't have much experience with the Nexon. I have concerns about the Nexon's long-term reliability for 3 lakh km over the next 5 to 6 years, as well as the service experience since there is only one dealership and service centre in my city, Bareilly, which has a population of over 13 lakh. My priorities are comfort, easy maintenance, long-term reliability, and no unexpected maintenance.Can the new Nexon deliver all this? Or should I stick to my safe option, the Exter?

autocar.india

•4h

Given your high running of 3,000-4,000km a month on the highway, the priority should be a car that is comfortable, stable at speed and easy to live with over long distances. The Hyundai i20 IVT is a good hatchback, but at that kind of running, a compact SUV makes more sense because of the higher seating position, better ground clearance and generally more comfortable ride over broken patches. Between the Kia Sonet DCT and Tata Nexon AMT, the Sonet DCT is the better fit for your usage. The DCT is a proper automatic gearbox, which is smoother and quicker to respond than an AMT, especially on highways where quick gear changes matter during overtakes. The Sonet also feels more refined, more premium and better put together overall. The Nexon is a solid car, but the AMT gearbox is not as smooth or as enjoyable on long highway runs. The only caveat with the Sonet DCT is that dual-clutch gearboxes can get a bit jerky in heavy stop-start traffic, but on highways, they are in their element. Overall, the Sonet DCT is the best fit for your usage and budget.

Hyundai i20

Kia Sonet

Tata Nexon

autocar.india

•1d

The Honda Amaze CVT VX is a very sensible upgrade from the Nexon AMT. The CVT gearbox is far smoother than the AMT, which will make both city driving and hill climbs much more pleasant. The Amaze also offers excellent visibility, a comfortable driving position and a reliable ownership experience. However, it is a sedan, so you will lose the higher seating position and ground clearance of an SUV, which can be useful on highways and rough roads.Given your usage, a compact SUV with a proper automatic gearbox is a better fit. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is a strong recommendation here. It uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is much smoother than the Nexon AMT, and it offers excellent visibility, a comfortable driving position and low running costs. But it is on the pricier side.Overall, the Amaze CVT is a good alternative if you are happy to move to a sedan, but if budget permits, the Brezza is the more versatile choice.

Honda Amaze

Tata Nexon

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•2h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Victoris CNG. Both the Victoris and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder are essentially the same car underneath, sharing the same engine, platform and CNG system. The key difference is that the Victoris is priced more competitively, which makes it the better value proposition. Also, the Victoris features an underbody CNG tank, giving it a much larger boot space, adding to the practicality. However, you don't get a spare wheel in the Victoris. In terms of refinement, running costs and maintenance, there is no meaningful difference between the two. Toyota’s service network is strong, but Maruti’s is even wider and more accessible, which further strengthens the ownership case. Since you are coming from a Honda City and prioritising low running costs and reliability, the Victoris CNG is the more sensible and value-driven choice. The only reason to pick the Hyryder would be a strong preference for the Toyota badge or a particularly good local dealer relationship. Otherwise, the Victoris CNG is the smarter buy.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Honda City