•22h

I'm currently driving a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and have been absolutely delighted with the ownership experience. However, for my next upgrade, I'd like to explore one of the entry-level SUVs. I typically buy a new car, keep it for 7-8 years, and then upgrade. Given the current transition in the automotive industry, is this the right time to buy a new car, or would it be wiser to wait until the powertrain landscape becomes clearer and the supporting infrastructure matures? I'd like to make an informed decision between ICE, Hybrid, and EV options before committing to a vehicle that I'll likely own for the next 7-8 years.

•5m

If your Ciaz is running well and you’re not in a tearing hurry to upgrade, it would be wise to wait another year or so. The market is on the verge of a significant transition, especially in the compact SUV segment you’re looking at.

2027 is shaping up to be a particularly important year. Carmakers like Hyundai, Mahindra, Renault, Kia, MG and JSW Auto all have new or heavily updated compact SUVs in the pipeline. Maruti Suzuki too is expected to expand its range with a Punch rival and introduce its first strong hybrid system, likely in the Fronx.

More importantly, hybrids are set to become far more mainstream. With tightening CAFÉ norms and rising fuel costs, manufacturers are increasingly positioning strong hybrids as a practical middle ground between conventional ICE and full EVs, especially in India, where charging infrastructure is still developing.

There is also a steady wave of new EVs due over the next 12 to 18 months. These should bring improvements in range, charging ease and pricing, giving you a much clearer picture of how viable an EV is for your usage.

Given your 7 to 8 year ownership cycle, waiting allows you to choose from a more mature and diverse set of powertrain options. It also reduces the risk of buying just before a new generation of more future-ready products arrives.

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Tata

Punch

from ₹6.59 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹7.92 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

•2d

I want to buy a new car for my parents. My father used to drive, but he no longer does so due to age and health-related issues. I live in a Tier-2 city and previously owned a 2010 Wagon R 1.0. Although it had covered only 40,000 km, it is now showing signs of ageing, such as rusting and high maintenance costs. I am looking for a hassle-free new car, and since it will mostly remain parked in the garage, it won't see much usage. Budget is under 8 lakh.

•24m

Buy the Maruti Wagon R. It fits under Rs. 8 lakh, is easy for elderly parents to get in and out of, and keeps running costs and headaches very low. The high-set seats, big doors and great visibility will feel familiar coming from your old Wagon R, and for a car that will mostly sit at home, Maruti’s wide Tier-2 service reach and affordable parts matter more than anything fancy.If you want a change, the other models of interest are the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch. Both are relatively easy to get into and out of, which we'd give high priority in a car for your parents.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

•1d

Hi, I am planning to buy my first automatic car in the 10-15 Lakh range. I'll primarily be using it for city commutes, along with a monthly long-distance trip of around 1200 km. Can you please suggest a car?

•17h

If you want something that's compact and easy to drive while being efficient, then consider the Maruti Fronx or Toyota Taisor 1.0 Turbo 6AT. The engine is smooth, performance is strong, and the transmission works seamlessly. If you want a more "SUV" feel, then you could consider the turbo-petrol automatic versions of the Hyundai Venue, Skoda Kylaq or even the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The XUV is the most spacious and has the strongest engine; the Kylaq feels the sportiest to drive; while the Venue is very well-rounded, and thanks to its light steering, it feels easy to drive.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

I am currently driving a 2012 Toyota Etios Liva and want to replace it as it is approaching 15 years of age. I am looking for a family car under Rs 10-12 lakh that I can keep for a long time. It should also be compatible with E20 fuel.

•3d

Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.2 petrol is your safest long-term switch. It is factory E20-ready, and Maruti typically does a good job of calibrating the engine to maintain good fuel efficiency. Coming from an Etios, you will appreciate Maruti’s fuss-free ownership and the peace of mind for over 10 years. As a family car, it is practical, with a spacious rear seat, a comfortable ride, light controls for city driving, and stable highway manners. It fits well under Rs. 10-12 lakh.One thing to keep in mind is that it is a hatchback, so you do not get the high seating or rough-road ability of a small SUV. If you need a bit more ground clearance, the Fronx is a good bet. If you prefer a sedan, the Honda Amaze 1.2 is E20-compatible too and easy to keep for years.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Honda Amaze

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

Hi, I have a budget of Rs. 40 lakh and am confused between the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge, the Toyota Innova Hycross ZX(O), and the Toyota Fortuner Petrol. I am 28 years old and want a car that is fun to drive but also comfortable for my family. My driving will be split 80:20 between on-road and off-road use.

•6d

Pick the Innova HyCross ZX(O). For a hard Rs. 40 lakh cap it fits cleanly, it is the most comfortable and spacious for family, and it is far easier to live with daily. The smooth hybrid makes city drives effortless and quiet, and on broken roads, it just takes the abuse without rattling everyone. Your 20 percent off-road sounds like rough trails rather than rock crawling, and the HyCross will handle that sort of bad-road stuff better than you expect. But, the Innova isn't particularly fun to drive.If you really crave driver fun, the Kodiaq is the one that puts a smile on your face. The 2-litre turbo petrol and AWD make it genuinely enjoyable on highways and hills and the cabin feels richer. Two catches, though. It likely stretches past Rs. 40 lakh on-road in most cities, and its third row is tighter, and you have to be a bit careful off the beaten path.The Fortuner petrol is the most capable off-road, but for 80 per cent on-road use, it feels heavy and bouncy, the steering is not friendly in town, and it guzzles fuel.

Toyota Innova HyCross

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•5d

I am planning to buy an SUV and prefer the German twins Škoda and Volkswagen. Which one is better? Also, how significant is the DSG issue in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the NCR region? This will be my fourth car, so I want to try a German brand.

•4d

Between the German twins, the choice largely comes down to personal preference, as they share the same engines, gearboxes and underpinnings. We slightly prefer the Kushaq for its cleaner design, excellent ride and handling balance and overall value proposition.As for the DSG, it isn't as big a concern as it once was. The current DSGs are far more robust than the earlier units, but if your driving is predominantly in bumper-to-bumper NCR traffic, a torque-converter automatic is still the smoother and more relaxed option over the long term. If you want to stay with a German SUV but avoid the DSG altogether, the 1.0 TSI automatic in the Kushaq and Taigun now comes with an 8-speed Aisin torque-converter, which is smooth, refined and better suited to heavy city traffic.Coming from the S-Cross Petrol, you'll notice a significant step up in performance, cabin quality, safety and driving dynamics with either car.

Skoda Kushaq

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•6d

I have a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, and I am extremely satisfied with its mileage (900-1000 km from 45 liters). However, I am losing the joy of driving. I migrated to this car after owning a Swift Dzire Diesel and an XL6. The mismatch between engine revs and acceleration is becoming unpleasant. Overtaking feels riskier, and even the brakes feel spongy. I have experienced a few unpleasant situations because of this. As a result, I have reduced my overall speed, making the safety of my family a bigger priority. But the driver in me is unhappy. Should I upgrade to the Duster Hybrid, the Hycross Hybrid, or the newly launched Sierra EV? Also, do diesel engines still make sense today?

•5d

From what you've described, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid has impressed you with its efficiency but left you wanting more from behind the wheel. If driving enjoyment is back on your priority list, the Duster Hybrid looks like the most natural upgrade. It is expected to offer a much more engaging driving experience while retaining the fuel efficiency benefits of a strong hybrid.The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid will certainly improve on comfort, refinement and performance, but it won't fundamentally change the character you're looking for. It is still geared towards relaxed family motoring rather than enthusiastic driving.The Tata Sierra EV is an interesting option and has now been launched. It promises strong performance, a premium cabin and a spacious interior. However, if the "driver in you" misses the involvement and confidence of your earlier diesel cars, we'd still wait to experience how the Duster Hybrid drives before making a decision.As for diesels, we don't think they should be ruled out altogether. With the right usage, they continue to make sense. However, given your appreciation for the fuel economy of your Grand Vitara and the direction the market is heading, we'd lean towards a strong hybrid rather than going back to diesel.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Sierra EV

Renault Duster

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