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Ansari

14w

I’m looking to buy a new compact SUV and am conflicted between the Sonet 1.2-litre petrol and the Maruti Brezza (1.5-litre petrol). My main concern is fuel efficiency - I’ve heard the Brezza’s 1.5 is more efficient than the Sonet’s 1.2. I’m also considering the Sonet diesel manual. My monthly running is about 1,000-1,200 km, mostly on highways. Which one should I buy?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
14w

Given that your usage is relatively high and mainly on the highway, you should go for the Kia Sonet diesel MT. Its strong pulling power compared to the naturally aspirated petrol engines you have mentioned will allow for more effortless cruising and overtaking, and the fuel efficiency will be considerably better too. 

You should also consider the new Hyundai Venue, as it is a bit more modern and more spacious than the Sonet. As for the fuel economy of the petrol engines, it depends on your driving style and conditions. Since your driving is mainly on the highway, the larger, more powerful 1.5-litre petrol in the Maruti Suzuki Brezza would likely be more efficient on the whole, as it would be less strained at higher speeds than the Sonet's 1.2 petrol.

Kia Sonet

Kia Sonet

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Vishal Maniar

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I am planning to buy a compact SUV with a diesel automatic gearbox, and my budget is around ₹12–14 lakh on-road. I generally prefer choosing the variant just above the base model, as it usually offers the best value for money rather than going for the top-spec variant. My shortlisted options are the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. While value for money is my main priority, my child is insisting that the car should also have a sunroof. Considering these requirements, which car would you recommend buying?

Autocar India team

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Verified
2d

While the Tata Nexon has its strengths in a tough build and good suspension, its AMT gearbox is no match for the torque converter automatic. It comes paired with the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet's 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Hyundai and Kia's smooth diesel engines and slick auto gearboxes deliver a very polished driving experience, which you will love. Of the two, the Hyundai Venue is newer, offers more rear seat space and a few more frills like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. You'd get a Venue diesel-auto HX5 in your budget, which is reasonably well equipped and also packs in a sunroof. We can't recommend it wholeheartedly, though, because it misses the safety of a rear wiper. If rear seat space isn't a deal breaker and you are comfortable with the idea of buying a car that will be replaced in the near future, the Sonet diesel-auto HTX is definitely worth a look. For not much money over the Venue HX5, it packs in a whole lot more equipment such as LED headlights, push button start, leatherette seats and front seat ventilation. Also, it has the safety of a rear wiper, rear disc brakes and front parking sensors.

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VehicleHyundai Venue
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Ashish

3d

My 80% running is in the city, approximately 60 km daily. I want a smooth gearbox, a smooth engine and reliability. I am confused between the Maruti Brezza petrol manual and the Hyundai Creta petrol manual.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

The Maruti Brezza and the Hyundai Creta are both quite good in terms of refinement. The Hyundai Creta is more spacious, has a better-quality interior, and is more comfortable, and since you travel mostly in the city, the CVT automatic gearbox will be a better fit for you. It is responsive, smooth and well-suited to traffic, making it effortless in the city.The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a bit smaller in size, especially on the inside, does not have the build and interior quality that the Creta gets, and the automatic gearbox isn't as smooth as the Creta's CVT. If you most definitely want a manual gearbox, the Creta is still the better choice as you get a more powerful engine and a better package overall.

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VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
TP

Tarangkumar Patel

1d

Hi, I currently own a Honda Amaze diesel 2014 model. Now, after using it for so long, I want to upgrade to a 7-seater. I shortlisted the Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens Clavis and have done test drives for both vehicles. My daily usage in the city is 25 km, and I occasionally do long family trips. Now I am super confused between both cars, as one has premiumness and the other has space. Please suggest the best vehicle for me. Is the turbo petrol good? Now I am super confused.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
41m

Both cars are quite closely matched on premium feel, though one aesthetic seems to have worked better for you than the other. It's more a contest of road presence versus space, as the tall, SUV body style of the Hyundai Alcazar makes a strong impression on the road. It is boxy and upright and has the edge on ground clearance, as well as larger wheels.The price you pay is in the third row, where the Kia Carens Clavis' practical MPV shape liberates more space, and there's better ease of access too. Both cars have the same powertrain options, except that the Carens Clavis offers an additional engine option - the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol. It also gets an iMT automated manual gearbox with the Turbo Petrol engine instead of a conventional manual, which the Alcazar gets.Yes, the Turbo Petrol is a good option, as given your relatively low usage, a diesel doesn't feel necessary. The 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo feels strong enough to haul 7 people and is quite enjoyable to drive too.As for which of the two you wish to buy, if you simply must have an SUV for its visual appeal and ground clearance, that is the only reason to choose the Alcazar. If that is not a bother, then the lighter, more spacious, more practical Kia Carens Clavis is the one we recommend.

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Posted on: 3 Dec 2025