I want to change my car and buy a new hybrid vehicle within a ₹10-12 lakh budget; which hybrid cars are launching soon in this range, and will a flex-fuel option be a good choice?

Autocar India

•14w

At the moment, there aren’t any hybrid cars in the Rs 10-12 lakh bracket. The most affordable ones you can buy right now start closer to Rs 20 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce a new line of more affordable hybrids, starting with the Fronx Hybrid, although it’s unlikely to arrive before 2027. Even then, it’s uncertain if it will fit within a Rs 12 lakh budget.

When it comes to flex‑fuel vehicles, they only really make sense once India moves to higher ethanol blends. The current target is E20 (20% ethanol), and there’s no plan yet to exceed that. Cars designed to run on higher ethanol blends, such as E30 or higher, tend to be less fuel-efficient because ethanol contains less energy than petrol.

That efficiency loss would only be worth accepting if high‑ethanol fuel were significantly cheaper but so far, there’s no sign of that happening.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹8.07 Lakh

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Abhilash K

•5d

I am looking for an automatic car. It will be driven mostly in Trivandrum city and will do a monthly long drive of 500km. Please suggest a good option between 10-12 lakh, on-road in Trivandrum.

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Since most of your driving is in the city, a torque-converter automatic would be a good choice. With that in mind, there are several options in your price range, but the Fronx and the XUV 3XO stand out.The Maruti Suzuki Fronx with the Boosterjet engine offers decent performance and is responsive at low speeds, thanks in part to the mild-hybrid system’s ISG motor, which also helps improve fuel efficiency. The 6-speed Aisin-sourced automatic is very smooth in operation and reliable. Cabin space and overall comfort are good, and highway stability will feel reassuring on your longer trips.Similarly, the Mahindra XUV 3XO with the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine offers good performance and a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. It offers a spacious and plush cabin that can comfortably accommodate five passengers. The suspension is comfortable and has a robust feel. Before you decide, take a test drive of both cars.

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Shashank

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Hello experts, I want to know if the new Duster 1L turbo engine will be good for city driving, or if it will feel underpowered, as my driving is 85% in the city.

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The new Renault Duster 1.0 turbo-petrol should be acceptable in the city, but it is not the most effortless choice for predominantly urban use like yours.The 1.0 turbo makes about 99hp and 160-166Nm, and the torque comes in from around 2,000rpm, so performance at low revs will feel merely adequate rather than strong. You will need to work the gearbox to keep the engine in its power band, especially with a full load or on inclines, and that can get tiring in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic. The good bit is that the clutch is light and the engine reasonably refined, so it won’t feel cumbersome or heavy in daily use.However, there is no automatic with the 1.0 turbo. It comes only with a 6‑speed manual, which is a drawback for an 85% city‑running profile. If you prioritise smoothness and ease over outright punch, an automatic CVT in this segment will suit you better.The Kia Seltos 1.5 iVT offers seamless, jerk‑free power delivery and feels very smooth and responsive in typical city driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol CVT, which has the same gearbox as the Seltos, is another good option. Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta make urban driving more relaxing, even if performance is only adequate rather than exciting.

Dilip Kumar

What is your opinion on buying the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, a hybrid 7-seater?

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•4h

The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is nowhere near as popular as its twin, the Toyota Innova HyCross, though both are virtually the same car. With the Invicto not being in as much demand, better discounts are possible, but you will also take a hit in resale value when you go to sell it. If you are comfortable with the Maruti-Suzuki badge, choose the Invicto Zeta+ (7‑seater) strong‑hybrid. It offers the most usable three‑row comfort, smooth city driving, and the widest service network.At over 4.7 m long and with about a 2,850 mm wheelbase, it offers real space across three rows. The strong‑hybrid setup keeps the city running very smooth, often shutting the engine off at low speeds and running on pure electric power. As a result, fuel efficiency is very good.The one thing you give up is ADAS features. The Invicto doesn’t offer lane keep, adaptive cruise, or AEB, which some rivals provide at this size. If you specifically want ADAS and more top‑end features, consider the Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid ZX (O) instead. It adds active safety tech, but it will cost you more and involve longer wait periods.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

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