Autocar India
1d

I owned a manual-transmission Maruti Dzire VDi for over 14 years and had covered just 24,500km so far. I recently sold it due to a knee problem. Now, I am planning to buy an SUV or sub-compact SUV with an automatic transmission, mainly for city driving and occasional highway trips. My monthly running may not exceed 500km for now. Please suggest the most suitable car for me. Thanks.

Verified
13m
Within the compact and sub-compact SUV segments, there is a wide choice, and setting a budget would help in narrowing it down. However, given your requirements, a good option is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It's a Maruti, so it's something you're familiar with, and it keeps you within the same aftersales and service ecosystem. It's a good all-rounder that feels large and spacious, giving you a sense of having made a proper upgrade while remaining compact enough to be manageable. There's sufficient ground clearance and boot space, and depending on your budget, you could get some good features too.
Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is efficient and strong enough for your occasional highway trips, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth. Plus, maintenance costs are manageable, especially given your limited usage. Do note, however, that a facelift of the Maruti Brezza is right around the corner, so if you can wait a few months, it will no doubt be worthwhile.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

11m

@autocar.india Thank you 😊

More questions on similar cars

1d

Hi, Many thanks for your time and effort in answering the question. I want to buy an automatic car between Rs 11-12 lakh. The car should be comfortable for five adults. Running would be 70% in the city (Delhi), with 3-4 occasional intercity vacation trips annually, and my average monthly running is around 500 Kms. I am considering the Hyundai i20 Asta (o) ivtech, Kia Sonet HTK+(O) DCT and Sonet HTX DCT. If you have any better suggestions, then please give them.

Verified
1d

The Hyundai i20 Asta (O) IVT would be the recommendation here. Your priorities are comfort for five adults, predominantly city driving and a smooth automatic gearbox. The i20 delivers very well on all three counts. Its rear seat is among the roomiest in the premium hatchback segment, the IVT automatic is exceptionally smooth in Delhi's stop-start traffic, and the overall driving experience is relaxed and refined. It is also easier to drive and park than an SUV in crowded urban conditions.The Kia Sonet HTK+(O) DCT and HTX DCT offer a more powerful turbo-petrol engine and a higher seating position, but the rear seat isn't as accommodating for three adults, and the DCT transmission isn't as seamless in heavy traffic as Hyundai's IVT.If you want an SUV, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza AT and Mahindra 3XO AT are the alternatives worth considering. Both have wider cabins and are among the best five-seaters in this price bracket. Importantly, both use conventional automatic gearboxes that feel smoother and more natural in everyday city driving than the Sonet's DCT. The Brezza scores well on refinement, efficiency and ease of ownership, while the 3XO offers a more premium cabin and stronger performance.

VehicleHyundai i20
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO

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Posted on: 20 Jun 2026