I want to buy an automatic car with a ₹12 to ₹14 lakh budget. Engine reliability and performance matter for long-term use. The car will be used on highways as well as in the city. Kindly suggest.

Autocar India

•8m

Since long-term use and reliability are your main priorities, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is your best bet. The top Alpha trim with the Boosterjet petrol engine and automatic gearbox fits within your budget and is a smart choice overall. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine offers decent performance, is pleasantly responsive at low speeds, and has minimal turbo lag, thanks in part to the mild-hybrid system’s ISG motor. Fuel efficiency is good, too.

The 6-speed Aisin-sourced automatic is also very smooth in operation and reliable. Cabin space and overall comfort are good, and while the ride quality is firmer than the Baleno, it is not uncomfortable, with stability also being reassuring. Before you decide, do take a detailed test drive.

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Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹8.07 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹7.07 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Krrish

•4d

I am planning to buy a new car and am currently waiting for the new Honda WR-V to be launched. Could you please advise on its expected launch timeline? Also, if there are any good alternatives to the WR-V that meet my requirements, kindly suggest them. My key requirements are: A responsive automatic gearbox Comfortable seats and good ride quality for long drives Good ground clearance Decent mileage

Autocar India

•2d

Honda has no plans to launch the WR-V in India, at least not in its current avatar. If a new sub-four-metre SUV is launched, it won't be before 2029, with several other products planned before then, such as the 0 Alpha EV, a new Honda City, a new 7-seat SUV and a new Elevate, as well as some CBUs.Until then, check out the Maruti Suzuki Fronx (or its sibling, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor), specifically with the 1.0 Boosterjet turbo petrol engine and 6-speed AT gearbox. This powertrain delivers, at once, performance, smoothness and efficiency, giving the best of all worlds. The Fronx is a sharp-looking compact crossover that's surprisingly practical and well equipped. It's got good ground clearance and a comfortable ride, and space is more than enough too. Plus, being a Maruti, running costs are low, and reliability is rock solid.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Abhishek

•2d

I own a 2019 Baleno top model, which is in perfect condition. Recently, I got an offer from a Hyundai dealer for a last-year manufactured i20 Magna model at ₹7 lakh on-road. I am confused about whether I should buy the i20 or continue with the Baleno.

Autocar India

•22h

If the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is in good condition and serving you well, there's no real need to switch to the Hyundai i20. The i20 Magna is a low-spec variant and misses out on many features that are part of the package on your Baleno Alpha trim model. Among the features on the Baleno Alpha that are not on the i20 Magna are auto climate control, keyless entry, touchscreen infotainment system, etc.In essence, the switch will feel like a downgrade and is not recommended.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Hyundai i20

Venkat

•22h

Looking for a 7-seater with a good third-row space. Mostly, the third row will be folded and used for my Labrador and occasionally luggage. Must-haves: good space across all three rows, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. At least lower double-digit fuel efficiency. It should not feel underpowered with a full load. Usage: mostly highway drives, occasionally in the range of 300 to 500 km, and moderate city usage of up to 400 km per month. My current car has 35k on the odometer in 2.5 years, most of which are highway runs. Cars considered: Clavis HTK+ (feature-loaded and comfortable. Petrol AT turbo is thirsty, with DCT concerns in bumper-to-bumper traffic and some safety concerns), Safari Petrol AT (customer complaints on quality and concerns about the new engine), XUV 7XO (powerful and good to drive, but impractical third row and very poor fuel efficiency). Now I am thinking about trying the HyCross non-hybrid. Let me know your thoughts.

Autocar India

•38m

While we don't know your exact budget, we'd recommend the Toyota Innova HyCross for your needs. However, we would suggest skipping the petrol version and opting for the strong hybrid, simply because the fuel economy of the petrol version will likely be in single digits, especially with your fully loaded, highway-focused usage.Your points about the other vehicles are accurate. The only other one you could consider is the Kia Carens Clavis diesel AT, which is much smoother than the petrol DCT, although its performance when fully loaded will not feel particularly strong.Back to the HyCross hybrid, the good news is that it meets all your requirements. It's spacious and comfortable, particularly in the second and third rows, with a relatively low loading lip, which should make access easy for your dog. All hybrid variants get front and rear parking sensors as well as a 360-degree camera system.All Innovas are excellent highway performers, and this one is no different. The naturally aspirated petrol engine doesn't feel quite as effortless as a turbocharged engine, but with electric assistance from the hybrid system, power is more than sufficient. And, of course, fuel economy is excellent.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Carens Clavis

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