I am looking to purchase a vehicle worth around ₹1.5 crore. What are the best options in the market with good after-sales service?

Autocar India

•8h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT for mostly city use with some long trips; it is a very good option. In daily traffic, the Brezza feels stress-free. The automatic is a torque convertor gearbox that is the smoothest type of autobox, so shifts are seamless at low speeds, so you do not feel jerks when you start and stop. The steering is light, the view out is clear, and the suspension delivers a very cushy low-speed ride that handles bad roads well, so speed breakers and potholes do not bother you much. For your 30 percent highway runs, it cruises steadily and feels safe at 90-100 kph, and the cabin stays calm enough for long hours. Maruti’s big service network and easy parts also mean simple ownership in almost any city, and resale is strong if you plan to upgrade later. One thing to be aware of: the engine is tuned for smoothness, not thrill, so fast overtakes need a firm press on the accelerator. Also, the cabin is practical but not the flashiest at this price.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•10h

The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 diesel manual should be your first choice. It offers a larger, more powerful diesel engine, which will feel like a proper upgrade from your Astor. It pulls strongly on highways and climbs effortlessly in high-altitude conditions. It is also spacious, feature-loaded and very comfortable for long-distance driving. If you want an automatic, go for the AX5 diesel, which is the more value-for-money option.The Mahindra Scorpio N diesel is the more rugged alternative. It is better suited for tougher terrain and rough roads, making it ideal if your Ladakh or Spiti trips involve more challenging sections. However, it is not as comfortable or as easy to drive daily as the 7XO.The Hyundai Creta diesel is the more refined and easy-to-drive option if you want something similar in size to your Astor. It is smooth and comfortable for highways, but it does not offer the same level of power or ruggedness as the Mahindra options.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•10h

Go for a clean Maruti Wagon R VXi manual from a trusted seller; it is the easiest first car to live with under your budget and will help you build confidence fast. The Wagon R sits a little taller, so you step in and out easily and see the road clearly, which really calms nerves when you are new. The steering is light, the clutch is easy, and the gear shifts are simple, so city drives feel stress-free. For your once-a-month highway run, it cruises calmly at normal speeds. The AC is strong, and you will find Maruti service and parts almost anywhere, which keeps running costs low even if you use the car only sometimes.One thing to be aware of is that older Wagon Rs do not have many safety features by today’s standards. So, look for a car with at least a driver's airbag and ABS if possible. Also, it can lean a bit in fast turns, so do not push it hard on the highway.If you want something newer for the same money, a Renault Kwid 1.0 manual is worth a look; it feels nice to drive and has good ground clearance, but it is narrower for four adults. When you test drive, practice a tight U-turn, reverse into a parking spot, and do a short highway stretch. Buy the car that feels easiest to handle and has clear service records, even if it is a year older or a trim lower.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Renault Kwid