I want to buy a new car and keep it for a lifetime. My budget is Rs 10-12 lakh. It should perform well in hilly terrain and I do not need features like a sunroof or other sophisticated electronics. I only want a good AC and, if possible, a good sound system. Which car would be the best choice?

Autocar India

•5w

If you are looking for a car that will last you a lifetime, we would recommend you go for a Maruti Suzuki car. The brand has a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. In your budget, you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine.

The turbocharged engine has enough grunt to tackle hilly terrain, and ground clearance is better than that of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It’s based on the AC is superb, and it has all the essential features you might need, without a sunroof.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹7.79 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹6.65 Lakh

Recommended questions for you

Ayush

•4d

I am planning to buy a CNG car with a budget of around ₹10 lakh. My preference is for a 4-cylinder engine. My first choice is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG, but the VXI variant costs around ₹11.8 lakh, which is slightly above my budget. I am not considering the LXI variant as it is too basic. I also have two concerns: I am open to buying a diesel car, but since I live in Delhi, I am worried about the 10-year diesel ban and possible future restrictions. With the government promoting ethanol blending (up to 20-30%), I am concerned about its impact on mileage and long-term engine performance. Considering these factors, could you please suggest the best option for me within my budget?

Autocar India

•1d

Pick the Maruti Fronx Delta CNG, it fits your Rs. 10 lakh budget, gives you the smooth 4‑cylinder you want, and it is the closest to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza feel without paying Brezza VXi money. The 1.2 CNG is quieter and smoother than most 3‑cylinder CNG cars, and the Delta trim has the basics you need, so it won’t feel as bare as a Brezza LXi. Maruti’s service network in NCR is widespread, which keeps ownership simple.Be aware of two things. With CNG, pick-up is calm, especially with four or five people and the AC on, so plan overtakes. The CNG tank also eats into the boot, so luggage space is limited.If these are deal breakers for you, then consider the Tata Nexon iCNG in Smart+ trim. It uses twin-tanks so you get a 321-litre usable boot and gets all the basic features you need. It has a 3-cylinder engine instead of the 4-cylinder you prefer, but it is turbocharged, which means you get a lot more performance.On the test drive, load three adults, switch on the AC, and climb a flyover to see if performance is adequate.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Nexon

Karthik

•5d

My budget is around 13 lakhs, and i want all the basic features like android auto and others, my main requirement is good mileage, I won't use it much, maybe once or twice a week, and a long trip like once every 6 months, and also maintainanace cost should be less. so can u suggest me the best car available at that price

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha manual for your budget and light usage, it gives you the best mix of low running costs, good mileage, and the must-have features like Android Auto. Since you drive only once or twice a week and take a long trip rarely, a simple, reliable petrol car suits you better than a diesel or CNG. The Baleno’s 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine is smooth, it is efficient, and the car is easy to park and easy to see out of. Maruti’s service is everywhere, and routine service bills are usually low, which fits your request to keep maintenance simple. The top-spec Alpha gets all the features you want and some more, like a touchscreen with Android Auto, rear camera, auto climate control, a heads-up display and more.If you do want more clearance and a slightly elevated driving position, look at the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Kedar

•3d

Hello Team, I am planning to replace my 2011 Ford Figo Petrol and have shortlisted two options: Maruti Suzuki Baleno AGS is a safe and hassle-free ownership choice (NA engine, no direct injection, low maintenance, and strong service network) Skoda Kylaq Classic Plus AT is a more fun-to-drive option My budget is strictly ₹11-12 lakh (on-road). I believe the Baleno offers one of the best 1.2L naturally aspirated engines in the segment, while the Kylaq provides a strong balance as a sub-4m SUV with a turbo engine. My usage will be around 900-1000 km per month, and I plan to keep the car for long-term ownership. I would like your advice on: Which car would be the better choice overall for my usage? Which one is likely to age more gracefully over time? Whether the Baleno is sufficiently capable, or if I would be sacrificing too much in terms of performance and driving enjoyment Whether the Kylaq justifies its higher running and maintenance costs For context, I also own a Duke 390, so performance is not my only priority. My total motoring cost would be around 15-17% of my income, so both options are financially manageable.

Autocar India

•1d

Your logic is quite sound. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT fits your first brief of being the least hassle, while being reasonably fun. It does have the best 1.2 NA petrol around, and it falls well inside your budget.Coming from a 2011 Figo, the Baleno will feel easier in the city, with lighter steering, better low-end responses and, of course, an automated shift. For 900-1000km a month, its 1.2 petrol is punchy enough, and Maruti’s wide service network means quick, cheap upkeep almost anywhere. It will also hold value well. It's just that an AMT will never be as smooth as any other automatic, and maybe the manual is the better bet here.The Skoda Kylaq AT makes a compelling argument as the fun option. Though we would recommend it overall, apart from the fact that you will only get it in a low to medium variant in your budget Classic+, as you have mentioned, you could even stretch to a Signature.Still, it's not barebones on features by any means, and if that's okay with you, you should definitely follow the emotional pull. Yes, it won't be as frugal on maintenance costs (or fuel costs) as the Maruti, but they're not bad enough to be a deal breaker.If you want a middle ground between these two, consider the Hyundai i20 N Line or the Maruti Fronx Turbo, both of which offer the best of both your diverging requirements.

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