Autocar India
1d

Hi, I’m from Tamil Nadu and currently drive a 2007 Hyundai Santro Xing, which has served me well for many years and is still running. I am now planning to buy a new car with a maximum on-road budget of Rs 13 lakh. My driving will be about 75% on highways and 25% in the city. I intend to keep the car for around 10 years, so I am looking for a model that prioritises safety, offers decent mileage and provides reliable service for long-term ownership. Could you suggest some cars that would suit my needs?

Verified
51m
Given your usage pattern of 75% highway driving, the Skoda Kylaq is a good option. The turbo petrol engine offers good performance, the car feels planted on the highway, and efficiency is likely to be respectable.
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is another option worth considering. It is a spacious compact SUV in the segment, has a wide cabin and is a comfortable five-seater. Also, Maruti's widespread support network and the Brezza's proven track record could result in a fuss-free, long-term ownership experience.
Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Kylaq

3m

I suggest you to look Tata Nexon. It is a safe and good option.

28m

Kylaq is a very good choice. It is well built and will offer you decent performance on highways.

More posts on similar cars

2d

My budget is Rs 15 lakh. I will be the primary user of the car, although five people may occasionally travel in it. I have shortlisted the Skoda Kylaq and Renault Kiger, with the latter being considered with both the turbo-petrol and CVT options. My daily usage will be limited to around 8km, with occasional long-distance trips. Considering that the Kylaq’s rear-seat space is not particularly comfortable for three adults and that the Kiger’s RPM fluctuates even when driving at a constant speed, which of the two would be the better choice? Please also consider E20 compatibility while making the recommendation.

Verified
2d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq. With your low daily running and occasional long trips, the Kylaq's 1.0 TSI petrol engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a better fit than the Renault Kiger's turbo petrol with CVT. The Kylaq's engine is more refined, more responsive and better suited to highway driving, while the torque converter automatic feels smoother and quieter than a CVT. The Kiger's CVT can feel inconsistent at times, which is likely what you are noticing as unstable RPM at constant speeds.On the rear seat, the Kylaq is not the widest car in the segment, but it is still a comfortable 5-seater for occasional use. The Kiger is slightly narrower and does not offer a significant advantage in rear seat space. Both cars are E20 compliant, so there are no concerns on that front.The Kylaq is the better all-rounder here. It offers a more enjoyable driving experience, a smoother automatic gearbox and a more refined engine, which will make a bigger difference over long-term ownership than a marginal difference in rear seat width.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleRenault Kiger
1w

I am considering the Jimny Automatic and would like to understand how it performs on highways, particularly how stable and confidence-inspiring it feels while cruising at around 100kmph. I have heard some owners mention that it can feel a little wobbly at this speed. I am not expecting sporty performance, but highway stability and confidence are important to me. The Jimny’s narrower width is actually a positive for me because of tighter parking spaces. I currently drive an Ertiga ZXi+ Petrol Manual and cover around 6,000km a year. Jimny owners and drivers, please share your real-world experiences, especially on long drives and expressways.

Verified
1d

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a very different proposition from your Ertiga. It is a proper off-road SUV with a narrow body, tall stance and a short wheelbase, and that fundamentally shapes its highway behaviour. At 100 km/h it is stable enough, but it does not feel as planted or as confidence-inspiring as a wider, lower SUV like the Brezza. The Jimny is light and tall, so crosswinds and passing trucks can be felt more, and the steering is not as precise at higher speeds. What some people describe as a “wobble” is really the car’s natural tendency to feel a bit more lively on the road at speed, especially on uneven surfaces.That said, it is not unsafe or unstable – it is just a different kind of vehicle. The Jimny is happiest at a relaxed cruise, and it rewards you with its compact size, excellent visibility and genuine off-road ability. If your priority is highway stability and long-distance comfort, the Jimny is not the best choice. If you value its compact dimensions and off-road capability, and you are willing to drive at a more relaxed pace, it can be a very satisfying car to own.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Jimny
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Ertiga
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza

Popular discussions right now

4d

Help me choose the right car for my usage. Please be practical and challenge my assumptions. My situation: I am 31 and work as a software developer. I currently work from home in Balsane, Dhule, but I am moving to Mumbai around March. My wife and I are expecting a baby in February. My parents live in a village where local transport is poor. My Mumbai office is near Powai, but parking is difficult. I prefer a manual car. Usage: My current running is around 10,000 km per year, but it may increase. I travel between Mumbai and Balsane, which is around 400 km one way, around 5-7 times a year, along with Dhule/Sakri and local trips. I also drive around Mumbai on weekends. The AC is usually on, and on long trips, the car will have my wife, baby, and luggage. Budget: Rs. 6-9 lakh on-road. I am willing to spend more only if it is genuinely worth it. Shortlist: - Tiago XE Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart CNG - Brezza LXi turbo-petrol Please tell me: 1. Which one should I buy and why? 2. Petrol vs CNG for my usage? The CNG premium is around Rs. 1 lakh, and the nearby village pump may open around Diwali, but this is not guaranteed. 3. What real-world mileage can I expect with the AC on? 4. Please consider loan interest, fuel costs, maintenance, depreciation, and resale value. 5. Is the Brezza worth the extra money? 6. Give me one final choice and tell me what I should avoid.

Verified
3d

The Brezza LXI Turbo is far superior to the Punch and Tiago as far as smoothness, performance, and cabin space are concerned. It is also backed by Maruti's widespread support network, and the ownership experience is likely to be fuss-free. The on-road cost of the Brezza LXI will fall within your Rs 9 lakh budget, and even though you might miss a few features, it still feels worth opting for. Alternatively, you could also consider the Maruti Dzire VXI MT for its large boot, comfy ride and strong fuel efficiency.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleTata Punch
VehicleTata Tiago
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Dzire

Want to sell your car?

Sell your car at the right price, without the stress.

Curated collections

Posted on: 22 Sept 2026