•20h

I'm currently using a used Maruti Ritz and want to upgrade to either a 5-seater or a 7-seater with a naturally aspirated petrol engine and a torque-converter automatic transmission. My preference is for long-distance comfort for my elderly parents, reasonable maintenance costs, reliability, and an automatic transmission because I've heard it is the best (please suggest if any other). My usage is usually office commuting, which will be shared between my bike and this car, at around 25km per day, along with weekend drives within the city, probably one trip outside Mumbai every month, and travel to my hometown once every three months (500km one way, including ghat roads). So, I want something that is good for city driving as well as a capable tourer. Additionally, it should be able to carry heavy luggage for our trips. My budget is less than Rs 15 lakh on-road.

•10m

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 petrol automatic. It meets your NA and torque-converter ask, is easy for Mumbai traffic, and offers the most comfort and luggage space under Rs. 15 lakh. Your parents will like the easy step-in, supportive second row that slides and reclines, and the soft ride on bad roads. For tours, fold the third row, and you get a huge, flat boot that swallows heavy bags without drama.

The 6-speed torque-converter is smooth on ghats and in stop-go, and Maruti’s 1.5 is proven, simple, and inexpensive to run. Real-world fuel economy is decent if you keep speeds steady. VXi AT should fit your budget in Mumbai, but do check local on-road quotes.

One downside is that with a full load on steep climbs, you will need to plan for overtaking. It’s not quick, just calm. If you don’t need seven seats, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza 1.5 AT is tighter to drive and is easier to park, but its boot is smaller, and the AT variants can stretch your budget. Wait for the update due later this year, though. The torque converter suits your use best. No need to chase other types.

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•1w

I’m currently driving a 2017 Maruti Baleno and looking to upgrade to an MPV for more space and comfort. The XL6 Automatic is on top of my list because of Maruti’s low running costs, reliability, and servicing. Which variant is suited for Bangalore usage at a reasonable price? I want the best balance of features vs value. What are other options - I’m specifically looking for an AT MPV/7-seater with low maintenance, good cabin quality, and strong after-sales. Does anything beat Maruti here, or is XL6 still the best bet? What is your opinion on second-hand? My budget is 15 lakhs. What is also your take on a second hand?

•1d

Go for a lightly used 2022-on Maruti XL6 Zeta Automatic, and you’ll get the best mix of comfort, features and Maruti peace-of-mind while staying near your Rs. 15 lakh cap in Bengaluru. The 6-speed auto is smooth in traffic, captain seats make second-row comfort a big step up from your Baleno, and running costs stay friendly. New-for-new, the Zeta is the value pick; the Alpha mainly adds nice-to-haves. The catch is that the XL6 is a 6-seater, and with all rows up, the boot is small. Also, with a full load it feels just okay on highways, not brisk.If you want seven seats, look at the Maruti Ertiga Automatic or Toyota Rumion Automatic. Same proven hardware, low upkeep, wide service network, and better third-row access. Cabin quality is simpler than XL6, but perfectly usable. In Bengaluru, both autos usually creep over Rs. 15 lakh on-road, so used makes sense here too.If you must buy a new car under Rs. 15 lakh, the Renault Triber automatic is the only realistic seven-seater, but it feels a size smaller, and the engine feels weak with seven onboard. After-sales is also patchy and not as strong as Maruti-Toyota.So yes, XL6 still fits your brief best. Buy a good used, low km, 2022-on Zeta AT, and you’re sorted.

I own a Maruti Zen VX Deluxe 2002 model. I want to purchase an SUV. My budget is around 15 lakhs. My daily running is very less around 10-15 kms. My expectations are good mileage, safety and features. I want a good mixture of all of these. Kindly suggest some good options.

•3d

Go for the Hyundai Venue. It gives you a good mix of mileage, safety and modern features at this price. It secured a 5-star BNCAP crash rating and has a good safety feature list with kits like six airbags, ESC at ADAS at higher trims. Its size for the city is also good, with its length coming in under 4 meters, and it should feel easy after a Zen. Opt for the 1.2 litre petrol engine as it would offer you a better real-world efficiency than the 1.0 litre turbo while also coming in at a more affordable price point. As an alternative, you can consider the upcoming Maruti Brezza, which is due to arrive in about two months and would also give you this same mix.

Hyundai Venue

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•1d

I have a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, and I am extremely satisfied with its mileage (900-1000 km from 45 liters). However, I am losing the joy of driving. I migrated to this car after owning a Swift Dzire Diesel and an XL6. The mismatch between engine revs and acceleration is becoming unpleasant. Overtaking feels riskier, and even the brakes feel spongy. I have experienced a few unpleasant situations because of this. As a result, I have reduced my overall speed, making the safety of my family a bigger priority. But the driver in me is unhappy. Should I upgrade to the Duster Hybrid, the Hycross Hybrid, or the newly launched Sierra EV? Also, do diesel engines still make sense today?

•10h

From what you've described, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid has impressed you with its efficiency but left you wanting more from behind the wheel. If driving enjoyment is back on your priority list, the Duster Hybrid looks like the most natural upgrade. It is expected to offer a much more engaging driving experience while retaining the fuel efficiency benefits of a strong hybrid.The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid will certainly improve on comfort, refinement and performance, but it won't fundamentally change the character you're looking for. It is still geared towards relaxed family motoring rather than enthusiastic driving.The Tata Sierra EV is an interesting option and has now been launched. It promises strong performance, a premium cabin and a spacious interior. However, if the "driver in you" misses the involvement and confidence of your earlier diesel cars, we'd still wait to experience how the Duster Hybrid drives before making a decision.As for diesels, we don't think they should be ruled out altogether. With the right usage, they continue to make sense. However, given your appreciation for the fuel economy of your Grand Vitara and the direction the market is heading, we'd lean towards a strong hybrid rather than going back to diesel.

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

My annual running is below 7,000 km, and I plan to keep my next car for 12-15 years. I am confused between Grand Vitara, Hyryder, Elevate, Creta, Seltos and Victoris. My priorities are reliability, a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, family comfort, low maintenance and long-term ownership. I am also concerned about India's future ethanol-blending policy (E20 and higher blends). Which of these would be the best long-term choice and why?

•6d

With an annual running of less than 7,000km, fuel efficiency should not be the deciding factor. Instead, you should focus on comfort, reliability, ownership experience and how well the car will age over the next 12-15 years. That's why we wouldn't prioritise the Grand Vitara, Hyryder or Victoris Hybrid. Their hybrid systems command a price premium that you'll struggle to recover with such low annual usage.Between the remaining options, the Kia Seltos strikes the best balance. It offers a refined and proven naturally aspirated petrol engine, a smooth IVT automatic, a spacious and premium cabin, excellent comfort and a strong ownership experience. It also feels newer and more upmarket than the Elevate, while the Creta is due for a generational update sooner.The Honda Elevate deserves a mention for its simplicity and reliability. If absolute mechanical simplicity is your priority, it is arguably the safest long-term bet. However, it doesn't feel as premium as the Seltos. The engine and CVT combination isn't quite as refined, and Honda's dealer network is smaller.As for ethanol blending, we wouldn't let it influence your purchase decision. While there is plenty of discussion around E25, E27 and E30 fuels, there is currently no confirmed roadmap for such a transition. More importantly, all of these cars are E20-compliant, and manufacturers have engineered a degree of tolerance beyond that. The most likely effect of higher ethanol blends would be a small reduction in fuel efficiency and slightly accelerated wear of certain fuel-system components over a very long period, not a major reliability issue.

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•1w

I was planning to buy a Maruti Ignis, but it’s been discontinued. I prefer small cars for city driving and office commutes, but I also need something highway-capable for an occasional 900 km trip to my hometown. It will mostly carry three of us (my spouse, child, and me), but needs to fit five people when my parents join. With a 12-lakh budget, what are the best compact cars that balance city manoeuvrability, highway stability, and occasional 5-seater comfort?

•5d

Pick the Maruti Fronx turbo within your Rs. 12 lakh budget, because it stays easy to park in the city yet feels secure on a 900 km run with enough room for five. The 1.0 turbo has decent mid-range for quick overtakes, and the suspension is absorbent and yet keeps the car steady at highway speeds. If you are opting for the automatic, then the Fronx torque converter auto is a very smooth unit and will make life much easier in the city.If you want an even smaller, lighter car with lower running costs, go for the Maruti Swift. It is smooth in the city, easy on fuel, has a usable boot for three, and will cruise comfortably at 100. It can take five in a pinch, but it will feel tight on shoulder room and lack the highway punch of the turbo Fronx.

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•1w

Hi, I have a budget of Rs. 40 lakh and am confused between the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge, the Toyota Innova Hycross ZX(O), and the Toyota Fortuner Petrol. I am 28 years old and want a car that is fun to drive but also comfortable for my family. My driving will be split 80:20 between on-road and off-road use.

•1d

Pick the Innova HyCross ZX(O). For a hard Rs. 40 lakh cap it fits cleanly, it is the most comfortable and spacious for family, and it is far easier to live with daily. The smooth hybrid makes city drives effortless and quiet, and on broken roads, it just takes the abuse without rattling everyone. Your 20 percent off-road sounds like rough trails rather than rock crawling, and the HyCross will handle that sort of bad-road stuff better than you expect. But, the Innova isn't particularly fun to drive.If you really crave driver fun, the Kodiaq is the one that puts a smile on your face. The 2-litre turbo petrol and AWD make it genuinely enjoyable on highways and hills and the cabin feels richer. Two catches, though. It likely stretches past Rs. 40 lakh on-road in most cities, and its third row is tighter, and you have to be a bit careful off the beaten path.The Fortuner petrol is the most capable off-road, but for 80 per cent on-road use, it feels heavy and bouncy, the steering is not friendly in town, and it guzzles fuel.

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