I am planning to buy a car on-road around 10-10.5 lakh. My drive is less than 200km per month, with occasional highway drives. I want a low-maintenance car that doesn't require money even if it is not being driven or kept still, as I mostly use a two-wheeler. I live in Chandigarh. A few options that I am considering are Baleno, Kia Sonet, Exter, Fronx, and Punch. All car agencies are available near my house.

Autocar India

•5w

Since you mostly use your two-wheeler and the car is only for occasional and limited use, we recommend getting a compact SUV, as at least it will be a bit more enjoyable on your highway drives. Of these shortlisted cars, we would recommend either the Kia Sonet or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, as they both offer a relatively strong 1.0-litre turbo-petrol option. which will be beneficial on the highway, where the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines may feel a little out of breath.

Both cars are relatively reliable, although historically Maruti has had the advantage in this area, with lower maintenance costs overall. We don't recommend leaving any car for too long without driving it, as that would lead to issues and consequently expenses. This should preferably be done at least once a week, even for a short drive around the block.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹7.79 Lakh

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.30 Lakh

Monica Khanna

•5w

Hi,team autocorrect,I am planning to buy a automatic xar in budget of 10-12 lakhs.Most of my travel in city area with high traffic. Average running is around 600 Km per month.Previously I owe altroz dct with which I met with an accident due to reason I want to replace that and moreover it's average is also main issue. Please suggest

More questions on similar cars

Mohit

•2d

I am looking to buy a new car within a budget of ₹10 lakh. My usage will be mostly city driving, with very minimal usage on weekends (around 50 km per month). My requirements are: Petrol engine only (naturally aspirated) Automatic or manual transmission High safety and strong build quality Good mileage and low maintenance Rear camera required No sunroof needed I am also confused between choosing a 1.2L vs 1.5L engine, and 3-cylinder vs 4-cylinder engines. I want to consider options only from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Kia. Please suggest the best suitable car.

Autocar India

•23h

You should check out the Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK (O) manual, it fits your budget and needs best for safe, easy city driving. Your use is very low and only in the city, so the simple 1.2 petrol with no turbo is the right call. It is a 4-cylinder engine, so it feels smoother and quieter than most 3-cylinder engines. The HTK (O) trim includes a rear camera, though if you can increase your budget slightly, consider moving up to the Sonet HTK+, which will get you features like keyless entry and go, a wireless phone charger, a 60:40 split rear seat and alloy wheels.The 1.2 in the Sonet doesn't get an automatic option, so if you decide you must have one, you would need to look at a different model. Consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 Delta+ AMT, which also gets a rear-view camera and a four-cylinder engine. If you don't mind a hatchback, there's also the Hyundai i20 1.2 IVT Sportz, which gets a smoother CVT automatic gearbox.The only 1.5-litre engine in your price bracket can be found in the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. But as that very engine capacity disqualifies it from small car tax breaks, its price is higher than others, and you will only get a base model.

Deepanshu

Hi Autocar, my parents have had a Grand i10 since 2017 and are now looking for an upgrade. My father is comfortable with its lower ride height and smaller body as they reside in Delhi. Now the requirements are: a hybrid car, 15 lakh budget, automatic transmission, and maximum safety features with ease of navigation in Delhi traffic. Your advice, please. I have shortlisted the Grand Vitara hybrid and Brezza. Open to all suggestions, but only companies like Maruti, Hyundai, etc., whose service facilities are easily available and spares are also economical.

Autocar India

•1h

Just to clarify, in your Rs 15 lakh budget, a strong hybrid or plug-in hybrid option won't be available, and you would have to opt for versions with a mild hybrid system, with an integrated starter generator (ISG), a secondary lithium-ion battery and engine stop-start function, which are also beneficial for fuel savings and emissions, though not to the extent of a strong hybrid.That being said, go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi+ AT. For Delhi traffic, it fits your parents best. It's compact like the Grand i10 but gives a higher seat for better view, light steering for tight streets, and a smooth 6‑speed automatic that takes the stress out of stop-start traffic. The mild-hybrid system of this Maruti car helps the engine switch off at long signals and start again quietly, which keeps the drive calm. We'd advise you to move up to the ZXi+ for the full set of features, though it is slightly outside your budget.You could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 Turbo Petrol Alpha AT. It comes with a mild-hybrid setup, is slightly more affordable, and offers a punchier engine, though it isn’t as spacious as the Brezza. As for the Grand Vitara, for your budget, you simply don't get a high enough variant, nor do you get as much seating space in the back as you do in the Brezza. Overall, for your budget and easy service with low running costs, the Brezza ZXi+ AT is a simple, stress-free upgrade.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Sudhakar

•1d

Hi, my budget is 12-14 lakh (on-road, Chennai). Usage includes everyday city driving and occasional weekend-long drives. I am looking for a reliable car that offers the best value in this price range. My requirements are: automatic transmission, a good set of features, ventilated seats and a sunroof, if possible, and no preference for fuel type.

Autocar India

•3h

You should consider the Hyundai Venue HX6 1.0 Turbo DCT. Within your Rs 12-14 lakh budget, it gives you a sunroof, ventilated seats and many more features besides. For your daily drives, the Venue's high seating, good visibility and light controls make light work of traffic. And on your weekend trips, the 120hp turbo-petrol engine will provide some excitement. It also feels steady at highway speeds, and the ride handles bad patches well. Features are strong for the price, and Hyundai’s service reach in Chennai is wide and hassle-free.One thing to be aware of is that the DCT can feel a bit jerky at very low speeds, and this highlights the engine's turbo lag. But you will soon learn to drive around this, though.Another alternative is the Kia Sonet HTX 1.0 Turbo DCT. Though it uses the same powertrain, it is a little cheaper than its rival from Hyundai, which is built on a new-gen platform, and thus could provide better value. It too gets ventilated seats and a sunroof, but bear in mind its rear seat isn't as spacious as the Venue's, and the ride is noticeably stiffer.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

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