I am a family of three and need to buy a sub-4-metre SUV with the 18% GST benefit. Monthly driving is around 500 km. Highway use is once every four months. I plan to hold the car for 10 years. Please suggest a feature-rich car with high resale value. My budget is Rs 12 lakh. Petrol with automatic option, alloy wheels, and a sunroof are required.

Autocar India

•11h

It's a safe bet to buy the Maruti Suzuki Brezza now, but do note that your budget will restrict you to the lower LXi or VXi variants. Coming from a Wagon R, you’ll like the upright seating, great visibility and light controls, and the simple 1.5 petrol feels easy in traffic with the same fuss-free ownership Maruti is known for. The Brezza also rides more comfortably than a hatch and has usable rear space and boot for family runs. A facelift is unlikely to change the basics - especially in the lower variants - and will most likely see a bump in prices.Keep in mind, though, the LXi is quite basic, and the VXi only adds a few more features. Also, the engine, while powerful enough, isn't very exciting or strong out on fast highways.If features matter more than badge, look at the Nissan Magnite or Renault Kiger mid-trims, which land under Rs 11 lakh on-road and offer better equipment, representing stronger value for money. However, they feel a size smaller, and their dealer network is smaller than Maruti’s.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Nissan Magnite

Renault Kiger

Autocar India

•3h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 Automatic. It rides higher than hatchbacks, so potholes and monsoon waterlogging are less intimidating, and the generous ground clearance helps on Bengaluru's broken roads. The rear seat is genuinely spacious enough for daily family use, while the engine and gearbox combination feels relaxed and easygoing in traffic, returning good fuel efficiency at the same time. Maruti's widespread service network and affordable spare parts also make long-term ownership relatively hassle-free.If you want the SUV-like stance and higher ground clearance on a tighter budget, the Hyundai Exter Automatic is also worth a look, though its rear seat is not quite as accommodating as the Fronx.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Autocar India

•3h

Go for the new Hyundai Venue 1.0 Turbo-petrol DCT HX5 or HX6. It is powered by a good and proven powertrain. Fuel efficiency is at par with what rivals offer in this segment, and there's also an Eco mode, to maximize efficiency. Furthermore, it has scored A BNCAP 5-star safety rating, and it gets features like sunroof, twin-screens, etc. Hyundai's service network is widespread, and overall, your ownership experience is likely to be fuss-free.You could also consider a Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus AT, which will feel more confident to drive on the highway, and it also packs all the goodies that the Hyundai offers.

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq