I own a Ford Figo Aspire 2016 petrol model. Please suggest a compact sub-4 metre car as a replacement. My budget is ₹8-9 lakh, and the car will run mostly in the city.

Autocar India

•22h

The Honda Amaze CVT has the smoothest gearbox compared to the AMT units of the Baleno and Dzire. Its ride comfort is good, and its larger boot is its strength. That said, refinement and seat comfort aren't as good as the two Marutis.As you've rightly mentioned, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire could feel a touch underpowered, and since your usage is primarily on the highway, we'd recommend the Baleno instead. The Baleno's four-cylinder engine delivers stronger performance (than the Dzire), and it is spacious and well-equipped. If you don't mind its relatively smaller boot, this is the one to go for.You could also consider the Toyota Glanza, which is essentially a Baleno with brighter, beige interiors.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Toyota Glanza

Autocar India

•18h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel AT as it fits your criteria. Coming from a Rapid diesel AT, you’ll appreciate the XUV 7XO’s 2.2‑litre diesel engine that's refined and punchy and paired with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It makes for a seamless drive in the city and out on highways. You also get the flexibility of a third row of seats, and the 7XO comes loaded with safety kit like 6 airbags, traction control and Level 2 ADAS tech. Although it hasn't been crash tested yet, the pre-facelift XUV 700 did receive a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, which should bode well for the XUV 7XO as well. It also has a spacious and comfortable cabin that has features like a triple screen setup, panoramic sunroof and ventilated front and middle row seats.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•19h

Consider going for the new Renault Duster 1.3 turbo petrol. The new Duster's 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine puts out a punchy 160hp/280Nm, and it can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Renault claims a mileage of 17.75kpl for the manual and 18.45kpl for the DCT auto, but expect real-world figures to be around 8-14kpl for both versions, depending on the traffic and your driving style. The India-spec Duster is 50mm taller than the overseas one to account for the panoramic sunroof, and as such, you shouldn't have any problem with your 6ft 2inch frame. The Duster also gets a segment-best 518 litre boot, and that, coupled with its composed ride quality make it a great road trip companion.

Renault Duster