I’m looking for a petrol automatic SUV for a family of five within a ₹15 lakh budget (can stretch a little). I’ve shortlisted two sub-4-metre options - Hyundai Venue HX8 and Maruti Brezza ZXI - and one above-4-metre option - Grand Vitara Zeta. My weekly running is about 200 km with occasional weekend outings. Which should I pick?

Autocar India

•2h

For long-term usage, the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) and the Maruti Victoris ZXi (O) strong hybrid are safer bets than the Tata Sierra Accomplished+ Turbo Petrol. Both come with a solid reputation for reliability and strong after-sales support, which is what really matters over 8-10 years of ownership.Between the Toyota HyCross and the Victoris, the HyCross is the more comfortable and practical choice. Its very spacious cabin, better third-row usability and comfortable ride make it a nicer long-distance family car. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is simple and proven, and its relaxed highway manners are a big plus if you do a lot of intercity trips.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid scores on efficiency and smoothness thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which is especially nice in traffic and helps keep running costs low. However, the boot is smaller, and the cabin is the least spacious of the three, so it’s not as versatile for full-family use. If you mainly drive yourself with only occasional passengers, the Victoris, which is also the most compact and city-friendly of the lot, is the easiest to live with in daily urban driving.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Sierra

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Autocar India

•23h

For your usage, which is mostly short daily city runs with occasional highway trips, the Tata Nexon Creative Petrol AMT does make a lot of sense. It offers the convenience of an automatic, a comfortable ride and a slightly higher driving position, which helps build confidence for a first-time driver. It also fits well within your ₹13 lakh budget, making it a sensible and practical choice for your needs.However, you should be aware that the AMT gearbox can feel a bit jerky at low speeds in stop-go traffic, which is something you will experience in your daily 6-7 km runs.The Skoda Kylaq is also worth a serious look. In fact, you can get the automatic in the Signature variant at a similar price to the Nexon Creative. While it misses out on a few features, nothing feels like a deal breaker, and it still comes with all the essentials. More importantly, its torque converter automatic is smoother and easier to drive in traffic. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is another strong option, especially for a first-time buyer, as it is very easy to drive, smooth in traffic and known for low running and maintenance costs.So the choice comes down to priorities. If you want to stay strictly within budget and are okay with a slightly less smooth automatic, the Nexon is a good pick. If you want a smoother and more effortless driving experience at a similar price, the Kylaq Signature automatic is a very strong alternative, while the Brezza remains the most fuss-free option overall.

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•1d

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza scores over the Hyundai Venue in terms of cabin space (particularly its rear width), and ride comfort is among the best-in-class. If these two factors are important to you, the Brezza is the one to the better pick. Although keep in mind that its equipment list isn't as generous as the Venue's, and adding some aftermarket features could void your warranty.Overall, though, the Hyundai Venue HX2 Turbo is a better option than the Maruti Brezza VXi MT. To start with, you're getting a newer car with a modern design (inside and out), and performance will be a lot more effortless thanks to its 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. Expect approximately 11-12kpl in the city and 15-16kpl on the highway, which is fair for a vehicle of this size. The Hyundai will also be light on your pocket in terms of regular service and maintenance costs. And because the vehicle is new, resale value will be stronger, especially when you take into account that Maruti will be introducing an updated Brezza in the coming weeks.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Venue