Maruti Suzuki cars in India (17)

autocar.india

•3m

With a daily 55-60 km commute that is split between highway and bumper-to-bumper traffic, your priority should be a car that is comfortable, easy to drive and fuel-efficient. At around 1,100 km a month, you are right on the threshold where fuel efficiency starts to matter, but not enough to justify the higher cost and complexity of a diesel or hybrid. A petrol engine with a smooth automatic gearbox is the sweet spot here.Given your budget of Rs 11 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the most sensible upgrade from your Honda Amaze. It is a spacious hatchback with a comfortable ride, a refined petrol engine and a smooth automatic gearbox that makes daily traffic far less tiring. The Baleno also offers excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs and Maruti's unmatched service network, which is important for long-term ownership. The AMT gearbox works well in the city and takes the sting off your left foot in traffic. If you are set on a compact SUV, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is the best fit within your budget. It gets a four-cylinder petrol engine that is refined and punchy and offers a higher seating position and better ground clearance, which can be useful on rough patches and speed breakers. However, you will have to settle for a lower variant compared to the Baleno.Between the two, the Baleno is the better choice for your usage. It is more spacious, more comfortable and better value for money. The Fronx only makes sense if you specifically want the SUV stance.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

autocar.india

•3h

With a budget of Rs. 10-11 lakh and just 3,000 km a year, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza turbo manual is the best fit here. It is a well-rounded compact SUV with a spacious cabin, comfortable ride and a strong reputation for reliability and low running costs. It feels like a clear step up from the i10 without being unnecessarily complicated. The recent facelift has introduced the turbo petrol which improved highway performance. The drawback is that it isn't available with an automatic right now.If you want something with a bit more status and a more premium feel, the Skoda Kylaq is a good alternative. It has a more premium feel inside out, but the Brezza is the easier car to live with day to day. Overall, the Brezza hits the brief best: it is a no-nonsense, reliable upgrade with just enough status to feel special.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•4h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi 1.0L turbo petrol. While the Brezza NA will be more efficient, with your running of 600-700 km a month and a 60:40 city-highway split, you likely aren't going to feel the pinch. You will, however, appreciate the turbo's extra performance on the highway. Drivability in traffic is also good, with good low end performance and a light clutch. The reason to get the NA would be is you are opting for the automatic, which isn't available on the turbo. The Brezza also has Maruti’s service reach and low maintenance costs, which is important for a first-time buyer. The Kylaq is the better driver’s car, but the Brezza is the more sensible long-term ownership choice. The Nexon is a good option too, but the Brezza’s ownership experience is easier.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•4h

Go for a used Maruti Suzuki Swift or a Hyundai Grand i10 Nios in manual. Since you won't be keeping the car for long but only till you are a confident driver, buying a used car makes sense. Both these cars are easy to drive, forgiving and reliable, which is exactly what you want when you are learning. The Swift has a slightly more engaging driving experience, while the Grand i10 Nios feels a bit more refined and easier to drive in traffic. Both cars are also comfortable for taller drivers, with decent headroom and a good driving position. Once you are comfortable with driving, you can always upgrade to a larger car.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios