Maruti Suzuki Brezza Petrol ZXi AT

The Maruti Brezza CNG and Fronx CNG will be more fuel efficient than the Nexon iCNG, and their clutch and gearbox make them friendlier to drive, too. The Brezza is due for a facelift in the coming weeks, so you might want to wait for that to arrive. 

The Kia Sonet diesel will feel punchier to drive (than the CNG options listed above), while being very efficient too. Also, by opting for a diesel, you won't need to wait in long queues to refill CNG. Even the Sonet is due for a generation update, which is likely to be launched this year. 

Another option you could consider is the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel MX2, which is more spacious than a Sonet. Its ride-handling balance is very impressive; the Sonet, however, has an edge in terms of fuel efficiency.

For bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Maruti Brezza 1.5 Petrol 6AT is ideal. The engine-gearbox combination is smooth, and it feels peppy within urban confines. 

Also, the 6-speed torque converter is more suited for the constant stop-go usage than other transmission types like AMT or DCT. If you need something even smaller than the Brezza, you can consider the Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo CVT, which is another great option for you. 

Looking at your specific requirements, the Maruti Brezza would be a good option. The car is very reliable, and the petrol engine is paired with a torque convertor gearbox automatic which is the smoothest type of autobox around. 

It is also very reliable and well-suited to the constant start-stop traffic conditions in most of our cities. Being a Maruti, the service experience will be good, and it also meets your requirement of having a good service network.        

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is not only newer but being larger too, has the more upmarket image versus a Brezza. However, if that is not a concern you will actually find great value in opting for the Brezza. 

For one, it uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine as the Victoris. Secondly, the well packaged Brezza offers similar cabin space to the larger Victoris. The Brezza ZXI is also reasonably well specced packing in features like a sunroof and LED headlights that you don't get on a Victoris VXI. 

The Brezza is due for an update soon. The facelift could address your concern about styling. Our advice would be to wait a couple of weeks for the Brezza facelift. 

For your needs, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG is a good fit. However, a facelift of the Brezza is expected later this year, and spy shots suggest it may get an underbody CNG tank like the Dzire.

As boot space and new features are not priorities for you, you could go for the current Brezza, but also consider the Fronx CNG or its Toyota counterpart, the Taisor CNG. All three offer good ride quality and sufficient ground clearance to tackle rural roads, while remaining stable and comfortable on the highway. Being Marutis, reliability is also very good.

Before making a decision, do take a test drive of all three. In the case of the Taisor and Fronx, visit both showrooms to see who can offer you the better deal, as under the skin they are essentially the same car.