Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 Turbo Petrol Delta+ MT

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.

There are a couple of options that you can consider. We've listed the highlights for each.

1) Skoda Kylaq: Punchy engine, fun handling. Rear seat space is tight, though

2) Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol: Strong engine, good ride comfort. Boot space is limited

3) Maruti Suzuki Fronx Turbo/ Toyota Taisor Turbo: Strong engine. Reliability and hassle-free ownership experience 

4) Citroen C3: Strong engine. Feels a bit basic, and the service network isn't very large.

If you are looking for a car that will last you a lifetime, we would recommend you go for a Maruti Suzuki car. The brand has a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. In your budget, you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine. 

The turbocharged engine has enough grunt to tackle hilly terrain, and ground clearance is better than that of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It’s based on the AC is superb, and it has all the essential features you might need, without a sunroof.

Unfortunately, there's no petrol automatic compact SUV today that will achieve anywhere near 20kpl in the real world, in the city or on the highway. The most efficient petrol compact SUVs are the Maruti Suzuki Fronx or Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. 

If you want something more spacious, consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, though it is slightly less efficient. If you want more efficiency still, though, consider a diesel compact SUV like the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet. They are the smoothest and most efficient in the segment, and are more likely to get close to or surpass 20kpl. 

Even though you were thinking of an AMT, the Honda Amaze actually comes with a CVT automatic, which is significantly smoother and more refined than a traditional AMT which the Maruti Suzuki Fronx comes with. From a city driving perspective, the seamless nature of the CVT makes everyday traffic much more effortless and relaxed, especially compared to AMT gearboxes that can feel jerky in stop-and-go conditions.

On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx scores highly on practicality and ride comfort. Its SUV-like seating position gives you better road visibility, the cabin feels more spacious, and the rear seats fold flat when you need to carry larger luggage. The Fronx also generally feels more comfortable over rough urban roads and highways compared to the Amaze.

If your priority is the smoothest possible automatic experience for city traffic, the Amaze’s CVT makes it a very easy and stress-free car to live with. But if you value better ride comfort, higher seating position, more space and everyday practicality, then the Fronx is the more well-rounded choice

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx would serve you well. The car has an SUV-like higher riding stance, and this means getting in and out is easy, and it offers you a good view outside. 

The controls, like the steering and clutchcare also light, and it makes for a relaxed drive. Ride quality is also very good, and we would suggest you skip the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine and opt for the 1.2-litre unit. It delivers sufficiently for everyday motoring and is also very refined, and costs a good deal less than the turbo versions.