Budget Rs. 15 lakh: Need to buy an SUV to replace my Maruti Alto 800

Not worried too much about it being a petrol or diesel. In reality, my daily usage wouldn't warrant a diesel.

BHPian Arun_S recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi all,

I am currently in the market for a new car.

Highly confused, reaching out to our esteemed forum members to get their opinions.

If you feel I have missed any cars and it is worth considering please let me know

I currently drive an Alto 800.

My requirements:

• Preference towards SUV\Compact SUV's due to back pain issues.
• Good Safety Rating - Can't compromise.
• It should be automatic and have Hill Hold Function.
• My budget was earlier 10 L considering that nothing much is there in that price bracket willing to extend until 15L
• Not worried too much about it being a petrol or diesel. In reality my daily usage wouldn't warrant a diesel.
• Have a car, so waiting period is not a major concern.
• No hatchbacks - Can't compromise.
• Most of the time it would be used by 2 Adults + 1 Kid, rarely would be joined by others, 5 seater is more than sufficient.
• Not looking at pre-owned.
• Peaceful long term ownership as I keep the vehicles for long duration.

I understand I can't expect one car to be best in the budget I have, as each one has its limitations. I am looking for one which atleast fulfills at least 70-80% of my requirements.

My shortlist:

Tata Nexon

Pros:

• Good Safety Rating.
• In the market for quite sometime, with good sales numbers.

Cons:

• Comes with a AMT gearbox, have driven it, it is really a pain.

2022 Brezza

Pros:

• Expecting a good safety rating.
• In the market for quite sometime, with good sales numbers.
• Comes with a proper AT gearbox.
• Have good rapport with the MS dealership, so service is not a major concern.

Cons:

• On road price of Zxi comes to 15L, which is just 1 L shy of Astor CVT.
• Based on reviews, the 15C Engine lacks performance, tuned towards fuel efficiency.

Scorpio N:

Pros:

• Looking at the Z4 AT variant.
• Expecting a good safety rating considering how Mahindra is focused on that.
• Comes with a proper AT gearbox.
• Proper BoF SUV.

Cons:

• Brand new models generally will have QC Issues.
• Huge waiting period.
• On Road might be above 17.5 L.

MG Astor

Pros:

• Looking at the Super Variant , 1.5L
• The base variant for CVT itself has lot of much needed features.
• Comes with a proper AT gearbox.
• Nominal waiting period.
• Not a fan of ADAS so no issues in missing them out.

Cons:

• 1.5 L CVT is not engaging to drive, people are commenting it is not able to climb with AC on.
• On Road just above 16L

Honda City 5G

Pros:

• Looking at the V Variant , CVT.
• The base variant has lot of much needed features.
• On Road just above 15L.

Cons:

• Based on review's, bounciness in rear seat, might deter me, as wife normally complains of motion sickness.
• Due to convenience the SUV's offer, this would be last resort.

Nissan Magnite

Pros:

• CVT is good, as per Team BHP review.
• On Road just above 11L for the Top End model.

Cons:

• Built to cost
• Nissan's network and their future plans.

Toyota Hyryder

• Need to wait for their pricing and Team BHP Review.

Cars Not considered:

• Ciaz - Waiting for the facelift
• Korean Twins - Venue\Sonet
• XL6\Ertiga\Carens
• Renault Kiger
• Nissan Kicks
• XUV300

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say on the matter:

Here are a couple of threads where members are in similar situations, hope it helps:

• VIZ (2022 Maruti Brezza AT vs Tata Nexon AMT)
• topaz2011 (Tata Nexon vs. Mahindra XUV300 vs. Kia Sonet | Which car should I get for 15 Lakhs?)

As for your options the contest is really between the Brezza and the Astor.

Of the two, since you intend to keep your vehicle's long, I would say the Brezza primarily because of MSIL's fuss free maintenance and better safety on the assumption of this being based on the outgoing version without much changes internally. Both of which are an unknown for the Astor.

Rest should be dependent on your TDs.

Here's what BHPian itsmeparvathy9 had to say on the matter:

Considering your shortlist, The Tata Nexon fulfills most of your criteria, the AMT being the lone downer, no wonder it's the top selling Compact SUV in the market.

As regards MS Brezza, Maruti cars have most often always been tuned for fuel efficiency. The features list is wide though this time around but pricing is on the higher side.

The Scorpio N would most probably fall out of budget.

The MG Astor is good with respect to features and pricing but mileage is very poor as compared to others in your list.

Nissan Magnite is built to a cost surely but is also the most VFM in the segment as well.

The Toyota Hyryder/Upcoming MS Grand Vitara can be considered provided they fall in your budget. The Grand Vitara likely being cheaper though.

Overall considering the requirements, Brezza seems a good pick in all factors except pricing. Buy a lower spec VXI variant and try aftermarket add-ons.

Here's what BHPian sam264_2000 had to say on the matter:

I would recommend either the 2022 Brezza or 2022 XL6 or 5th Gen City CVT. Though you aren't considering XL6, I strongly urge you to give it a second thought. It's a bit pricey but you would be surprised at the package and flexibility it offers. You can also decide to wait for the upcoming S-Cross. I drive the 5th Gen City ZX CVT. I haven't experienced any rear seat bounciness (my wife & kid have motion sickness too) yet at sane speeds between 90kmph to 110kmph. Honda has stiffened the suspension and it shows. You get a lot of car for your money when you buy a City. But to each his own. Get the roomiest, most powerful, reliable and feature rich car available in top of your budget - you won't be disappointed.

Here's what BHPian sreeknair had to say on the matter:

From your list, I would consider Hyryder as first choice if it comes within your budget. Next would be Brezza or City based on whether you have passengers who have difficulty in getting into a sedan. If not, then City will be my choice.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.