Need a reliable, fuel efficient car / SUV under Rs. 18 lakh

Vehicle should justify it’s price (Price value aspect).

BHPian i_s_bajwa recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello Fellow T-BHP members,

I’m seeking an advice for my friend who's looking to buy a personal conveyance. He’s currently not on this forum but found this platform an apt one in relation to buying guide.

Writing on his behalf the required criteria to satisfy his need:

• Fuel efficient (Diesel / Petrol) (At least 16-17 kmpl on highways).
• C segment sedan / SUV.
• No compact sedan or compact SUV.
• Ease of maintenance / durable spares / long term reliability.
• Usage: Mix of city and highway (No fixed ratio).
• Budget upto 18L. Can be extended till 20L.
• No pre-owned alternatives.
• Vehicle should justify it’s price (Price value aspect).

Options considered:

• 5th gen. Honda City ZX: Interior looks premium, loved it. But what did Honda do to the exterior ? It’s a downgrade from the 4th gen; resembles a segment lower Amaze. Also, being longest and widest in it’s segment, doesn't seem so. Looks flimsy instead.
• 4th gen. Honda City V: Evergreen styling. Still looks a class apart and price aspect is justified. Only concern is cost cutting by Honda in relation to parts or build quality otherwise, a sensible option.
• Maruti Ciaz Alpha: Long old school fun fledged sedan like dimensions and easy maintenance is a plus point. It’s shorter in length than the 5th gen Honda City but still looks much bigger comparatively. Comfortable and no nonsense car it seems but build quality remains questionable.
• Tata Harrier XT: Bold looks, sturdy build, impressive ground clearance and features offered seems really catchy. However, Tata’s manufacturing defects / design flaws and after sales support is what puts one in a fix keeping in view the 20L price bracket and long term reliability. Is 2020 launched BS6 Harrier really improved from initially launched BS4 ? Any updates on 2022 facelift ?
• Mahindra XUV700: Impressive in it’s segment ! Ruled out because of long waiting period.
• Kia Seltos: Kinda impressive, kinda Not ! Looks better than other CSUVs.
• MG Hector / Hector Plus: Not an option considering long term reliability.
• Hyundai Alcazar Prestige: Value for money in relation to features offered, but exterior doesn’t look appealing at all. Ruled out.
• Verna SX diesel: Front grille on facelift model is big No ! And rear space is lacking. Ruled out.
• Skoda Slavia: Skoda niggles and breakdowns, after sales support and long term reliability issues.
• Toyota Innova Diesel GX: Highly reliable but out of budget.

Any other better alternative or soon to be launched model that satisfies the above mentioned criteria, please do share.

My friend and I would be grateful for all your valuable insights and recommendations.

Looking forward to it.

Thanks.

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

Honda City is a no-nonsense fuss-free car. We're happy customers of two 4th gen Honda City diesels. The interior material quality is not the best, but it's not so bad and I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker.

However, if you are going for the City I strongly recommend you go for the 5th gen. Why buy an older car?

Regarding Slavia's niggles: Yeah there's a high likelihood, but we don't know for sure yet. Who knows, it might turn out to be surprisingly reliable. Or probably not. Still, check it out.

I know you said no CSUVs, but do check out the Tata Nexon. You might be pleasantly surprised.

What's your friend's existing ride?

[slightly off topic]

Looks like there's a sudden spike demand for ₹18L cars, albeit with differing requirements.

There are at least 3 different threads discussing this:

• High Usage 2nd Car under 18L.
• Which 7 seater for 18L OTR?
• This one - Reliable, Fuel Efficient, under 18L.

And why 18 as opposed to a nice round number like 20? Seems like a funny coincidence.

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

These are the three I'd seriously reconsider:

• City 4th gen: Best VFM. The cost saving outweighs the slight negative. If budget is the focus, one could pick this.
• Innova base model: It is almost in budget (depending on where it is registered). The slight stretch over 20L is offset by a cheap maintenance (for it's size) and reliability, and also better resale. If reliability is the focus, one could pick this.
• MG Hector: One takes a somewhat higher risk with this one, but a lot of car for the money (dependent on trim). Diesel is pretty enjoyable to drive too. If space and comfort at a price is the focus, one could pick this. (Hector owners on T-BHP generally seem happy with it).

New launches have a much higher chances of niggles and maintenance issues from their first few batches. If that is a priority, sticking ones at least 1-2 years old models is a good idea. Also to take a trim with lesser features/electronics.

PS: Some details on the last 2 on the 'Choosing an SUV up to 22L' thread.

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

Suggestions :

• Honda City : Whatever gen/model you prefer.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Cross : A 4.3m crossover, since you had mentioned Ciaz this is worth a TD.

Suggest to narrow down the requirements to be more specific, since currently the options are covering a lot of segments which can't really be compared. Things like MT/AT, petrol/diesel after factoring in the driving feel, usage conditions, NCR registration etc.O

If its based on looks, remove the ones you cannot stand.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.