Maruti Suzuki Fronx

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. 

There are not many petrol automatic cars, at any price point, that would do upwards of 15kpl these days. Turbocharged cars, especially, require extremely careful driving to achieve high fuel efficiency numbers, and the automatic gearbox reduces these chances, as the gear shifts are not in your control. If fuel efficiency is your ultimate concern, we would recommend a good naturally aspirated petrol engine, in a small, relatively light car. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 petrol AMT is a good option, but its automated manual gearbox is not very smooth, and its engine is not very powerful. As a trade-off, you could also try the Maruti Suzuki Brezza 1.5 petrol AT, which has more power and a smoother torque converter automatic. But will deliver slightly lower - but still very good - fuel economy.

Since you are used to the ease-of-ownership and good economy from the Maruti Dzire, it would be ideal to look for an upgrade in the Maruti family. The Fronx in Delta Plus guise will be a good option for relaxed city driving. It features an AMT gearbox that takes away the hassle of a manual gearbox and the efficiency is strong for an automatic at around the 14kpl. 

What's also nice on the Fronx is the ride quality and seat comfort that makes driving around pothole-ridden city roads a lot nicer. It gets a good set of features, wireless connectivity, LED headlamps and rear AC vents. Being a Maruti, it will also hold its value well, and you can trade in your Dzire and get a much better price in exchange bonus. 

In your budget, you will end up with the absolute base variants of the Mahindra 3XO and Skoda Kylaq. So, compared to cars with a lower starting price, they can feel a bit basic in terms of features and equipment.

That said, even in their base trims, both SUVs offer effortless performance, a more sophisticated driving experience thanks to their strong ride and handling, and in the case of the 3XO, excellent interior space.

We’d recommend considering the recently launched Skoda Kylaq Classic Plus, as it adds a good mix of essential and premium features like a single pane sunroof, 16 inch steel wheels with covers, cruise control, an auto dimming IRVM, and rain sensing wipers.

If you want to stay within the Maruti Suzuki family, you can look at the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus. It offers more features, but it may not feel like a meaningful upgrade over the Maruti Suzuki Baleno you already own.