Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Considering your 60% highway and 40% city usage, we would suggest going for the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 turbo petrol.

The turbo engine offers much stronger performance, especially on the highway. Overtakes feel quicker and more effortless, which is important for highway driving. It also comes with a proper 6-speed automatic, which is smoother and more refined compared to the AMT offered with the 1.2 engine, making it better suited for both city and highway use.

The 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, on the other hand, is smoother and simpler, but it feels less powerful, especially on highways. The AMT gearbox is convenient but not as smooth as the automatic offered with the turbo variant.

Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 Boosterjet Zeta MT - your 70% highway use will benefit from its stronger mid‑range punch (about 147 Nm vs 113 Nm) for safer overtakes and fewer downshifts.

With 70% highway driving, the 1.0 turbo’s extra shove makes a clear difference when going from 60-100 km/h or climbing inclines; it has around 100 PS/147 Nm versus the 1.2’s ~90 PS/113 Nm. That extra ~34 Nm means easier overtakes with 3-4 people on board and a more relaxed cruise. For your 30% city runs, the turbo’s low‑gear pull helps in slow traffic, and the Fronx’s compact size keeps parking simple. If your monthly km is higher, the stronger mid‑range will feel rewarding on every trip.

The one thing you give up is the 1.2’s smoother, quieter 4‑cylinder feel; the 3‑cylinder turbo has a mild thrum at idle and can sound a bit busier when cruising.

If your usage shifts to mostly city (over 60%) or you prefer a calmer, linear engine and a lower upfront price, consider the Fronx 1.2 Zeta MT instead; check with the dealer for current pricing.

On the test drive, in the 1.0 do a 40-80 km/h pull in 3rd gear and then hold 100 km/h; note mid‑range response, engine noise, and whether you need frequent downshifts to maintain pace.

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.

The ride quality on the Kia Sonet is a weak spot. With its relatively short wheelbase and firm suspension tuning, the Sonet’s ride can feel lumpy over uneven surfaces and sharper potholes. In our real-world test, the Sonet DCT managed 11.6kpl in the city and 16.5kpl on the highway, which is respectable for the segment.

The DCT gearboxes in Hyundais and Kias have generally proven to be quite reliable and are a good choice in this segment. However, it is worth noting that they use a dry clutch pack, which will wear over time and eventually require replacement. Heavy use in stop-and-go traffic, slowly creeping up slopes, and letting the car sit in D while stationary can accelerate wear, and replacing the clutch pack can be expensive. For added peace of mind, you could opt for an extended warranty, but ensure that it covers the DCT and its internal components, such as the clutch pack.

If you still have reservations, then consider the Skoda Kylaq, the Mahindra XUV 3XO, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, all of which can be had with torque-converter automatics.

The new Tata Punch is a solid choice in the Rs 8 lakh budget; however, it is quite narrow, which means seating three in the back seat can be a bit tight. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is better in this regard, with a slightly wider and more comfortable rear seat, but do visit both showrooms and experience them yourself. Both cars are comparable in terms of performance and efficiency, but the Baleno’s four-cylinder engine is more refined than the Punch’s three-cylinder unit.

Apart from the different body style and slightly raised suspension, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is essentially the same as the Baleno. Therefore, the main reason to upgrade to the Fronx is if you need the higher ground clearance or want the turbo-petrol engine, which is not available on the Baleno.

Regarding the Tata Nexon, to get a reasonably well-equipped variant, you will need to stretch your budget to around Rs 10 lakh and opt for the Pure Plus petrol variant. For the additional money, you get an SUV body style, a roomier cabin with a better rear seat than the aforementioned options, and a turbo-petrol engine with much stronger performance. If it isn’t too much of a financial burden, it is worth stretching to get the Nexon. But if you want to stick to your budget, the Baleno remains a good choice.

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.