Maruti FRONX

The Maruti FRONX is the most-rented automatic in our fleet, and the reason is simple: it costs the same as a Swift, drives almost as easily, and looks twice as interesting. The cross-hatch (or coupé-SUV, depending on who you ask) styling gives it a presence that punches well above its price, while underneath sits Maruti's well-proven 1.2-litre Z12E mild-hybrid petrol mated to a smooth 5-speed AMT.

Real-world fuel economy is genuinely good — 19–21 km/L is repeatable in mixed driving. The AMT shifts smoothly in normal use; in heavy traffic you'll occasionally feel the brief pause that's normal for automated-manuals, but the trade-off is fuel economy that's almost as good as the manual version. Steering is light, parking is easy, and the slightly higher seating position than a Swift makes city visibility better.

Cabin equipment is the strongest in this rental price band: 9-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 360° camera, head-up display, ventilated front seats (a rarity), heads-up cruise control, automatic climate AC, and a digital instrument cluster. Boot is hatchback-sized at 308L — two cabin trolleys plus daypacks. Rear seat fits two adults comfortably or three at a squeeze.

Our FRONX is the new white 2026 example, freshly serviced and washed. If you want automatic + good looks + fuel economy without paying SUV prices, this is the car.