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Sam

8w

I am planning to buy a new car in April/May with an on-road budget of ₹15-20 lakh. I am confused between the Mahindra 3XO AX7L, Tata Sierra Adventure Plus, and the new Kia Seltos HTX, all with automatic turbo engines. My monthly running will be 400-600 km within Mumbai city, with 4-5 occasional highway trips a year. Since Sierra and Seltos are not yet available for test drives, I am unsure which to choose. Please guide me.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7w

Between the three cars you have shortlisted, the Tata Sierra Adventure Plus is the nicest, especially because of its turbo-petrol engine and torque converter (automatic) combination. Its powertrain will feel smooth, refined and powerful, good for city and highway driving, both. 

The Kia Seltos turbo's dual-clutch automatic can feel a bit jerky at low speeds or in bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions. If your usage is mainly in the city, opt for the 1.5L petrol-IVT instead, which is a far smoother option. 

Since you have the budget, and don't mind opting for a larger car, we'd rule out the Mahindra XUV 3XO as the Sierra Turbo-AT or Seltos 1.5 Petrol-IVT deliver a more premium overall experience.

Tata Sierra

Tata Sierra

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Latest questions people are discussing

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Nano

4d

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 and Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 variants, as I prefer practicality over extra features. Alternatively, should I consider waiting for the Tata Sierra?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
21h

If you don't mind the additional spend, we'd recommend the Mahindra XUV 7XO in AX7 trim. Elements like its larger 18-inch alloy wheels and leatherette upholstery add greatly to the look and feel of things. While auto climate control, a 540-degree camera and front parking sensors are features you will appreciate every day. The Tata Sierra is not a like-for-like alternative to the Mahindra 7XO. The 7XO is larger, more powerful and also offers three rows of seating.Further, the 7XO is slightly pricier, too. Within Tata's range, the Tata Safari is an alternative to the 7XO.

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Srujan

5d

I really like the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI AT, but I am unable to finalize my decision because of the rear seat space and a few other compromises. My other options within a ₹14 lakh budget are the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX and the Nissan Magnite CVT. Considering these choices, which would be the best option overall? Also, what should I prioritise more in this segment - space and practicality or driving performance?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
23h

It's a shame that the Skoda Kylaq's rear seat space is not quite up to the best in the segment, because otherwise it is a superb compact SUV that scores highly on most other counts. Of the other options, the Nissan Magnite, while capable and a great value for money, feels like a sub-segment lower in terms of quality, space and performance. The Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX should be your best bet because it offers both - performance and rear-seat space. In fact, it has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment, although the boot is a bit smaller than others. The RevX offers a good feature set as well, along with a few unique styling embellishments, and overall, we feel this is the one you should pick.

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NA

Nano

2d

I am looking for an upgrade. Does it make sense to buy the 3XO, coming from a Honda City? Please suggest. (Also open to other options)

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

If an upgrade necessarily means a larger car for you, the Mahindra 3XO won't be the right move after a Honda City. You'd be best served by midsized SUVs, which measure between 4.3 and 4.5m. Of the current crop of mid-sized SUVs, the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra are the best-rounded. The new-gen Renault Duster that launches on March 17 also has promise.If vehicle size isn't a dealbreaker, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good pick. It's got powerful petrol engines, feels solid, and ride and handling are also impressive. The interior is also spacious for what is a compact SUV, and higher-spec versions pack in loads of equipment too. In fact, a fully-loaded 3XO is better equipped than a fully-loaded City.Within the compact SUV segment, you could also consider the Hyundai Venue, which is a well-rounded package.

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Posted on: 18 Jan 2026