I am planning to buy a new petrol automatic car with a budget of ₹15-17 lakh. My usage is mostly city driving, and I prioritise efficiency over features and aesthetics, as long as the performance is good. I’m considering the Mahindra XUV 3XO, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Skoda Kylaq. I also like the Toyota Hyryder for its hybrid efficiency, but it exceeds my budget. Which car would suit me best?

All the compact SUV options you've listed are powered by turbo-petrol engines, and since you are looking for efficiency, be warned, in typical city driving (stop-go conditions), these turbo-petrol engines aren't likely to be very efficient. 

Also, these are very sensitive to the driving style and ambient conditions, which can drop the mileage down to single digits. Among the options you've listed, the Mahindra XUV3XO 1.2 Turbo (MPI) AT is likely to satiate your need for performance while offering a smoother and comfortable experience overall. 

Another option you may consider is the Citroen Basalt X/Aircross X, provided there is a Citroen touchpoint in your city. However, if you want to keep the running costs down at all costs without sacrificing performance, go for the Tata Nexon EV 45.