I am planning to buy a compact SUV with a diesel automatic gearbox, and my budget is around ₹12–14 lakh on-road. I generally prefer choosing the variant just above the base model, as it usually offers the best value for money rather than going for the top-spec variant. My shortlisted options are the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. While value for money is my main priority, my child is insisting that the car should also have a sunroof. Considering these requirements, which car would you recommend buying?

Autocar India

•4d

While the Tata Nexon has its strengths in a tough build and good suspension, its AMT gearbox is no match for the torque converter automatic. It comes paired with the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet's 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Hyundai and Kia's smooth diesel engines and slick auto gearboxes deliver a very polished driving experience, which you will love.

Of the two, the Hyundai Venue is newer, offers more rear seat space and a few more frills like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. You'd get a Venue diesel-auto HX5 in your budget, which is reasonably well equipped and also packs in a sunroof. We can't recommend it wholeheartedly, though, because it misses the safety of a rear wiper.

If rear seat space isn't a deal breaker and you are comfortable with the idea of buying a car that will be replaced in the near future, the Sonet diesel-auto HTX is definitely worth a look.

For not much money over the Venue HX5, it packs in a whole lot more equipment such as LED headlights, push button start, leatherette seats and front seat ventilation. Also, it has the safety of a rear wiper, rear disc brakes and front parking sensors.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Nexon

from ₹8.32 Lakh

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.30 Lakh

Hyundai

Venue

from ₹9.07 Lakh

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Vishal Maniar

•3d

Thank you

Latest questions people are discussing

Rishabh

•1d

I am looking to buy a car which has an SUV touch, feels tough and is easy to drive in narrow or tier-II cities. Travelling is around 500-700km per month maximum, mostly within city driving. Budget around ₹12 to ₹13.5 lakh. It can be low on features as I am elderly, but needs a good feel, touch and driving comfort.

Autocar India

•6m

The Tata Nexon would be an ideal choice considering your requirements. It has a sense of toughness, especially over bad roads, is compact enough for narrow streets and comes with a modern cabin with the necessary creature comforts.This Tata car also offers a soft and comfy seat set at an ideal height, making it easy to get in and out of. Since your driving is fairly low, a petrol version would be the ideal choice. The Creative +S variant will fit in your budget and get you a good set of features too. If you want an automatic, there is also an AMT option that won't be as feature-loaded but will give you the convenience of an auto.

Tata Nexon

Hardik

•3d

I am confused between the Punch CNG automatic and the Nexon CNG. Since the Punch is available with an automatic and almost all the same features as the Nexon, should I go for the automatic comfort with the Punch, or will the Nexon still be a better choice?

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Tata Punch CNG AMT. Not only will you benefit from the low running costs of a CNG, but you also have the convenience of clutch pedal-free driving. Additionally, the Punch's NA engine will be more efficient than the Nexon's turbo unit.Although performance won't be as strong as the Tata Nexon, as a point A-to-B city commuter, the Punch CNG AMT is hard to beat. So, unless you need the extra space or performance, pick the Punch CNG AMT.

Tata Punch

Tata Nexon

Sanjay Sharma

•4d

Hi sir, I am looking to buy a new car, approximately under ₹11 lakh and am confused between the Kia Sonet HTK Plus and Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus petrol. My running is daily 50 km on the highway. Kindly advise which model and variant I should go for.

Autocar India

•7h

Both cars are good options and would be fine for highway driving; however, between the two, we would recommend you lean towards the Skoda Kylaq, as the Sonet is older and will be updated in about a year or so.On the other hand, the Kylaq is far newer and would thus also get you a much better resale value. At city speeds, the Kylaq's ride is firm; however, stability at speed is very good, as is body control around corners, with good amounts of grip on offer. This is something you would benefit from, given that you drive daily on the highway.

Skoda Kylaq

Kia Sonet

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