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Vivek Joshi

9w

I want a new petrol car with good safety features and an excellent music system, and I’m confused between the Mahindra 3XO and Tata Nexon. Which one should I choose?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
9w

Both the Tata Nexon and Mahindra 3XO are tough-feeling and robust compact SUVs, and both boast 5-star Global NCAP safety ratings. Both models also get branded audio systems, though it's advisable to test them out for your preferences. 

Of the two models, it's the Mahindra 3XO that's the more complete package. It's better finished, better equipped and more spacious than the Tata Nexon. What also tips the ratings in favour of the Mahindra is its punchier petrol engine and slicker gearboxes - both manual and automatic. 

Where the 3XO loses out is in luggage capacity, offering less room than you'd get in a Nexon. 

Tata Nexon

Tata Nexon

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VM

Vishal Maniar

3d

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

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.

VehicleTata Nexon
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SR

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
20h

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.

VehicleNissan Magnite
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleSkoda Kylaq

Posted on: 9 Jan 2026