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Sudheer

•7w

I am planning to buy a new car. I used to drive a Ford Figo and have sold it. I want a petrol manual transmission car with turbo petrol performance, good mileage, safety, and features. My budget is ₹12-15 lakh. I am confused between sub-4m SUVs (mid or above variants) like Kushaq, 3XO, Venue, Sonet, and compact SUVs (base variants) like Seltos, MG Hector, Kushaq, Creta. Please suggest which one I should choose.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•6w

Given that you previously owned a Ford Figo, we would suggest considering either the Skoda Kylaq or the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Within your budget, you can easily get the top Prestige Plus variant of the Kylaq. The AX7 Luxury variant of the 3XO is more expensive but still fits within your budget. Both cars are enjoyable to drive, offer a comfortable ride quality and come well equipped.

The main difference between the two lies in rear seat space and boot capacity. The Kylaq’s rear seat is not as wide and offers less knee room than the 3XO, making it more suitable as a four-seater. On the plus side, it has a much larger boot. Also, keep in mind that both cars use powerful turbo petrol engines, which are not the most fuel-efficient. The clutch is on the heavier side, too, making city driving a bit more effort-intensive.

If better fuel efficiency and a lighter, more progressive clutch are priorities, you could also consider the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx turbo petrol manual in their top variants. Both are more affordable than the Kylaq and the 3XO. While they do not feel as premium inside and miss out on a few features, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine is one of the best small turbo petrol engines to drive.

It is smooth, responsive, even at low speeds, with minimal turbo lag. The slick gearbox and light clutch make it very easy to drive in traffic. Both cars are spacious enough, offer a usable boot, and have a comfortable ride. They also deliver much better fuel efficiency. With the Maruti, getting double-digit mileage is easy, while achieving similar efficiency in the Skoda and Mahindra can be more challenging.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.37 Lakh

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Toyota

Urban Cruiser Taisor

from ₹8.24 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹7.79 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

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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
•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
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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
•23h

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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SU

Suresh

•4d

Hi Autocar Team, My monthly running is around 1,600-1,800 km, and about 85% of my driving is on highways. My priorities are safety, a refined engine, good mileage, and low maintenance costs. My budget is around ₹15 lakh. Currently, I drive a Hyundai i20 petrol manual, but now I want to switch to an automatic car. I have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 diesel Autoshift and the Kia Seltos lower variant. Considering my high highway usage and priorities like safety, refinement, mileage, and maintenance, which of these would you recommend?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

While the Mahindra XUV 3XO has a strong and refined engine, the AMT gearbox is not the best performing units in terms of smoothness and response. Quick overtakes on the highway would require a lot more planning with an AMT, and over time, it can get frustrating. We would recommend checking out the Hyundai Venue as it gets a diesel engine mated to a 6-speed torque converter gearbox that is a lot better than AMT units. The Venue is also well equipped in its HX5 guise that falls within your budget. It is the newer car overall with a fresh and modern interior.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHyundai Venue

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Posted on: 27 Jan 2026