Hi, I am a first-time buyer but not a new driver. I am looking for an automatic car which costs around ₹13 lakh on-road, either petrol, diesel or hybrid. The majority of my driving on weekdays will be around 10km per day, but on weekends it can go up to 40-50km. I live in Bangalore, hence I have to drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Which cars can I look for? I have shortlisted the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ and the Kia Sonet diesel.

Autocar India

•15m

With your limited running and mostly city usage, it does not really make sense to go for a diesel or hybrid. So, between your shortlisted options, we would suggest going for the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ automatic instead of the Sonet diesel.

The Skoda Kylaq is compact and easy to drive in traffic, which is important for Bangalore conditions. It also comes with a smooth torque converter automatic gearbox, which is well-suited for bumper-to-bumper driving.

On top of that, the turbo petrol engine is punchy and fun to drive, so even on weekend highway runs, you will enjoy the performance. It also offers good handling, stability and a comfortable ride, making it a well rounded package.

The Kia Sonet diesel is still a good option if your running was higher, but in your case, it does not justify going for a diesel.

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Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.92 Lakh

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.59 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Rajendra Chitara

•1w

I am planning to buy a compact SUV with a petrol automatic transmission and am considering the Kia Sonet 1.0 Turbo DCT. However, I have come across several reviews mentioning that turbo DCT gearboxes may not be suitable for long-term ownership, may offer lower mileage, and have a relatively stiff suspension setup. Could you please guide me on whether the Kia Sonet petrol turbo DCT would be a good choice for ownership of 10 years or more? Also, does the DCT gearbox tend to overheat in heavy traffic conditions? Is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine suitable for highway drives and hill usage?

Autocar India

•19h

The ride quality on the Kia Sonet is a weak spot. With its relatively short wheelbase and firm suspension tuning, the Sonet’s ride can feel lumpy over uneven surfaces and sharper potholes. In our real-world test, the Sonet DCT managed 11.6kpl in the city and 16.5kpl on the highway, which is respectable for the segment.The DCT gearboxes in Hyundais and Kias have generally proven to be quite reliable and are a good choice in this segment. However, it is worth noting that they use a dry clutch pack, which will wear over time and eventually require replacement. Heavy use in stop-and-go traffic, slowly creeping up slopes, and letting the car sit in D while stationary can accelerate wear, and replacing the clutch pack can be expensive. For added peace of mind, you could opt for an extended warranty, but ensure that it covers the DCT and its internal components, such as the clutch pack.If you still have reservations, then consider the Skoda Kylaq, the Mahindra XUV 3XO, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, all of which can be had with torque-converter automatics.

Shivaji

I am planning to replace my current car and would appreciate your expert advice. I currently drive a Maruti Suzuki Ritz, and over the past 10 years, I have driven around 65,000 km, so my usage is relatively low. I mainly use the car occasionally on weekends and for highway trips, rather than daily commuting. My key reasons for upgrading are better safety and improved comfort. I live in Bengaluru, so city traffic and parking are also important factors. I am currently confused between two options: the Tata Nexon top-end variant with DCA (automatic), so my wife can drive it easily, and the Tata Sierra mid variant (likely Pure Plus manual) due to budget constraints. Could you please advise which would be the better choice for my needs?

Autocar India

•1d

Given your requirements, the Tata Nexon DCA is the better option. The Nexon's smaller size will make it easier to drive and park in the city. There's also the convenience of the DCA or dual-clutch automatic, which will really take away much stress from driving. Do note that while the Nexon is a good choice, it's not the best option in the segment. We would recommend you also check out petrol-automatic versions of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Kia Syros, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Skoda Kylaq that offer punchier performance, which you will appreciate on highway drives. You could check out our comprehensive comparison to find the model that will fit your needs best - https://youtu.be/eHhFbfwYADo

Shubh

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a compact SUV with an automatic transmission and have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 3XO TGDi Automatic and the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ Automatic. However, I am finding it difficult to make a final decision. My usage will be mostly city driving in Delhi NCR, with occasional highway trips, and an annual running of around 14,000-15,000 km. I am looking for a comfortable, reliable, and safe car that is also enjoyable to drive. The XUV 3XO appeals to me for its performance and features, but I have concerns about long-term reliability, mileage, and refinement. The Kylaq, on the other hand, seems strong in build quality, driving dynamics, and refinement, but offers fewer features and is slightly more expensive. Could you please advise which car has the better automatic gearbox for city use, how they compare in real-world mileage, ride comfort on bad roads, and long-term reliability? Which would be the better overall ownership choice for the next 6–8 years?

Autocar India

•1d

Both the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO are great choices, and picking between them really depends on where your priorities lie. In our comparison test, we found the Kylaq to be the more engaging car to drive, while also delivering a more absorbent ride than the XUV 3XO. Where the 3XO edges ahead is in performance. It is noticeably quicker in outright and rolling acceleration, and also has a smoother engine. In terms of transmissions, both use Aisin 6-speed units and are excellent in city and highway use, though the Kylaq gets paddle shifters for added control. Therefore, if driving engagement is a priority for you, the Kylaq is the one to have.That said, the 3XO has the plusher interior and offers more room for rear passengers. There is some give and take in terms of features, but overall, the 3XO feels like a better value for money. The best way to make your final decision is to take extended test drives in both vehicles to see which you prefer.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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