Autocar India
•14w

I am looking to buy a new diesel manual sub-4m SUV within a 15 lakh budget. I have shortlisted the XUV 3XO AX5 and the Syros HTK+. I want the space and rear-seat comfort of the Syros, but I also want the ride and driving feel of the 3XO. My priorities are safety, fuel efficiency, family comfort, service, and driving, in that order. What would you advise?

Verified
•14w
Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 diesel MT. For your requirements of safety, family comfort, and driving feel, it fits your requirements best under ₹15 lakh. Between this and the Kia Syros, the XUV 3XO rides more comfortably on broken roads, feels more stable at speed and is nicer to drive. The steering is easy in the city and steady on highways, and the suspension soaks up bumps better, so your family will feel less tossed around. Rear seat space is also a strong point in the 3XO, with good width and support, so two adults plus a child will be happier on longer trips. Diesel mileage is good on both, and Mahindra’s service reach is wide, though perhaps not as seamless as Kia's.
One thing to be aware of is boot size. The Kia’s boot is larger, so if you carry big suitcases often, you will feel the difference. Also, the AX5 is well-equipped, but the Syros’s cabin is better finished. The Syros HTK+ diesel MT has the advantage in terms of fuel economy and slightly lighter controls for pure city use. Both cars have 5-star NCAP ratings. And for you, the 3XO AX5 strikes the better balance overall.
Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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More questions on similar cars

•3d

I'm having a Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus 1.2 MT, which I bought in June 2024 and have driven around 29,000 km. I was a first-time buyer, so I received a lot of advice from everyone, which left me confused. Eventually, I chose Maruti because of its low maintenance and fuel efficiency. However, I'm now bored with its performance as well as its mileage. I'm getting only 16-17 kpl on the highways, whereas I used to get over 20 kpl initially. My driving is 60% highway and 40% city. Is it worth upgrading to a new car, or when would be the right time to upgrade?

Verified
•14h

With 29,000 km on your Maruti Suzuki Fronx in just over a year, you are clearly a high-usage driver, and your 60% highway usage is the key factor here. The 1.2 petrol is a reliable and efficient engine, but it is not particularly exciting on the highway, and that is likely why you are feeling bored with this Maruti Suzuki car. The bigger question is whether it is worth upgrading now. Financially, the car is still relatively new, and you will take a depreciation hit if you sell it this early. However, given your usage pattern, it may actually make sense to upgrade sooner rather than later. A diesel SUV like the Mahindra XUV 3XO or the Tata Nexon would be a much better fit for your driving style, offering stronger performance on the highway and better fuel efficiency at higher speeds. Alternatively, if you want to stick with petrol, something like the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI would offer a much more engaging driving experience without sacrificing too much on efficiency.Ultimately, the decision comes down to how much the current car is bothering you. If you are genuinely unhappy with the performance and fuel efficiency, it is better to upgrade now rather than wait another year or two and continue to be dissatisfied with the car. If you can live with it for another year or two, you will get more value out of the car before upgrading.

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•1d

I have an Elite I20 petrol 2014 model that has run about 55000 kms. Any suggestions on whether I need to upgrade or continue with the same? I'm confused, please suggest.

Verified
•19h

If your 2014 Elite i20 petrol has only done 55,000km and is mechanically sound, there is no compelling reason to upgrade right now. The i20 is a well-built, reliable car with a proven petrol engine, and at that mileage it still has plenty of life left in it. The only reason to upgrade would be if your needs have changed - for example, if you now need more space, a higher driving position or more safety features. If your usage is still mostly city driving and the car is well-maintained, it makes more financial sense to keep it for a few more years. If you do decide to upgrade, look at the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza or Mahindra XUV 3XO - all offer a higher seating position, better safety and a more modern ownership experience without being a huge jump in size or price. But if the car is running well, there is no need to change it just for the sake of it.

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•3d

I'm looking to buy a car primarily for city driving with a budget of 10 lakh or less. I'm considering the Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Skoda Kylaq. Would you recommend any of these, or is there another option I should consider?

Verified
•2d

If your driving is almost entirely in the city and you don't specifically need the higher seating position of an SUV, the Honda Amaze would be our recommendation. It is refined, comfortable, easy to drive and backed by Honda's excellent reputation for reliability and low maintenance. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is another excellent choice if fuel efficiency and widespread service support are your top priorities.If you prefer an SUV, we'd narrow it down to the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The Kylaq is the more enjoyable car to drive, with excellent ride and handling, while the 3XO offers more features, a roomier cabin and strong safety credentials. Both are among the best compact SUVs in the segment.For a Rs 10 lakh budget, however, we'd lean towards the Honda Amaze or Maruti Suzuki Dzire, as you'll be able to buy a higher variant with more equipment rather than stretching for an entry-level SUV.

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Popular discussions right now

•4d

Is it worth waiting for the new BREZZA, or are there better alternatives for Mumbai city use and a few random trips outside, say 2 to 3 in a year, up to Pune, Panchgani, etc

Verified
•3d

Go for the Brezza, but wait for the new model as it's just a few weeks away. The Brezza is easy to drive in traffic, rides well over broken roads and speed breakers, and the automatic is smooth and stress-free. The cabin is airy, the visibility is good, and Maruti service reach in the city makes ownership simple. For the odd Pune or Panchgani run, it feels stable enough if driven in a relaxed manner. A point to consider if you often go up the ghats with four people and luggage: the 1.5 petrol is smooth but not very strong, so overtakes need a little planning.If that bothers you, the Skoda Kylaq with the automatic is the better alternative. It feels quicker in the hills and in gaps, and the gearbox responds a bit faster, which helps both on the ghats and in stop-go Mumbai traffic. You will trade a slightly firmer ride and a lower city mileage for that extra shove.For mostly city use, though, buying the Brezza is the sensible call.

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•5d

I am planning to purchase a new SUV. I have shortlisted two vehicles. Toyota Hyryder non-hybrid top model (manual) and Kia Seltos manual top model. Which one should I prefer? My daily running is very less around 10-15 kms.

Verified
•4d

With a daily running of just 10-15km, there's little benefit in stretching to a strong hybrid, and since you've shortlisted the non-hybrid Hyryder, the Seltos is the more complete package. It offers a more premium cabin, better performance from its naturally aspirated petrol engine, a stronger feature list and an overall more polished driving experience.The Toyota Hyryder still has its strengths. Toyota's reputation for reliability and aftersales support is second to none, and if long-term peace of mind is your top priority, it remains a very sensible choice. However, the non-hybrid petrol doesn't offer a significant efficiency advantage over the Seltos, so you miss out on the biggest reason to buy a Hyryder in the first place.Given your low running, we'd simply choose the SUV that you enjoy driving and living with every day. The Seltos also feels a little more modern inside and delivers a better overall ownership experience without asking you to compromise on reliability.

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•3d

Hi, I am currently driving Hyundai Venue manual and am planning to upgrade. I have narrowed my search down to Honda Elevate CVT and Kia Seltos IVT. Since my usage is mostly within Bangalore and to my native place Chikmagalur (mostly ghats) once every 2-3 months. Which car is best suited for this purpose?

Verified
•2d

Pick the Kia Seltos IVT. Its refined 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine and the smooth CVT automatic makes it ideal for Bangalore traffic. It has enough power for your outstation drives on ghats. The Seltos also has a more premium and quieter cabin compared to the Elevate, it has more features and its a larger SUV too, so it's better suited for families. The Kia's ride is also comfortable, be it in the city or out on the highway. The Elevate CVT will be more affordable to buy and you'll also appreciate the peace of mind associated with Honda ownership. But as a package, it isn't as rounded as the Seltos. So for your use case, the Seltos IVT is the one to go for.

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Posted on: 3 Apr 2026