I am planning to purchase a new car, either the Maruti Brezza VXI or the Mahindra 3XO. Which is better? I plan to keep the car for 15 years. My priorities are mileage, legroom, headroom, and performance in city, highway, and ghat sections, with good pulling power.

Autocar India

•1h

With 2,500 km a month and most of it on the expressway, a diesel compact SUV fits you best for Rs 13 lakh. The Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon are models to consider.The new Hyundai Venue is a great all-rounder with a refined diesel engine, a fairly spacious cabin and an upmarket interior. However, the Venue is on the pricey side by segment standard, so you'll have to look at a mid-spec diesel-manual within your budget. If you can extend your budget, go for the diesel-automatic. The torque converter automatic transmission delivers a very premium drive experience.If rear space is not a high priority, the Kia Sonet is also a strong option. The model is due to be replaced in the coming months, so there's scope to haggle hard and get a great deal on the outgoing model. Despite being among the older models in the segment, it impresses with its high-quality interior, feature set and smooth diesel engine. Again, it's the diesel-automatic combo that we'd recommend you go for.The Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel suits long highway runs because of its strong diesel engine and confidence-inspiring high-speed manners. It's also a roomy car and packs in plenty of feel-good features for the money.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•2d

The Hyundai Venue diesel is a good option for your needs. It offers the ground clearance, boot space, and cabin space you are looking for. Its smooth diesel engine is one of its highlights, and the ride quality remains comfortable even over broken roads and rough patches.If cabin space is top priority, the Kia Syros is worth a look. It is incredibly spacious and also offers added flexibility with sliding rear seats, allowing you to make more room for luggage when needed. Cabin quality is very impressive too. However, the Syros does deliver a firm ride, and that takes away from the comfort experience. You should also look at the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The cabin is roomy, and ride comfort is impressive. There is a toughness to the Mahindra that you will appreciate over bad patches of road. However, the Mahindra offers the least room for luggage.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Syros

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•17h

Mostly city use, a Rs.15 lakh budget and a focus on low running costs, point straight to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It fits your brief for long-term reliability, low maintenance and service costs, and good fuel efficiency. It is a size up from the Tata Punch/Hyundai Exter segment, but is still manageable in the city while feeling stable on the highway.Why it fits: service and parts costs are among the lowest in the class, and Maruti’s service network is widespread, so upkeep stays simple for years. The petrol engine and torque convertor auto are smooth in traffic and remains efficient if driven with a light foot. Cabin space is good for five, the rear seat is comfortable, and the boot is useful for the occasional weekend trip.Trade-offs: the cabin does not feel particularly premium, and the engine lacks the punch of a turbo-petrol on the highway. It is also worth noting that a facelift for the Brezza is expected towards the end of the year, possibly with a turbo-petrol engine. Alternatively, consider the Hyundai Venue 1.0 DCT if you want a more modern cabin and stronger highway performance.Overall, for city-first use and long-term peace of mind, the Brezza is a good fit.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch