I currently own a 2015 Hyundai Elite i20 in Kolkata, and it has done around 1.10 lakh km. I want to buy a new car with an automatic transmission, and my budget is around ₹14-15 lakh. I have shortlisted the Skoda Kyalq, Kia Sonet, and XUV 3XO. I plan to keep this car for the next 10 years, and most of my driving will be within the city (70% city and 30% highway). Please suggest which car I should opt for.

Autocar India

•8w

While all three compact SUVs are impressive in their own separate ways, your best bet here is the Skoda Kylaq. Its 1.0 TSI engine and 6-speed automatic combination is smooth, which should come in handy around town. It's also very spacious and comfortable, and even quite a lot of fun to drive. When you go out on the highway, it's reassuringly stable and rides comfortably, too.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO has many of these traits too, but its engine, while powerful, isn't as smooth, refined or efficient as the Skoda's, and it has a tiny boot. The Sonet is starting to show its age, and its rear seat is very cramped. Plus, around town, its DCT gearbox can be quite jerky, and ride quality is firm too.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.62 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.37 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

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

•21h

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.

Umang Jaiswal

Within a budget of around ₹12 lakh (could extend some), I want to buy a petrol manual car which is fun to drive, reliable and will not be so heavy on my pocket for fueling and maintenance. My monthly usage is around 400km, mostly city and occasional road trips. Which car will you suggest?

Autocar India

•1d

You can consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx or the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor in their top turbo petrol manual variants. The engine, despite being turbocharged, has hardly any turbo lag and offers good punch. It also comes with a light clutch and a slick gearbox, which makes it easy to drive in the city. Even on an open road or around a ghat section, both these cars are surprisingly fun to drive, and over bad roads, the suspension delivers a comfortable ride as well. For a turbo petrol engine, efficiency is also quite impressive. Overall, there is actually not much to fault here.If you want something that feels a bit more premium, you can look at the Skoda Kylaq, the Signature+ MT variant. The Kylaq is a fun car to drive, but the clutch is heavier, and you will feel more turbo lag. It will also not be as efficient as the Fronx turbo petrol, and the peace of mind ownership experience may not be as strong.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Skoda Kylaq

Tarangkumar Patel

•1d

Hi, I currently own a Honda Amaze diesel 2014 model. Now, after using it for so long, I want to upgrade to a 7-seater. I shortlisted the Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens Clavis and have done test drives for both vehicles. My daily usage in the city is 25 km, and I occasionally do long family trips. Now I am super confused between both cars, as one has premiumness and the other has space. Please suggest the best vehicle for me. Is the turbo petrol good? Now I am super confused.

Autocar India

•4m

Both cars are quite closely matched on premium feel, though one aesthetic seems to have worked better for you than the other. It's more a contest of road presence versus space, as the tall, SUV body style of the Hyundai Alcazar makes a strong impression on the road. It is boxy and upright and has the edge on ground clearance, as well as larger wheels.The price you pay is in the third row, where the Kia Carens Clavis' practical MPV shape liberates more space, and there's better ease of access too. Both cars have the same powertrain options, except that the Carens Clavis offers an additional engine option - the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol. It also gets an iMT automated manual gearbox with the Turbo Petrol engine instead of a conventional manual, which the Alcazar gets.Yes, the Turbo Petrol is a good option, as given your relatively low usage, a diesel doesn't feel necessary. The 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo feels strong enough to haul 7 people and is quite enjoyable to drive too.As for which of the two you wish to buy, if you simply must have an SUV for its visual appeal and ground clearance, that is the only reason to choose the Alcazar. If that is not a bother, then the lighter, more spacious, more practical Kia Carens Clavis is the one we recommend.

Kia Carens Clavis

Hyundai Alcazar

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