My budget is around Rs. 12 lakh for a manual car. I am getting the Honda Elevate V for Rs. 11.9 lakh and the Kia Seltos base variant for Rs. 12.5 lakh. Which one should I consider? Alternatively, should I go for the Nexon CNG, considering it offers the flexibility of running on CNG as well? My monthly running is around 500-700 km, mostly in the city with occasional highway trips. Currently, I own a Honda City 5th Gen. Also, is buying a petrol vehicle a good decision right now, considering the concerns around increasing ethanol blending in fuel?

Autocar India

•1d

The Kia Sonet is the better pick of the two compact SUVs. It's got the more refined engine, slicker gearbox and generally more polished driving experience than the Nexon. What also pushes the Sonet's case is its interior, which comes across as more premium with greater attention to detail and a higher level of fit and finish. Your budget will get you the fully-loaded Sonet, which is really well equipped. A very large boot is another Sonet highlight. The Sonet does feel firm in its ride comfort.The Tata Nexon has its strengths too. It feels tough, especially on bad patches of road. There's a bit more room at the back too though the sloping window line takes away from the sense of space. Further, the Nexon has started showing its age now. If you want something altogether newer, the Hyundai Venue diesel manual is an option to consider. It's spacious, refined and packs in new-age features.

Kia Sonet

Tata Nexon

Hyundai Venue

Autocar India

•2d

For your usage, the Maruti Brezza manual is the cleanest fit. With 50 km of mostly city driving every day, good fuel efficiency, low maintenance and long-term reliability should be your biggest priorities, and the Brezza does this very well. The petrol engine is smooth, the manual is light and easy to use in traffic, maintenance costs are predictable, and Maruti’s service network makes ownership stress-free. At 6 feet tall, you should also find the driving position and cabin space comfortable.The Mahundra XUV 3XO is the more exciting and feature-rich option, and it feels more substantial from a safety perspective, but it will not match the Brezza on fuel efficiency or long-term ownership simplicity.The Tata Nexon is also worth considering, but if smoothness and low maintenance are high priorities, the Brezza remains the safer all-around recommendation.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Autocar India

•2d

Mostly city use with some highway runs and a Rs. 10-12 lakh cap, points to the Kia Sonet HTK+ petrol (manual) as the best fit. It is easy to drive in traffic, feels steady at highway speeds, and the boot is usefully large for airport bags or a weekend trip. Safety is well covered in the mid trims, and Kia’s wide service network keeps upkeep simple. For a first-time buyer with low daily running, its petrol engine is smooth and hassle-free, and the cabin feels comfortable and well put together.A couple of watch-outs: the rear seat is not the widest for three adults, and if you want the automatic, you will need to opt for the turbo petrol which will push you over budget. Ride comfort on sharp bumps is a touch firm. If that is a deal breaker, consider the Hyundai Venue petrol manual which has a slightly softer ride.From your list, the Tata Nexon (look at a mid petrol manual trim) is the pick if you want the strongest safety focus and tougher suspension for bad roads, but service consistency can vary. The Skoda Kylaq is a solid choice but upkeep can be higher.If you want the easiest long-term ownership, also consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx in a mid petrol trim; it is simple to own, though not as premium inside as the Sonet.

Kia Sonet

Tata Nexon

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Fronx