Hey Autocar, hope you're doing great. I am planning to buy my first car, but I am confused about which one to choose. My budget is Rs. 15-16 lakh, and we are a family of three. My priorities are a proper automatic transmission and a fuss-free ownership experience. Mileage and maintenance costs are not major concerns. My usage will be split equally between city driving and highway travel (50:50). A feature-rich cabin or a premium interior would be a bonus, but it is not mandatory. Please guide me. Thank you in advance.

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO MPFi petrol automatic as it is the best fit for your requirements. The 3XO offers excellent ride comfort, a well-sorted suspension and a spacious cabin, making it one of the most comfortable cars in this price range. The turbo petrol engine is refined and fairly efficient, and the torque converter automatic gearbox is smooth in city traffic. Diesel is not worth considering at this budget unless your running is very high. The 3XO also offers strong value for money and a good ownership experience.On the tax question, there is no difference in the tax you pay based on whether the car is from a foreign or Indian company. All cars sold in India that are manufactured locally and attract the same GST and road tax structure based on engine size, fuel type and state. The only difference is that some foreign brands may have higher prices due to brand positioning, not because of higher taxes.For your needs, the 3XO is the right balance of comfort, efficiency and value.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•1d

Thank you for reading Autocar India and for your question. Your Magnite CVT is E20 compatible, so there is no need to worry about the engine. The drop in mileage you are seeing is normal. E20 petrol has a lower energy content than E10, so fuel efficiency drops by around 5-10%. This is expected and not a sign of a problem with the car.For your new car, your usage is mostly highway and you want good mileage with an automatic within Rs. 17 lakh on-road budget. The best fit is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris mild hybrid automatic. It is a petrol mild hybrid, so it delivers better highway efficiency than a standard petrol, and the automatic is a smooth torque converter unit that is reliable and well suited to long-term ownership. The Victoris is also a comfortable and spacious SUV with a proven ownership record.If you want a more premium feel and a slightly more engaging driving experience, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is a good alternative. It has a new 8-speed gearbox and the car feels more solid and planted on the highway. However, the Victoris will be the more efficient and easier car to own long term.If you are open to diesel, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel automatic is worth considering. It will deliver the best highway efficiency and strong performance, but diesel makes sense only if your annual running is high enough to justify the higher fuel and maintenance costs.Overall, the Victoris mild hybrid automatic is the best fit for your requirements. It delivers good mileage, a smooth automatic and a hassle-free ownership experience.

Nissan Magnite

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO. With 70 percent highway usage, you need a car that feels stable at speed, has strong overtaking performance and offers good safety. The 3XO delivers on all three fronts. The turbo petrol engine has enough punch for quick overtakes, the car feels planted on the highway and Mahindra car has a strong safety record. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire VXi is a good car, but it is more suited to city driving and engine performance feels a bit lacking for the highway. The Tata Nexon Smart Plus is a solid option, but the 3XO offers better value and a more engaging driving experience.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Tata Nexon