I am planning to buy an automatic SUV for my daily commute. However, I am confused about which variant would be the better choice, especially in terms of long-term service and maintenance costs. I have test-driven the Hyundai Venue DCT and the Nissan Magnite CVT. Could you please guide me on which would be the better option for my usage and whether a CVT or a DCT would be more suitable in the long run? Thank you.

autocar.india

•17h

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

•1d

With your current usage pattern of 30-40 km weekend drives and only occasional long trips, a diesel car is no longer the right choice. The DPF issues you have experienced are a direct result of this kind of low-mileage, short-trip usage, and moving to a petrol car is the right decision.The Hyundai Venue petrol is a natural replacement if you are otherwise happy with the car. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol is smooth, reliable and well suited to your usage, and the car itself is compact, easy to drive and well equipped. The Kia Sonet petrol which is essentially the same car underneath is also a good option and well suited to your usageThe key is to move away from diesel and towards a simple, naturally aspirated petrol engine that will be reliable and easy to live with given your current usage. The Venue petrol, Sonet petrol and the latest Brezza petrol are all excellent petrol cars.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ AT. Your usage of 700-750 km a month with a 40:60 highway-to-city split does not justify a diesel, especially given your concerns about DPF issues and the fact that your highway runs are only once or twice a month. The Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI turbo petrol paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven and reliable combination, and the car’s strong mid-range performance makes overtaking effortless, which you have already experienced on your test drive.Fuel efficiency is not the best and in our real world tests the Kylaq returned 8.7 kpl in the city and 13.6 on the highway when driven normally. Of course a diesel car is more efficient but for your running, the savings will not be very substantial over the life cycle of the car, especially when you factor in the lower purchase price of a petrol over a diesel. The Kylaq also offers a more engaging driving experience than the Venue, with better handling and a more planted feel on the highway.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai Venue