Dear Expert, I am planning to purchase a new car and would appreciate your advice. My usage is limited to around 100-150 km per month, and the vehicle will mainly be used for highway trips. I do not wish to consider Maruti Suzuki models. My budget is ₹8-10 lakh, and I need a 5-seater car. Currently, I am considering the Hyundai Venue and the Mahindra XUV300. Please suggest the best option

Autocar India

•1d

It really comes down to what you want. Both these cars come from different segments, as the Mahindra XUV 3XO sits above the Tata Punch, so they are not direct rivals.If you are looking for more convenience and everyday features like an infotainment system and a reversing camera, the Punch will make more sense. It is also a better option if this is your first car, because its compact dimensions make it easier to drive and park in tight spaces. In fact, despite being smaller, the Punch also has a more usable boot for regular needs.The 3XO, on the other hand, is the better choice if you have a larger family. It has a more spacious cabin, which makes it more comfortable for more passengers. It also gets a much more powerful turbo petrol engine, which makes it far more capable for highway drives and overtakes.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•17h

Since most of your driving is in the city, a torque-converter automatic would be a good choice. With that in mind, there are several options in your price range, but the Fronx and the XUV 3XO stand out.The Maruti Suzuki Fronx with the Boosterjet engine offers decent performance and is responsive at low speeds, thanks in part to the mild-hybrid system’s ISG motor, which also helps improve fuel efficiency. The 6-speed Aisin-sourced automatic is very smooth in operation and reliable. Cabin space and overall comfort are good, and highway stability will feel reassuring on your longer trips.Similarly, the Mahindra XUV 3XO with the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine offers good performance and a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. It offers a spacious and plush cabin that can comfortably accommodate five passengers. The suspension is comfortable and has a robust feel. Before you decide, take a test drive of both cars.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•1d

Check out the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It has a relatively compact sub-four-metre footprint, but still manages to be spacious for five adults, thanks to its boxy and tall design. This design also affords it a tall seating position, and visibility is great all around. And since you're already in the Maruti Suzuki ecosystem, it will be an easy transition, and you could even ask them for a loyalty bonus. The Brezza's 1.5-litre petrol is not exceptionally powerful, but it is sufficient, and its 6-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and seamless with its shifts. The best part, however, is that it's incredibly fuel-efficient, which should make your annual long drives a little easier on the pocket. Ground clearance is a substantial 198mm, and the suspension is well-tuned for comfort and stability. Another alternative is the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which also has a wide second row bench and strong petrol and diesel engines as well. But its driving position isn't as tall, and it isn't particularly fuel efficient.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO