Hello all, I am looking to buy a new car with Rs. 10-12 lakh budget. I am confused between i20 IVT hatchback and mini SUV like the Kia Sonet DCA or Tata Nexon AMT. Most of my driving is 3000 to 4000km per month on the highway. I am in Bangalore.
Given your high running of 3,000-4,000km a month on the highway, the priority should be a car that is comfortable, stable at speed and easy to live with over long distances. The Hyundai i20 IVT is a good hatchback, but at that kind of running, a compact SUV makes more sense because of the higher seating position, better ground clearance and generally more comfortable ride over broken patches. Between the Kia Sonet DCT and Tata Nexon AMT, the Sonet DCT is the better fit for your usage. The DCT is a proper automatic gearbox, which is smoother and quicker to respond than an AMT, especially on highways where quick gear changes matter during overtakes. The Sonet also feels more refined, more premium and better put together overall. The Nexon is a solid car, but the AMT gearbox is not as smooth or as enjoyable on long highway runs. The only caveat with the Sonet DCT is that dual-clutch gearboxes can get a bit jerky in heavy stop-start traffic, but on highways, they are in their element. Overall, the Sonet DCT is the best fit for your usage and budget.
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@bhavesh012 Go for i20 because The Hyundai i20 outperforms the Kia Sonet on highways thanks to its lower center of gravity, sleeker aerodynamics, and an 80 mm longer wheelbase, which together deliver superior high-speed stability, minimal body roll, reduced crosswind susceptibility, and a far more spacious, fatigue-free rear-seat ride. Carrying up to 100 kg less weight gives the i20 a higher power-to-weight ratio for snappier acceleration and better high-speed fuel efficiency, all while undercutting the Sonet by ₹80,000 to over ₹1.5 Lakh across comparable trims. Anchoring this value is Hyundai’s unmatched pan-India service and spare parts network for effortless breakdown support, lower long-term maintenance costs, and iconic nameplate liquidity in the pre-owned market.
@satish.18 greetings of the day. Being an i20 owner I felt the each and every advantages what you wrote here. Considering his requirement my suggestion is also i20. Even my family also favour the i20 ride though we have a Creta in our garage.
@bhavesh012 Go for Sonet Diesel because for Your Highway usage and Kias good Diesel Engine
Withh 3000 + km highway drive Ho for Sonet - Diesel Only Higher cabin position and fuel efficiency will make you smile forever
Why not a grand vitara
Please look Skoda Kylaq as well it's a better fit for engine, safety and features .. or Hyundai venue it feels more spacious and seating comfort
Try Nissan tekton... Highly comfortable highway ride and great handling
How about Nissan Texton? Take a test drive , the CVT gearbox and driving will be super in highways
Hi Bhavesh, Please look at the Skoda Kylaq, 1.0 AT...... The 6 speed Aisin torque converter auto box is the best of the lot as is the pick and handling Given the amount of your highway running it's the one that exceeds your expectations!!
Try the India's only budget Diesel Automatic Sonet, torque converter is good option and you get nice mileage in highways more than 20 kmpl
Aircross kaise car hai average kya hai
Nothing beats CVT technology of Honda. If you have money....blindly go for Honda CVT variants for complete peace of mind.
Neither of these cars.... Go for Honda Amaze or Hyundai Venue.
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Posted on: 10 Aug 2026
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