Mumbai

•23w

I am planning to buy a compact SUV with a petrol automatic transmission and am considering the Kia Sonet 1.0 Turbo DCT. However, I have come across several reviews mentioning that turbo DCT gearboxes may not be suitable for long-term ownership, may offer lower mileage, and have a relatively stiff suspension setup. Could you please guide me on whether the Kia Sonet petrol turbo DCT would be a good choice for ownership of 10 years or more? Also, does the DCT gearbox tend to overheat in heavy traffic conditions? Is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine suitable for highway drives and hill usage?

•22w

The ride quality on the Kia Sonet is a weak spot. With its relatively short wheelbase and firm suspension tuning, the Sonet’s ride can feel lumpy over uneven surfaces and sharper potholes. In our real-world test, the Sonet DCT managed 11.6kpl in the city and 16.5kpl on the highway, which is respectable for the segment.

The DCT gearboxes in Hyundais and Kias have generally proven to be quite reliable and are a good choice in this segment. However, it is worth noting that they use a dry clutch pack, which will wear over time and eventually require replacement. Heavy use in stop-and-go traffic, slowly creeping up slopes, and letting the car sit in D while stationary can accelerate wear, and replacing the clutch pack can be expensive. For added peace of mind, you could opt for an extended warranty, but ensure that it covers the DCT and its internal components, such as the clutch pack.

If you still have reservations, then consider the Skoda Kylaq, the Mahindra XUV 3XO, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, all of which can be had with torque-converter automatics.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.39 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.61 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹7.57 Lakh

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.19 Lakh

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•21w

planning to buy 7 seater below 14 lakhs , my need to travel distance limits to 1200 km to and from , in city is 6 km twice a month, which is better car

•21w

Hi I am planning to change my Hyundai Creta diesel, manual transmission. My average yearly running is 8000/- km. mainly city driving. My preference is Petrol, Automatic, mid SUV. with 5 star safety rating. Please give me an option. Thanks.

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•1d

Hi Team, I am desperately trying to find an exact substitute of Tata Nexon Creative Plus PS (Petrol + Manual), in the same price range with exactly all features that this Tata Nexon variant offers, but with a better engine. Can you please suggest such a car?

•19h

The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 Luxury petrol manual is the closest alternative to the Nexon Creative Plus PS petrol manual. It sits in the same price bracket, offers a similarly rich feature set and, crucially, has a stronger engine. The 3XO’s 131hp, 1.2 turbo petrol is more powerful and more responsive than the Nexon’s 1.2 turbo petrol, giving it a clear edge in both performance and drivability. The 3XO also benefits from a wider cabin, making it a more comfortable five-seater, and it comes with a strong safety package. The only significant drawback is the boot, which is one of the smallest in the segment. If boot space is a priority, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is worth considering as well. It offers a more engaging driving experience and a larger boot, but it is not as feature-rich as the 3XO. Overall, the 3XO AX5 Luxury petrol manual is the best like-for-like alternative to the Nexon Creative Plus PS, with a clear advantage in engine performance.

I am looking to buy a petrol SUV with a budget of around Rs 15 lakh. My monthly running would be approximately 1,000km, with 70–80 percent of the driving in the city and the rest on highways. My priorities are comfort and performance. I currently own a Maruti Suzuki Swift.

•1d

With a Rs 15 lakh budget, 1,000 km a month and 70-80% city driving, a petrol compact SUV is the right choice. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the recommendation here. It offers a strong turbo petrol engine, good ride comfort and a wide cabin that makes it one of the most spacious five-seaters in the segment. It also comes well equipped with safety features and has a solid ownership track record. The Skoda Kylaq is the alternative if you prioritise driving enjoyment and a more engaging driving experience, but the 3XO is the more rounded package for your usage. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the reliability-first option, and the one to go for if the roads are bad in your area, as it has a very good low-speed ride. Overall, the 3XO strikes a good balance between comfort, performance and value for your requirements.

I am upgrading from a Brezza diesel and am looking for a car under Rs 15 lakh for a daily run of 30km+ and occasional mountain trips. I am currently confused between the Skoda Kylaq and Kia Sonet diesel, and am more inclined towards the Kylaq. However, I have read reviews mentioning mileage of under 5kpl in the mountains and concerns about low-end torque. I am also moving from a diesel car and am worried about E20 fuel. My priorities are that the car should not feel underpowered, while also offering good features, comfort and fuel efficiency of 10kpl or more. Which one should I choose?

•1d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI automatic. Your usage pattern of 30km+ daily running with occasional mountain trips makes the Skoda Kylaq a better fit than the Kia Sonet diesel. The 1.0 TSI engine is a proven unit with a strong mid-range, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is well-suited to both city driving and mountain roads.The concerns about high fuel consumption in the mountains are exaggerated. Any car will see a drop in fuel efficiency on steep climbs, but the Skoda will still deliver reasonable figures, and the overall ownership experience is strong. Coming from a diesel car, you will notice a difference in low-end torque, but the turbo petrol compensates well once on boost, and the gearbox is responsive enough for mountain driving. On E20, there is no need to worry, as modern engines are engineered to handle E20.

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Popular discussions right now

•3d

I want to purchase a 7-seater SUV. My options are the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO, and Scorpio N, and I am considering installing an aftermarket CNG kit for better fuel economy. Could you please suggest which one would be better suited for CNG?

•2d

We would strongly advise against installing aftermarket CNG on any of these SUVs. All three – the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO and Scorpio N - are large, heavy vehicles with powerful turbocharged petrol engines. Fitting CNG to such engines is not recommended, as it can lead to drivability issues, increased wear and potential reliability concerns over time. More importantly, these SUVs are not designed with CNG in mind, and the installation can compromise safety and performance.If fuel economy is a top priority, opt for their diesel versions instead. The Mahindra and Tata offer strong torque, excellent highway efficiency and are well-suited to long-distance touring. If you are set on CNG, it is better to look at smaller, naturally aspirated petrol cars that are either factory-fitted or specifically designed for CNG use.Between the three, the XUV 7XO diesel would be our recommendation. It offers a more modern package, better ride comfort and a more premium cabin than the Scorpio N, while the Safari diesel is also a strong contender if you prefer Tata's design and feature set. But CNG should not be the deciding factor here.

I am a first-time buyer. My salary is Rs 4.2 lakh per year (CTC). Which company and which model would suit me?

•3d

With a CTC of Rs 4.2 lakh per year, the key is to keep the purchase affordable and running costs low. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is the most sensible starting point. It is reliable, easy to maintain and has excellent service reach, which is exactly what you want as a first-time buyer. The 1.0-litre petrol engine in this Maruti Suzuki car is efficient, and the car is easy to drive in the city.If you need a bit more space, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is a good alternative with its tall-boy design and larger boot. If you are open to a slightly higher budget, the Tata Tiago is worth considering for its stronger build and more premium feel, but Maruti's service network and lower maintenance costs make it the safer long-term choice at this budget. The Alto K10 is the most practical and financially sensible first car.

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•1w

I am confused between the Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV 7XO, and I also like the XUV700. My budget is approximately Rs. 18 lakh. Can you suggest which one I should choose?

•5d

With a budget of Rs. 18 lakh, you're likely to get the entry-level variants of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. Between the two, the Tata Car has a more spacious third row; however, the XUV 7XO is the better all-rounder.The XUV 7XO is essentially the facelifted XUV700, so you get the same proven mechanical package, along with a more modern interior, updated features and a more premium feel. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is strong and refined, making this Mahindra car well suited to both city and highway driving, while the manual gearbox is smooth and easy to use.The Tata Safari is still a good car, with a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin, but the XUV 7XO feels more modern and premium inside.

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