Hello everyone, I would like to know which would be the better car for highway driving. My average monthly running is around 3,000 km. I am considering the Kia Sonet 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol DCT and the Skoda Kylaq Automatic. My main priority is highway comfort, especially for driving 5-6 hours in a single day. Which one would you recommend for my requirements?

autocar.india

•12h

Based on your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic would be our first recommendation. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, has a strong safety record, a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater, and the turbo petrol engine paired with the torque converter automatic delivers good performance and a fun-to-drive experience. It also offers a well-equipped interior and Mahindra's service network is strong, keeping maintenance costs reasonable.The Skoda Kylaq automatic would be our second recommendation. It is the most driver-focused car in this price range, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a well-tuned chassis that makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive. The torque converter automatic is smooth and reliable, and the Kylaq offers good safety credentials and a solid build quality. The only drawback is that the rear seat is not as spacious as the 3XO.The Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is the sensible choice. It is reliable, has low maintenance costs, a comfortable ride and a good safety record. The naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the torque converter automatic is smooth and easy to live with, making it an excellent city car. It may not be as exciting to drive as the 3XO or Kylaq, but it is a very dependable ownership proposition.The Tata Nexon automatic is also worth considering. It has a strong safety record, a comfortable ride and a feature-rich interior. The turbo petrol engine paired with the DCA automatic offers good performance, but the gearbox can feel a bit hesitant at times in stop-start traffic.Overall, the XUV 3XO automatic strikes the best balance between safety, performance, interior quality and ownership costs. The Kylaq is the enthusiast's choice, while the Brezza is the most sensible long-term option.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

autocar.india

•1d

For your usage, the Skoda Kylaq Signature AT is actually the better recommendation. The 6-speed torque converter automatic is smoother and more predictable in stop-start Bangalore traffic than the DCTs in the Sonet and Venue, which can feel a bit hesitant at low speeds. The Kylaq also has a more engaging driving experience and a well-sorted chassis, which you will appreciate as you gain confidence behind the wheel. The only real drawback is that the boot is on the smaller side, but for a two-member family that should not be a deal-breaker. The Sonet HTK Plus (O) is still a good value package, but the Kylaq is the more enjoyable car to live with in your driving conditions.

Skoda Kylaq

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI automatic. It is the best fit for your needs. As a first-time buyer with a 10-12 year ownership plan, you want a car that is easy to drive, reliable and comfortable on both city roads and occasional highway trips. The Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI engine is smooth and refined, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is far easier to live with in traffic than a manual. It is also a proven and reliable gearbox, which matters for long-term ownership. The Kylaq is also one of the best driver’s cars in the segment, with good ride quality and strong highway stability, which makes occasional long trips far more comfortable.On the 360-degree camera, it is a nice-to-have feature but not essential. Parking sensors and a good rear camera are more than enough for most situations, especially as you build confidence as a new driver. The Kylaq also fits comfortably within your Rs. 13-14 lakh budget, allowing you to get a well-equipped variant rather than compromising on features.

Skoda Kylaq