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

•39m

The Renault Kiger Turbo CVT is the better choice given your priorities of a smooth automatic for Bangalore traffic, good ground clearance, rear-seat comfort and occasional ghat/highway trips. The Tata Nexon DCA is a more premium car with a lengthier features list; however, the Rs 2.8 lakh price difference is significant, making the Renault car feel far better value for money.Alternatively, you could consider the entry-level automatic variants of the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO, both of which feel better built, are more refined, and deliver stronger performance than the Kiger Turbo CVT.

Renault Kiger

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•1d

You are clearly an enthusiast who values a strong diesel punch and sharp handling, and the Figo S TDCi was one of the best cars in that space. At 9 years and 1.3 lakh km, the car has served you well, but the hard clutch and knee pain are a clear signal that it is time to move on. Resale value will be modest given the age and Ford’s exit, so the decision should be driven by your usage and comfort rather than the resale number.On the replacement, there is no direct hatchback equivalent today. The Skoda Kylaq is the closest in spirit, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The automatic is also a big plus if you want to avoid clutch fatigue in traffic. The fact that Skoda has opened a showroom in Shillong is a significant positive, and Skoda is a far more stable brand in India today than Ford was at the time of its exit. If you can stretch the budget, the Kylaq is the right move. The Skoda Kylaq price range extends from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).If the budget is tight, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is the best hatchback alternative. It is not as powerful or as sharp as the Figo S, but it is light, nimble and fun to drive in its own way. The Hyundai i20 N Line is another hatchback option that is quite fun to drive and looks nice and sporty too but its costlier than the Swift. In summary, replace the Figo now and stretch for the Kylaq if you can. It is the closest modern equivalent to what you love about the Figo S TDCi. If the budget does not allow, go for the Swift. Do not hold on to the Figo purely for sentimental reasons, and do not worry too much about resale value at this stage. The decision should be about comfort and driving enjoyment for the next 5-10 years.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Hyundai i20

autocar.india

•19h

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.

Hyundai i20

Kia Sonet

Tata Nexon