Currently, I own a Grand i10 petrol manual. My annual running is between 8,000 to 10,000 km within Ahmedabad and on highways. Now, I am planning to buy a new family diesel car under a budget of 13-15 lakh. My requirement is an automatic compact SUV car.
With 8,000-10,000 km a year and a mix of Ahmedabad city and highway driving, a diesel automatic might not be the best financial decision. At this running, the fuel savings from diesel are unlikely to offset the higher purchase price over your ownership period. Modern petrol automatics are likely to be more suited to your usage pattern.
In case you still want to go ahead with a diesel-automatic car, in your Rs 13-15 lakh budget, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the best fit. It offers a strong turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed AMT, and a comfortable ride, making it well suited to both city driving and highway runs. It is also one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide rear seat that makes it a genuinely comfortable family car. The only drawback is that the boot is on the smaller side, but for most family needs it is still adequate.
You could also consider the Kia Sonet diesel-automatic. It has a smoother transmission, and is available across a wider price range, across multiple variants. Overall, the Sonet, although due for a generation change next year, is still a very sophisticated, competent compact SUV on sale.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
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