Autocar India
AM

Amit

31w

Hi, I want to buy an automatic car, but I'm confused about the transmission. Which transmission is best out of AMT, DCA, or TC? I have shortlisted either the Tata Nexon or the Mahindra 3XO. My budget is 13L.

Anshuman Singh

Anshuman Singh

Verified
31w
Between the three, avoid the AMT, which is jerkier in its operation than the other two options listed. The Nexon's Turbo-petrol + DCA is a very smooth powertrain, but the XUV 3XO, with its turbo-petrol + torque converter combination, is the stronger performer.
Additionally, XUV's refinement, cabin space, and ride comfort are marginally better than the Nexon's. Hence, we'd recommend the Mahindra XUV 3XO.

More questions on similar cars

VK

Venkat Karthik Mukidichetti

23h

I am reposting my question regarding the government’s plan to introduce new rules for E85 and E100 fuels. What impact will this have on vehicles that are currently E20 compliant? Given the uncertainty around government policy, it’s difficult to predict when these higher ethanol fuel variants might become the only options, potentially affecting millions of consumers. Facing this dilemma, does it still make sense to purchase an ICE car, or should one consider an EV instead? If the government mandates E85 or E100 within the next year or two, what would be the implications for those who own diesel, petrol, or CNG vehicles? Considering my situation, I am deciding between the Amaze and 3XO diesel models, with an annual mileage of 15,000 km and 60% of my travel on highways, what would be the safest choice?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6m

First, on the policy concern. E20 is the current standard, and cars sold today are fully compatible with it. The move to E85 or E100 is still at an early stage and depends on multiple things like flex-fuel engines, fuel availability and nationwide infrastructure. Even if announced, it will take years to become mainstream. It will not suddenly replace E20 across the country in the next one or two years.For existing vehicles, there is no risk of becoming unusable. Petrol cars will continue to run on available blends, diesel cars are unaffected by ethanol policies, and CNG vehicles are entirely separate from this transition. So there is no scenario where millions of current owners are suddenly stranded.Now, coming to your dilemma of ICE vs EV. With your usage of around 15,000 km a year and 60% highway driving, an EV is not the ideal fit yet unless you have very reliable charging access on highways. For your pattern, a diesel or efficient petrol still makes more sense in terms of range, flexibility and ease of long-distance travel.Between your shortlist, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is the better choice. Your usage is high enough to justify diesel, and your highway running will naturally keep the engine and emissions system healthy. It will also give you better efficiency and stronger performance on highways compared to the Amaze petrol. The Amaze is smoother and easier in the city, but it does not match the diesel’s efficiency and torque for your kind of usage.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
ER

Eric

14h

I am interested in purchasing either the Toyota Hyryder or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara because of their fuel efficiency. However, my question is: while these cars may be E20 fuel compliant, given that the government is pushing towards higher ethanol blends like E85 and E100, should I wait for the upcoming CAFE III norms and the launch of vehicles that are compatible with these fuels?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2h

Go ahead and buy the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Hyryder now. Waiting for E85 or E100-ready cars does not make practical sense.The current reality is that E20 is the standard fuel in India, and cars like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are already engineered to run on it without any issues. That means from a fuel compatibility and regulatory standpoint, you are already covered for the foreseeable future.While there has been talk about E85 and even E100, that is more of a long-term direction than an immediate shift. These fuels require flex-fuel engines, changes in fuel infrastructure and wider manufacturer support. Even if policies are announced, it will take time before such cars are widely available, tested and practical for everyday use.More importantly, the market direction is also moving strongly towards hybrids and electrification, not just higher ethanol blends. In that sense, cars like the Hyryder and Grand Vitara hybrid are already aligned with where things are headed.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Posted on: 17 Sept 2025