We have a Mahindra XUV300 petrol in the family. I am looking for a car within an ex-showroom budget of ₹10-14 lakhs that offers similar driving pleasure to the XUV300, especially in terms of pickup and NVH levels. However, it should deliver better mileage than the XUV300. My driving is mostly on state highways with minimal city usage, and my annual running is around 5,000 km. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•2w

The problem with strong performance is that it usually comes at the cost of mileage. However, the Mahindra XUV 300 - and Mahindras in general - is that they have been tuned to prioritise performance over fuel economy; hence, they are all very powerful.

If you want strong performance and a fun-to-drive character, check out the Skoda Kylaq. Its 1.0 TSI engine makes 115hp, which is less than what the Mahindra offers. But as is often the case with Volkswagen Group's famous TSI turbo-petrol engines, it feels a lot stronger than the numbers suggest.

The good bit is that it comes with a smooth 6-speed AT option, in case that is what you want, but the 6-speed MT is a fun and easy gearbox as well. As for fuel economy, it will definitely be better than the XUV 300's 1.2-litre turbo petrol, but you will still have to be careful with the throttle to achieve good real-world economy numbers.

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Latest questions people are discussing

•3d

Hi, I am planning to buy a new car and need help choosing between the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ and the Hyundai Venue N6 N Line. I drive to work every day in Delhi. Luckily, my timings are non-office hours, so that should be factored in, plus a few road trips we take during the year. Please suggest.

Autocar India

•2d

The Skoda Kylaq is a fun-to-drive compact SUV. Its 1.0-turbo engine delivers strong performance, and the chassis feels well-balanced, resulting in tight body control and a compliant ride quality. If you enjoy driving, the Kylaq should be on top of your list.The cosmetic enhancement certainly makes the Hyundai Venue N Line N6 look much sportier, and it is definitely going to stand out in a crowd. If you're considering their manual versions, then the Venue N Line N6 has a much smoother gearbox with a fantastic gear knob, and its clutch is a bit lighter than the Kylaq's, which adds to the driving experience. Both cars have light steering, but with drive modes, the N Line's steering gets a bit heavier to give you a sportier feel.Engine performance and handling aren't too far behind the Kylaq's, whereas rear seat space is actually better than the Skoda's, which your passengers will appreciate on road trips. Lastly, the Venue N Line N6 is more affordable than a Kylaq Signature+, and overall, it is the Hyundai that makes you feel more special - and for that reason, we'd recommend you go for the Venue N Line N6 (MT).

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq

ruchir marwaha

•3d

Namaste Team. I own a Wagon R VXI 2015 and now wish to upgrade. We are a family of five, and my monthly driving is not more than 600 km. I am a driving enthusiast, and my budget is ₹13 lakh on-road. I do not want to consider Tata. My family has been associated with Maruti Suzuki for the past 30 years, but I am open to other brands.

Autocar India

•1d

If you're an enthusiast and a keen driver, your best bet is the Hyundai i20. It is a much larger hatchback than your Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, which should be comfortable for your family of five, and in your budget, you should get the fully loaded N8 variant too.It is available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT auto gearbox, and both are a good mix of fun and ease of use. However, it has to be said that the i20 is now starting to show its age, and fun as it is to drive, you may want to look at a more modern offering.If so, check out the Skoda Kylaq, which is even more spacious and practical, but also comes with a punchy and enthusiastic 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It's got great dynamics and a smooth 6-speed automatic gearbox, if you want it. However, do note that it is more expensive, and you will have to settle for a mid-spec variant in your budget.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai i20

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Kunal Garg

•1d

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new SUV in 2026 within a budget of ₹30-40 lakh. I want a proper off-road capable vehicle that also works well as a family car. Can we expect the Toyota RAV4 to launch in India in 2026? Please advise.

Autocar India

•12h

As of now, Toyota has no concrete plans to bring the Toyota RAV4 to India in 2026 or anytime soon. The challenge is cost. The RAV4 would have to be imported or assembled in small numbers, which would push its price well beyond what most buyers in the Rs 30-40 lakh bracket expect. Also, by Indian standards, it’s not a particularly large SUV, and at that price, buyers here tend to want more size and presence.Sadly, there’s a bit of a vacuum in the Rs 30-40 lakh space, and in this range, your more practical choices are SUVs like the Mahindra XUV7XO and the Tata Harrier. Both are spacious, comfortable for family use, and capable on bad roads. If you can stretch closer to Rs 50 lakh, options like the Skoda Kodiaq and the upcoming Volkswagen Tayron (a more affordable version below the R-Line is expected) are very strong all-rounders with a more premium feel.Another SUV worth waiting for is the Kia Sorento, which we understand could arrive around the festive season at roughly Rs 40 lakh. That might come closest to what you’re looking for, a proper global SUV with family practicality and some genuine all-road ability.

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