Autocar India
3w

I am considering the Hyundai Venue petrol automatic. I drove the naturally aspirated (NA) petrol version, but found it underpowered. I want a punchier engine, so I am thinking of choosing the turbo-petrol variant. Which transmission should I consider, automatic or manual? I have heard that automatic transmissions can develop issues after a few years. Is it safe to take the automatic variant to hilly areas? Also, does it face any issues while overtaking on highways? Since I have no budget constraints, which variant would be the best suited for me?

Verified
2w

Go for the Hyundai Venue turbo petrol automatic. The naturally aspirated petrol does feel underpowered, so the turbo petrol is the right choice if you want a punchier driving experience. The automatic gearbox is a 7-speed dual-clutch unit, and while there have been some concerns about dual-clutch reliability in the past, Hyundai’s implementation is generally well sorted. This Hyundai car is a relatively light car, and the gearbox is not heavily stressed in everyday use. It is perfectly safe to take to the hills, and the gearbox has a manual mode that allows you to hold gears on descents and for overtakes. Overtaking on highways is not an issue either, as the turbo petrol has strong mid-range performance. Since budget is not a constraint, go for the top variant. It gets all the features, including the full ADAS suite, which adds an extra layer of safety on highways. The only thing to keep in mind is that dual-clutch gearboxes can feel a bit jerky at very low speeds in stop-start traffic, but overall the Venue turbo petrol automatic is a strong package and the right choice for your requirements. 

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

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1d

Hi Experts! I am a first-time car buyer and a new driver. I want to buy a sub-4-meter SUV. My daily usage will be between 25- 30 km. It is mostly for city driving in Delhi NCR. I intend to buy an automatic and like the Kylaq as an option. But my understanding is that it is expensive to maintain. Among other options that I am considering are the Venue and the 3XO. However, Venue has DCT, which I understand is not great for city driving. Could you give me some more guidance on maintenance of the Kylaq and, generally, if I have to choose among these 3, what should be the best option? To clarify, my budget is 12-15 lakhs. I have already looked at the Brezza as an option but did not like the feel of it. Sonet has been disregarded because there is a new Sonet coming next year. Thank you for your input!

Verified
1d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI automatic. This Skoda car is the best fit for your usage and budget. The Kylaq uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is smooth, reliable and well suited to stop-start traffic. It is not a DCT, so you do not have to worry about overheating or jerkiness in city conditions. The 1.0 TSI engine is proven and has a good ownership track record. Skoda's maintenance costs are not significantly higher than Hyundai or Mahindra, especially with service packages available. The Kylaq is also one of the best driver's cars in the segment, with a solid, planted feel and good ride quality.The Hyundai Venue DCT is a good choice but not ideal for your usage, as DCT gearboxes are not ideal for heavy city traffic. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong alternative. It is spacious, feature-rich and has a good torque converter automatic gearbox, but it does not feel as engaging to drive as the Kylaq. Since you have already ruled out the Brezza and Sonet, the Kylaq is the clear recommendation. It will give you the best ownership experience and driving enjoyment over the next 5-10 years.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleKia Sonet

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Posted on: 8 Aug 2026