I want to buy a new car. My driving usage is around 60% highway and 40% city. Since fuel efficiency is important to me, I am considering a CNG car and have currently shortlisted the Tata Nexon CNG Creative + PS variant. However, I am also thinking that in a similar price range, I could buy a bigger SUV like the Hyundai Creta in a lower variant and install a CNG kit from the aftermarket. Another option I am considering is buying the new Hyundai Venue Automatic and installing an aftermarket CNG kit, so I can keep the features and also enjoy the convenience of an automatic along with CNG mileage. A sunroof is one of my requirements, which is why I am not considering the Maruti Grand Vitara. I am quite confused between choosing a factory-fitted CNG option like the Nexon or buying a bigger petrol SUV and installing a CNG kit aftermarket. Please help me choose the right car.

Autocar India

•5h

First, a small correction. The Mahindra XUV 3XO does not use an AMT gearbox. It comes with a proper torque converter automatic, which offers a much smoother and more refined driving experience compared to AMTs. This makes it easier to drive in city traffic and overall more comfortable for daily use.Because of this, the XUV 3XO MX2 Pro automatic becomes the better choice between the two cars you shortlisted. The wider cabin also makes it more comfortable for a family of five and the ride quality is well suited for both city drives and occasional highway trips.The Tata Nexon does offer a DCA/DCT automatic option with the turbo-petrol engine, but that variant is significantly more expensive and would go well beyond your ₹11–12 lakh budget. The Nexon AMT variants therefore do not match the smoothness of the torque converter automatic offered in the 3XO.For your requirements of ease of driving, comfort and a better automatic gearbox, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic would be the better option over the Nexon in your budget.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Autocar India

•1d

With your daily running of around 50-60 km, your monthly usage will easily cross 1,500 km, so choosing a fuel with low running costs makes sense. In this case, CNG is generally a better fit than diesel, especially since most of your driving is in the city.One of the better options to consider is the Tata Nexon CNG. Unlike most CNG cars, the Nexon uses a turbo-petrol engine, which means it still feels reasonably strong and comfortable even on the highway. The turbo engine produces good torque, which helps maintain performance despite running on CNG. This makes the Nexon CNG a good balance between low running costs for the city and decent highway performance for weekend drives.Another practical option is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG, particularly the LXi or VXi variants. The Brezza uses a 1.5-litre engine with factory-fitted CNG. It is known for being smooth and reliable while still offering good mileage and reasonable performance.

Tata Nexon

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•1d

The Tata Nexon would be an ideal choice considering your requirements. It has a sense of toughness, especially over bad roads, is compact enough for narrow streets and comes with a modern cabin with the necessary creature comforts.This Tata car also offers a soft and comfy seat set at an ideal height, making it easy to get in and out of. Since your driving is fairly low, a petrol version would be the ideal choice. The Creative +S variant will fit in your budget and get you a good set of features too. If you want an automatic, there is also an AMT option that won't be as feature-loaded but will give you the convenience of an auto.

Tata Nexon