Hi Autocar team, I am planning to buy a new car for daily use, as we already have a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz at home. I drive at least 15,000km a year, and probably closer to 20,000km, so I initially considered diesel options such as the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 diesel manual. The Kia Syros EV is also on my shortlist. The on-road price of the 3XO is around Rs 11 lakh, while the Syros EV costs about Rs 15 lakh, a difference of Rs 4 lakh. I estimate annual fuel costs of around Rs 1.09 lakh for the diesel and electricity costs of Rs 30,000 for the EV, with a payback period of roughly 4.5-5 years after accounting for lower servicing costs. I can charge at home daily, rarely travel more than 300km in one trip, and can use the Ciaz for longer journeys. I am also considering installing a home solar system for around Rs 2.25 lakh. Should I buy the Syros EV, stick with the 3XO diesel or wait for the upcoming Hyundai compact EV? What should I consider regarding battery warranty, resale value, real-world range and service experience?

autocar.india

•4h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO Edge automatic. The Brezza VXi automatic is a safe, simple and reliable choice, but the 3XO is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a wider cabin, more space and a more premium feel, which your family clearly values. The TCMPFi engine is a turbocharged petrol unit and is fundamentally a sound engine. It is not a new or unproven powertrain, and Mahindra has had time to refine it. It is also paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is a proven and reliable gearbox type. Compared to the Nexon’s Revotron engine, the 3XO’s powertrain is more refined and the gearbox is smoother and more conventional in its operation. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simpler and will likely be marginally more reliable over a very long ownership period, but the 3XO’s engine is not something to worry about from a reliability perspective. Given your family’s preference for space and the more premium feel, the 3XO is the better choice.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•1h

Coming from an i20 petrol-IVT, you're used to a smooth and seamless drive, hence your next car has to replicate that, if not better the experience, irrespective of whether it is powered by a naturally aspirated petrol or a turbo-petrol engine.Given your low usage, car length constraints and budget of Rs.10-15 lakh, we'd suggest you shorlist the following compact SUVs - Skoda Kylaq AT and Mahindra XUV 3XO AT.The Skoda Kylaq AT has the lowest starting price, at around Rs. 11 lakh (on-road), and it feels like a solid car with impressive driving manners. Sure, cabin space isn't generous, but the seats are comfy, and its engine-gearbox combination is very good. The Mahindra XUV 3XO AT too starts just under Rs 12 lakh (on-road), and it is one tough compact SUV with a powerful engine and a spacious cabin. If you travel with five occupants regularly, this will be the better bet.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•2d

Yes, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a very good choice. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater. It is also feature-rich and offers strong value for money. The only real drawback is the boot, which is one of the smallest in the segment, at least on paper; however, usable space is comparable to rivals.The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the more sensible choice if you are prioritising reliability, low maintenance costs and Maruti's service network. It is also a comfortable five-seater with a good ride. The Mahindra car, however, feels like the more modern and better-equipped product.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza