Hi team Autocar, my usage is 16 km which includes 3 days a week on outer ring road in Bangalore. I take a maximum of 2-3 highway trips in a month around Bangalore. I have shortlisted Kylaq AT which I found peppy enough and has less turbo lag as well as XUV 3XO at that has noticable turbo lag. I am leaning more towards Kylaq but I am a little concerned about its AC performance, higher maintenance that may occur after warranty, EPC error and vehicle going into limp mode and being stalled in the middle of the highway. Do these issues happen in Mahindra as well? Do you think one should choose 3XO over Kylaq. What's your take on this?

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Hyundai Venue Diesel Automatic. With your annual running of 16,000-18,000 km and a strong highway component, the diesel makes clear financial sense. The Venue’s diesel is refined and well suited to long-distance driving, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and reliable. Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are also strong, which matters over an 8-year horizon.The Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus Automatic is the better driver’s car, but the 1.0 TSI petrol will not match the diesel’s efficiency at your running, and the E20 concern is largely overstated – modern engines are engineered for it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. On the diesel side, the government has not announced any blanket restrictions on private diesel cars, and with Bharat Stage 6 and DPF technology in place, long-term ownership is not a major concern.The Venue is the more sensible and cost-effective choice for your usage pattern. If you want a more premium and spacious diesel SUV, the Kia Seltos Diesel Automatic is worth stretching for, but within your shortlist, the Venue is the right call.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature AT. For a new driver with predominantly city use, its 1.0 TSI with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic is smooth and easy to drive, while the compact dimensions make it relatively easy to manage in traffic. It also has a more mature, planted feel on the highway.The Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro AT is the better choice if rear-seat space is the priority. Its cabin is wider and more accommodating for a family of five, and its 1.2 turbo-petrol makes 200Nm, giving it stronger low-end and mid-range performance than the Kylaq.However, the 3XO's boot is also one of its compromises, while the Kylaq offers a better balance of driving dynamics, boot space and highway manners. With your usage potentially becoming 80:20 city/highway, the Kylaq's combination works particularly well.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•1d

The Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the closest match to the Ford EcoSport’s character. The turbo petrol engine delivers strong mid-range punch, making highway overtakes and hill climbs effortless, while the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth enough in city traffic. The Kylaq also offers a bigger boot than the Ecosport, addressing your luggage space requirement, and its compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre in urban conditions.

Skoda Kylaq