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Delhi
VA

Vayu

6w

Hi all, I’m planning to buy a new car and want an automatic that can comfortably seat 5 adults. I have currently booked the Kia Syros HTX Plus, but I’m concerned about the DCT gearbox heating issues in city traffic like Bangalore. I tried other cars, but they lacked features and seating space; I also considered the 3XO, but found the boot space too small. If I drive the DCT in ECO mode, will that help in city driving, or should I consider other options? Please help.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4w

Your choice of the Kia Syros is good, as there is ample rear room for 5 adults, as well as a decent boot. 

About your query on the DCT overheating issue, yes, in general, DCT's tend to be a bit jerky in low-speed traffic, and they can overheat. However, the Kia unit is generally reliable, with fewer owner complaints reported. 

Driving in Eco mode isn't going to make much of a difference, but it can help a bit, as with a milder engine map. Thus, less torque there could be less clutch slippage. With a reduced kickdown tendency, you will have fewer rapid downshifts, thus fewer clutch engagements. 

If you are very concerned by this, you could look at the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Rear space as well as boot space is good, and the Brezza comes with a torque convertor automatic gearbox. It is the smoothest type to have and will not have issues with start-stop traffic.   

Kia Syros

Kia Syros

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

MA

Malhotra

3w

It's truly value for money Much Above the rest. Driving from last 1 year it's wow

DV

Dr Vipul Baweja

4w

I use DCT carens in Delhi since 2022, so far no heat issues in Delhi summers. I shift to manual in a traffic jam and it takes of some load off DCT

SA

sanjiv

4w

go for it. i am driving it since May 2025 in Mumbai BtB traffic. very cool vehicle.

AN

Anirudha

4w

Great advice !!

Latest questions people are discussing

KY

Kushal Yadav

1d

I am planning to buy a Brezza CNG Zxi. I have heard a facelift is expected around April-May 2026, which may come with an underbody CNG tank and a manual 6-speed gearbox replacing the existing 5-speed gearbox. Should I wait, or should I buy right now?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
8h

The update is expected around April-May 2026, and there are chances that the CNG version could get improvements such as a better-packaged CNG tank, like in the Maruti Victoris and possibly a 6-speed manual. Even if the exact changes are different from what is currently expected, the facelift will at least bring cosmetic updates and feature additions.Since the timeline is quite close, waiting a few weeks will give you clarity on what the updated model offers. If the changes are meaningful, you can buy the new version. If they are minor, you can still choose the current model, often with better discounts as dealers clear older stock.Given how close the facelift appears to be, it makes sense to wait a little before buying the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG so you can decide with full information once the updated model is revealed.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
AN

Anushank

2d

I am planning to sell my Mahindra XUV500 as it is nearing the end of its registration validity in Delhi NCR, and I want to buy a 5-seater SUV under ₹10 lakh. My preference is for a fuel-efficient car as my daily running is around 100 km, but it should also be spacious enough for five people. Since fuel efficiency is a priority, I am open to both CNG and diesel cars. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway, mostly within Delhi NCR. I have narrowed my choices to the Maruti Brezza CNG, Tata Nexon CNG, Kia Sonet Diesel, and Maruti Fronx CNG. Please help me evaluate which would be the better option. I am also open to any other better option if available.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

The Maruti Brezza CNG and Fronx CNG will be more fuel efficient than the Nexon iCNG, and their clutch and gearbox make them friendlier to drive, too. The Brezza is due for a facelift in the coming weeks, so you might want to wait for that to arrive. The Kia Sonet diesel will feel punchier to drive (than the CNG options listed above), while being very efficient too. Also, by opting for a diesel, you won't need to wait in long queues to refill CNG. Even the Sonet is due for a generation update, which is likely to be launched this year. Another option you could consider is the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel MX2, which is more spacious than a Sonet. Its ride-handling balance is very impressive; the Sonet, however, has an edge in terms of fuel efficiency.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
JI

Jithin

2d

I am looking to buy my first car. I am currently looking at the Kia Sonet Diesel Automatic 1.5, which comes at ₹16.25 lakh and the Skoda Slavia Sportline Auto at ₹17 lakh. My main usage would be travelling between Kochi and Bangalore and occasional city drives in and around both cities. I had a Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi earlier, which I loved and would prefer something with a similar driving punch. Which would be an apt choice?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
9h

Since a large part of your driving will be on the Kochi-Bengaluru highway and you enjoyed the performance of your old Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, choosing a car with strong performance and relaxed cruising ability will make your drives more enjoyable.Between the two, you will likely be happier with the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI with the 7-speed DSG. It offers superior performance and refinement compared to the Kia Sonet diesel automatic, especially for highway usage. The Slavia’s turbo-petrol engine delivers effortless acceleration, and the DSG gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly, which makes overtaking and long-distance cruising feel easy.Another advantage is that the 1.5-litre engine features cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders under light loads such as steady cruising. This helps improve fuel efficiency when driving on the highway. The Slavia also feels more planted and stable at higher speeds, which will be noticeable on your frequent intercity drives.However, we would recommend waiting a little before making the purchase. The Slavia facelift is expected soon, and with it around the corner, it makes sense to see what updates and features the refreshed model brings before committing to the current version.

VehicleSkoda Slavia
VehicleKia Sonet

Posted on: 12 Feb 2026