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Delhi
SK

Sai Kumar Rachamalla

3w

Planning to upgrade my car for safety from a Kwid to a sub-4m SUV. I am confused between the Skoda Kylaq and the Kia Sonet. I liked the Sonet diesel but am worried about DPF issues. For the 1.0-litre turbo, I know the Kylaq is superior, but I am also concerned about maintenance and resale value. The Sonet has everything except safety and has a stiff suspension. I need it for highway and city use and would prefer an automatic. Please suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3w
If you liked the Kia Sonet, go for it - it is a polished compact SUV. As you've mentioned, the Skoda's 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is an excellent engine, but the Sonet's isn't too far behind in terms of performance. Kia's DCT is smooth, and on the whole, the Sonet is quite nice to drive too.
As far as safety goes, the Sonet packs in more active and passive kit, including ADAS, which the Skoda Kylaq misses. Alternatively, you could also consider the new Hyundai Venue Turbo-DCT.
Kia Sonet

Kia Sonet

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CP

Chander pal

3w

Go for kylac 5Star ,good driving dymamics gives pleasure.

SK

Sai Kumar

3w

How about Soney Diesel and DPF issues?

CP

Chander pal

3w

Every bh6 with no adblue option certainly faces dpf issues

SS

Ss

3w

You can go for 3xo as well. It have more cabin space as compared to sonet or kylaq and it's diesel engine is also good. It's turbo petrol is smooth

Latest questions people are discussing

VM

Vishal Maniar

1d

I am planning to buy a compact SUV with a diesel automatic gearbox, and my budget is around ₹12–14 lakh on-road. I generally prefer choosing the variant just above the base model, as it usually offers the best value for money rather than going for the top-spec variant. My shortlisted options are the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. While value for money is my main priority, my child is insisting that the car should also have a sunroof. Considering these requirements, which car would you recommend buying?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
17h

While the Tata Nexon has its strengths in a tough build and good suspension, its AMT gearbox is no match for the torque converter automatic. It comes paired with the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet's 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Hyundai and Kia's smooth diesel engines and slick auto gearboxes deliver a very polished driving experience, which you will love. Of the two, the Hyundai Venue is newer, offers more rear seat space and a few more frills like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. You'd get a Venue diesel-auto HX5 in your budget, which is reasonably well equipped and also packs in a sunroof. We can't recommend it wholeheartedly, though, because it misses the safety of a rear wiper. If rear seat space isn't a deal breaker and you are comfortable with the idea of buying a car that will be replaced in the near future, the Sonet diesel-auto HTX is definitely worth a look. For not much money over the Venue HX5, it packs in a whole lot more equipment such as LED headlights, push button start, leatherette seats and front seat ventilation. Also, it has the safety of a rear wiper, rear disc brakes and front parking sensors.

VehicleTata Nexon
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleHyundai Venue
SU

Suresh

2d

Hi Autocar Team, My monthly running is around 1,600-1,800 km, and about 85% of my driving is on highways. My priorities are safety, a refined engine, good mileage, and low maintenance costs. My budget is around ₹15 lakh. Currently, I drive a Hyundai i20 petrol manual, but now I want to switch to an automatic car. I have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 diesel Autoshift and the Kia Seltos lower variant. Considering my high highway usage and priorities like safety, refinement, mileage, and maintenance, which of these would you recommend?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
15h

While the Mahindra XUV 3XO has a strong and refined engine, the AMT gearbox is not the best performing units in terms of smoothness and response. Quick overtakes on the highway would require a lot more planning with an AMT, and over time, it can get frustrating. We would recommend checking out the Hyundai Venue as it gets a diesel engine mated to a 6-speed torque converter gearbox that is a lot better than AMT units. The Venue is also well equipped in its HX5 guise that falls within your budget. It is the newer car overall with a fresh and modern interior.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHyundai Venue
KM

Kholi Mao

2d

As a first-time buyer with usage of around 400 km per month, mostly on bumpy hill roads, and a budget of around ₹10 lakh (could extend some), what could be the best car? (Open to any brand.)

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
23h

A robust suspension and punchy power are elements we'd recommend you give weightage to. Our shortlist of models suited to your needs includes the following:1) Skoda Kylaq: Tough build, punchy engine, fun handling. Rear seat space isn’t ideal for three passengers.2) Mahindra XUV 3XO: Tough build, suspension comfort, strong engines, roomy interior. Boot isn't the largest.3) Tata Punch Turbo: Small dimensions make it suited to hills, and ample power from the turbo engine. Smallest for rear seat passengers4) Citroen C3 Turbo: Great engine, good ride comfort. Feels a bit basic, dealer network isn't the largest.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleTata Punch
VehicleCitroen C3

Posted on: 14 Feb 2026