I am planning to buy a new sub-compact SUV. My preferences are the Skoda Kylaq Signature and the Kia Sonet HTK Plus 1.2 petrol NA. I am a new driver, and my monthly driving is about 500 km. Please suggest which one I should go for, and also advise on service, maintenance, and spare parts availability in the future.

Autocar India

•7w

Between the two compact SUVs, the Skoda Kylaq would be a better choice. It is a nicer car to drive and is stronger in important areas like performance. It gets a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, a slick 6-speed manual gearbox, and compact dimensions that make it easy to drive in the city.

The feature list is a mixed bag. The Kylaq gets cruise control, tilt-and-telescopic steering adjustment, and LED headlamps, but misses out on automatic climate control, front parking sensors, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Ride comfort is better in the Kylaq, and rear-seat space is slightly better as well.

Overall, the Kylaq is the better option and our recommendation. Both SUVs are futureproof for spares and service, and that should not be a concern.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.92 Lakh

HP SINGH

•6w

Sonet automatic is better

Recommended questions for you

Abhishek Sinha

•2d

I want to buy an automatic transmission car for Bangalore traffic, as it is quite bumper-to-bumper driving. My daily commute is 40Km. I need a car that offers good mileage and performance in city traffic. If it's diesel, it would be better. A SUV or something else. My budget is between 12 lakh and 13 lakh.

Autocar India

•5h

Since your preference is for a diesel, the Hyundai Venue diesel AT in the HX5 trim is a good fit for your requirements and fits within your budget.Your 40km daily commute means a smooth torque-converter automatic like the Venue’s 6-speed unit is ideal. Its diesel engine is very refined and barely audible below 2,000rpm. While throttle response is a bit dull, overall performance is adequate, and it makes for a relaxed highway cruiser. Moreover, its compact dimensions make it easy to drive in Bengaluru’s bumper-to-bumper traffic, and the cabin is a comfortable place to spend time.If you are open to a petrol, also consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Boosterjet and the Skoda Kylaq, both of which come with 6-speed torque-converter automatics.During the test drive, spend some time in stop-and-go traffic. Feel for creep in Drive without throttle, check for jerkiness, assess pick-up, and monitor cabin noise.

Selva

Hi, I am looking to buy a family car with an automatic transmission. My usage will be around 90% on highways and 10% on rough or off-road conditions, and it should be comfortable for adult passengers. I am considering the Skoda Kylaq AT with a budget of ₹15 lakh and expect good mileage. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•2d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT; at your Rs 15 lakh budget, it balances excellent highway stability, 189mm of ground clearance for mild off-road use, and supportive seats for adults.With 90 percent highway driving, the Kylaq feels secure and planted, while its five-star Bharat NCAP rating adds peace of mind. The seats are comfortable and supportive for longer journeys, though you might find rear legroom a bit tight for taller folks. In our real-world testing, the 1.0 TSI AT managed 8.7kpl in the city and 13.36kpl on the highway.The one trade-off is outright boot space; at 360 litres, it is a bit smaller than rivals, so carrying five adults with large bags will be tight.If you regularly carry five adults along with large luggage, consider the Kia Seltos IVT instead; its 433-litre boot and slightly wider rear seat make packing and seating easier.On your test drive, seat two adults in the rear and do a 60-80kph run over patchy roads to assess ride comfort, cabin noise and stability.

Skoda Kylaq

Debjyoti Roy

•5d

I am looking for an automatic car for a daily 60 km office commute in peak Kolkata traffic. I need an effortless driving experience, with adequate power for quick overtakes, even when the car is fully loaded. The yearly maintenance cost should be around ₹15,000. My budget is within ₹10 lakh, which can be extended up to ₹12 lakh. Note: ChatGPT suggested the Mahindra XUV 3XO TC.

Autocar India

•2d

The Mahindra XUV 3XO in the MX2 Pro fits the brief very well. It gets a powerful 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, and the 6-speed automatic is smooth, which makes stop-go driving easy and stress-free. It is also one of the most spacious cars in the segment, and its wide cabin makes it a proper 5-seater, so even when fully loaded, it remains comfortable and does not feel strained.Another good option, and a more affordable one, is the Skoda Kylaq automatic in the Classic+ variant. It comes with a strong 1.0 turbo petrol engine paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque converter transmission. While it is not as spacious as the 3XO, it feels noticeably smaller to drive, which makes it easier to manage in tight traffic conditions. It also offers a comfortable ride and has a larger boot than the 3XO. Despite being more affordable, it also offers useful features like auto-dimming IRVM and cruise control.Between the two, if your priority is effortless performance and space, the 3XO is the better fit. If you want something easier to drive in the city with better value and practicality, the Kylaq makes a strong case.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

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