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    I want to buy a sub-compact SUV for a family of four. It will be used mostly for office commute and occasional weekend trips. I prioritise comfort and fuel efficiency. My on-road budget in Himachal is ₹11–12 lakh. I’m torn between the Kia Sonet Turbo IMT HTK+ (O) and the Tata Nexon Diesel AMT Pure Plus. With an extra ₹1 lakh, I can get the Aircross X top model with an automatic gearbox. Which one should I buy?

    Asked by: Arvind Thakur

    If you are open to the Citroen car brand, you could consider the C3X Turbo AT (if you don't want to stretch your budget for the Aircross X). Its turbo engine is punchy, ride comfort is outstanding, and it will give you good confidence while driving in the hills, too. 

    The Kia Sonet interior quality will be better than the C3's; however, the iMT isn't as convenient as traditional automatic units. Instead, you could consider the Mahindra XUV3XO 1.2 MX3 Turbo AT, for its punchier engine and smooth automatic transmission.

    Answered by img img Autocar India Team img Nov 20, 2025
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