I want to buy a diesel-powered compact SUV with an automatic transmission and good mileage. My budget is about ₹12 lakhs, and one of the options I am considering is the Tata Nexon Diesel AMT. Kindly suggest.

Autocar India

•1m

The Tata Nexon is a good option to consider. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is quite efficient, and the AMT gearbox is smooth enough for city use. The Nexon is also a very safe car, with a 5-star Global NCAP rating.

What is also segment-best on the Nexon is the ride comfort. The suspension is tuned well for our roads, and it feels confident over bad patches. The feature list is extensive too, with ventilated seats, sunroof, a large and high-resolution touchscreen and a 360-degree camera.

Another car you can consider is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The diesel engine is very strong and more refined, and the AMT gearbox is smooth. The XUV 3XO is also very safe, with a 5-star Global NCAP rating. The rear seat is more spacious than the Nexon's, but the boot is smaller.

However, out of the two, it is a nicer SUV to drive, but not as good in terms of fuel efficiency. If the economy is the top priority, the Nexon is the one to go for.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Nexon

from ₹8.32 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.37 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Lalit abrol

•3d

I own a 2016 Hyundai Creta diesel and a 2025 Carens Clavis diesel. It is now time to replace the Creta. Please suggest a good 5-seater, excluding Hyundai and Kia. I want a petrol automatic with all the latest features. My budget is ₹15 lakhs.

Autocar India

•1d

Given your requirements, you should consider the Skoda Kylaq. It comes with a punch 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that's paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Kylaq also comes feature-loaded with equipment such as a 10-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, a wireless charger and much more.The Skoda SUV has also received a full, 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP. However, the Kylaq is a bit short on space in the rear for three adults, and it misses out on ADAS features. If you want a more spacious cabin and ADAS, consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Trevor de Nate

•2d

I’m planning to purchase a petrol automatic SUV in the ₹15 – 20 lakh (on-road) price range and would really appreciate your guidance. Here’s what I’m looking for: Best possible real-world fuel mileage in bumper-to-bumper city traffic — this is very important since I drive mostly in the city. And on good weekend of a month for highway or outtoors Automatic transmission that feels smooth and stress-free in traffic jams (not jerky). Long-term ownership focus — I plan to keep this car for several years, so I want: High safety (good crash ratings and safety features) Strong reliability and durability Low maintenance costs Good after-sales support and service network in Karnataka SUV models I’m considering: Hyundai Creta (automatic petrol) Kia Seltos (automatic petrol) Tata Nexon (automatic petrol) Hyundai Venue / Venue N Line (automatic petrol) Skoda Kushaq (automatic petrol) Mahindra XUV700 (automatic petrol — if it fits the budget) If you’ve driven these in city conditions, or own one, please let me know: How is the actual mileage in city traffic? How comfortable and smooth is the automatic transmission in stop-and-go traffic? Any issues with maintenance, reliability, or service costs you experienced? Which variant (mid / top) offers the best value for long-term ownership? Also which transmission to go for TC, DCT, AMT, IVT, AT

Autocar India

•2d

You have a wide choice of cars, but based on your requirements, we would suggest going for the new Kia Seltos.Within the Seltos range, the 1.5 litre IVT automatic in the HTX variant fits within your budget and offers a very good mix of premium and essential features. It meets almost all your requirements. The 1.5 litre naturally aspirated engine is refined, and the IVT gearbox is silky smooth, especially at low speeds, which makes it extremely easy to drive in stop go city traffic. It also has enough performance for weekend highway use and, while fuel efficiency is not phenomenal, it should consistently return better figures than the turbo petrol options you have shortlisted. The newer generation Seltos has also grown in size, interior space and overall cabin quality, which is now among the best in the segment. Ride quality has improved significantly too, and it feels comfortable both in the city and on the highway.The Tata Nexon and the new Hyundai Venue are good options, but their turbo petrol engines paired with DCT gearboxes are not as smooth as the Seltos’ IVT. The Seltos is also a size larger, more comfortable and feels more premium overall. The same applies to the turbo petrol powered Skoda Kushaq, which again will not feel as smooth as the Seltos in daily use. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is another size up and, while its 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine is powerful and smooth, the larger size makes it less easy to drive in the city and fuel efficiency will be much lower. Within your budget, the AX3 variant just about fits, but it misses out on several features that the Seltos offers.The Hyundai Creta is also a good option and uses the same engine and gearbox as the Seltos. However, it is expected to be replaced early next year and, compared to the Seltos, it is smaller, less spacious, offers fewer features and is similarly priced. Because it is nearing replacement, the current model will also age quicker. That said, if you are getting a strong deal on the Creta, it is still worth considering.Another car you should look at is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Strong Hybrid. It meets most of your requirements and will be even smoother to drive at low speeds, as it runs on electric power for a large part of city driving. Being a Maruti Suzuki, reliability and after sales support are strong points. It has also scored a 5 star BNCAP rating, and as a hybrid, fuel efficiency is exceptional. In fact, you can expect close to double the mileage of most of the cars you have shortlisted.A few things to note, however: the Victoris is not as spacious as the Seltos, especially in the rear seat, and boot space is compromised due to the hybrid battery pack under the boot floor.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Tata Nexon

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kushaq facelift

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahesh kumar

•4d

I sold my swift . And now looking for family car (4 person) . I am a police officer, posting in different terrains ( mountain, plains) uttrakhand, office work via highway. Want a diesel engine car on the budget of 10 -12 lac .

Autocar India

•2d

The car you can consider is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Its diesel powertrain is one of the smoothest and most refined in the segment, performs well, offers a plush low speed ride, and feels planted at higher speeds. It has also secured a 5 star crash test rating.The MX3 variant should fit within your budget. While it isn’t the most feature rich trim, it does get a decent level of equipment and doesn’t feel bare bones.

Mahindra XUV 3XO