I'm looking to buy my first car, and my primary usage will be in the city. My budget is a maximum of Rs. 16 lakh. I'm confused between the Venue HX 6 DCT, Kylaq Signature Plus AT, and the Mahindra 3XO. Can you suggest which one would be the best in terms of performance, features, and price?

Autocar India

•1d

Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI+ AT fits your list better. In daily use, it will return much better mileage than the Mahindra XUV 3XO turbo automatic, especially in city traffic where the Maruti’s 1.5 and mild-hybrid tune are kinder on fuel. Its steering is lighter and smoother at low speeds, so parking and tight lanes feel easier. And over years, Maruti service and parts usually work out cheaper, so maintenance is friendlier on the wallet.You will get a 360 camera in these trims, so that box is ticked either way.The one reason to pick the XUV 3XO AX5L AT is if you value stronger performance for highway overtakes and a more tech feel. The Mahindra’s turbo motor and the automatic feel livelier, but you pay at the pump.If your priority stack is mileage, low upkeep and an easy, smooth steer, go Brezza. If you want punch and features first, go 3XO.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•1d

Since your priority is a good ride for your EV, pick the Hyundai Creta Electric. The suspension is stiffer than the ICE version’s to support the extra weight, but remarkably, it doesn’t translate into a crashy or uncomfortable ride experience. You can feel some firmness at low speeds, but road shocks are still well in check, and what’s nice is that the stiffness has eliminated unnecessary (secondary) body movements, and even at highway speeds, the Creta Electric doesn’t lose its composure. If a pure cushy feel is your only goal, then the Citroen eC3 rides even softer, but it’s smaller, slower and not as settled at higher speeds as the Creta. As for your ICE vehicle, we would recommend you look at the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which offers very good damping, so it stays composed on craters and doesn’t float when you’re quick over bad patches. Steering and stability inspire more confidence than most small SUVs in this price. The trade-off is size - cabin and boot are smaller than your Creta.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Citroen eC3

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•18h

Pick the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor S+ Petrol MT. It sits under your Rs. 12 lakh budget, is fuel efficient, and its easy, no-fuss nature suits low usage and first-time ownership. The simple 1.2 engine is reliable, cheap to maintain and efficient in the city, and the higher seating with good ground clearance makes it family-friendly without feeling big or heavy to drive. It is also easier on the wallet and comes backed by Toyota's widespread service network.The only catch is that it is not as powerful or as solid-feeling as a Skoda Kylaq, which is the alternative you should consider. The Kylaq is more enjoyable to drive, and it comes with a 5-star crash safety rating, but it won't be as fuel efficient or as affordable to maintain as the Toyota Taisor. For your budget and light running, though, the Taisor is the smart pick.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Skoda Kylaq