Maruti's hiked prices thrice this year, Tata's just followed with another one. At what point does rising input costs stop being an excuse and just become the new normal for every launch?

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Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature AT. For a new driver with predominantly city use, its 1.0 TSI with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic is smooth and easy to drive, while the compact dimensions make it relatively easy to manage in traffic. It also has a more mature, planted feel on the highway.The Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro AT is the better choice if rear-seat space is the priority. Its cabin is wider and more accommodating for a family of five, and its 1.2 turbo-petrol makes 200Nm, giving it stronger low-end and mid-range performance than the Kylaq.However, the 3XO's boot is also one of its compromises, while the Kylaq offers a better balance of driving dynamics, boot space and highway manners. With your usage potentially becoming 80:20 city/highway, the Kylaq's combination works particularly well.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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Between the two, the Seltos is the better choice, especially if you are looking at the base variant. It feels more premium, is the newer product and offers a more complete package even in its lower variants.The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol makes 115hp and 144Nm. It isn't a particularly powerful engine, but it is smooth and refined and is perfectly adequate for normal city driving.For overtaking, it won't have the punch of the Seltos turbo, but it isn't underpowered either. With a full load and during quick highway overtakes, you may need to plan ahead and use higher revs. The Grand Vitara's 1.5 petrol is also a smooth, simple powertrain, but its performance is more relaxed and the base variant is quite sparsely equipped.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

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With just 3,500km a year, mostly short weekend drives and the occasional 100km highway trip, you need a simple, reliable and low-maintenance car rather than something feature-packed or performance-oriented. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is the best fit here. It is easy to drive, comfortable for city use, and Maruti’s service network and low maintenance costs make it a hassle-free long-term ownership proposition. The Mid variants are well within your Rs. 10 lakh budget, leaving room for a higher variant with better safety features. If you prefer a slightly higher driving position, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a good alternative. It offers the same reliability and low running costs in a compact SUV form factor. Both cars are petrol, which is the right choice for your low annual running, and both are known for their reliability and ease of ownership.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Maruti Suzuki Brezza