Hi, I’m a beginner driver about to join driving school (learning manual first). My wife is also a new driver. We plan to buy an automatic car primarily for family convenience with our infant. Could you please advise on the following? Transmission: While IVT/CVTs are smooth and easy in city traffic, do they compromise too much on highway driving fun? Car Recommendations: Which automatic cars within Rs 13-20 lakhs would be best suited for two beginner drivers in terms of city ease, safety, comfort, and occasional highway enjoyment?

autocar.india

•1d

With your running limited to around 150km a week, a petrol car makes more sense than a diesel. Since you are used to the punch of the Swift ZDi’s diesel engine, the Skoda Kylaq or Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic would be worth considering within your Rs. 15 lakh budget. Both offer lively turbo petrol engines and smooth six speed torque converter automatics, making them enjoyable for everyday use as well as occasional longer drives.The Kylaq is better suited to weekend trips, thanks to its larger boot, while the 3XO has a wider cabin that makes it the better option if you regularly travel with five people.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•2d

The Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ automatic is the better choice for your usage, even though the Jimny has the stronger emotional appeal. The Jimny’s biggest strength is its off-road ability, which you’re unlikely to use often. In the city, its heavy steering and large number of turns lock to lock can make manoeuvring tiring, while the ride, though impressive for a ladder-frame SUV, still feels lumpier than the Kylaq’s. Its engine is also less suited to relaxed, quick highway overtakes.The Kylaq, on the other hand, fits your Delhi commute and Uttarakhand trips better. Its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol has enough punch for highway driving, the six-speed torque converter automatic is smooth in traffic, and its comfortable ride and agile handling make it enjoyable without being demanding for a new driver. It should also feel more settled on long highway runs.The Jimny will always have that Gypsy connection, and that’s a perfectly valid reason to want one. But buy the Kylaq with your head and heart: it is the more capable everyday companion for the driving you’ll actually do.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

autocar.india

•1d

There is no need to panic or cancel your Škoda Kylaq Classic+ automatic booking purely because of concerns around E100 or higher ethanol blends. The key distinction is between a government policy allowing higher ethanol blends and a mandate requiring every petrol car to run on them. Your concern about EPC warnings and maintenance is understandable, but it is important to establish what fuel the Kylaq's manufacturer officially approves before assuming you will face problems. Skoda confirms that all its BS VI petrol cars sold in India after 1 April 2020 are compatible with E20 fuel, and using E20 will not void the warranty on these cars under its standard warranty terms. The government has also clarified that the recent E100 regulation is for specially designed and certified flex fuel vehicles. It does not require existing cars to switch to E100, and the government said in July 2026 that no decision had been taken to increase the nationwide blend beyond E20.

Skoda Kylaq