I am confused about choosing between the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue for city driving. My monthly usage is around 800 to 900 km. Which SUV and model should I choose? I want an automatic variant. I currently own a 2019 Honda City automatic, which I plan to sell. For highway driving, I have a 2023 Skoda Octavia.

autocar.india

•12h

The Hyundai Venue Diesel is the better choice for this usage. With an annual running of around 15,000km, split between 60 percent city and 40 percent highway, a diesel is well-suited to the driving pattern. It will deliver excellent fuel efficiency on long highway drives while remaining refined and easy to drive in the city.For a first-time buyer planning to keep the car for around 10 years, the Venue also makes a strong ownership case. Hyundai has a widespread service network, the 1.5-litre diesel is a proven engine, and the Venue's compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre in traffic while remaining comfortable enough for family trips.The Kia Sonet HTK+ Diesel uses the same engine and is a capable alternative. However, the Sonet is expected to be replaced next year, whereas the Venue is the newer product, making it the more sensible long-term buy. The Maruti Brezza ZXi continues to be an excellent petrol SUV with lower maintenance costs, but for your annual running and highway usage, the diesel Venue is better aligned with your requirements and will be more fuel efficient on longer journeys.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

autocar.india

•1d

We'd recommend the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ Manual. If driving pleasure is your top priority, the Kylaq remains the more rewarding car. In our comparison, it stood out as the best driver's car in the segment, with sharp steering, a well-balanced chassis and an excellent ride and handling combination. This Skoda car's front seats are also among the most supportive in the class, making it a great companion for long drives.The Hyundai Venue has, however, made a big leap forward. Its cabin is a noticeable improvement over the previous model, rear seat space is much better, and it now feels like a far more rounded SUV. In fact, it emerged as the overall winner in our comparison because it doesn't have any major weaknesses. It may not be the most exciting car to drive, but it does everything very well, from comfort and practicality to features and everyday usability.The decision, therefore, comes down to your priorities. If you enjoy driving and want a more engaging car, the Kylaq is still our pick. If you're looking for the most well-rounded package with a more premium cabin and better all-around usability, the Venue makes a very strong case.Since you've already driven both and liked them, we'd suggest taking your family along for one final test drive. If your heart still says Kylaq, then go with it. If your head says Venue, you won't be disappointed either, as it is currently one of the most complete compact SUVs on sale.

Skoda Kylaq

Hyundai Venue

autocar.india

•32m

Go for the Kia Seltos Petrol IVT if it fits your budget, with the Hyundai Creta Petrol CVT as an equally good alternative if you prefer its styling or have a better local dealer. With a running of just 10 to 15km a day and predominantly city driving, a petrol automatic is the most sensible choice. A strong hybrid like the Victoris will save some fuel in traffic, but at this mileage, it will take a long time to recover its higher purchase price. The MG Windsor also doesn't make financial sense unless you have reliable home charging and specifically want to switch to an EV.The Seltos and Creta offer a very polished ownership experience with smooth, naturally aspirated petrol engines and reliable automatic gearboxes that are well-suited to stop-start traffic. They also have widespread service networks, good resale value and are likely to be easier and cheaper to own over the long term than newer alternatives.Since you don't want a sunroof but do want an automatic and a 360-degree camera, look at the variant lineup carefully, as these features are often bundled together.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

MG Windsor