My budget is 14 lakhs, and running is 100km per week (50% highway and 50% Traffic). I prefer feature and performance equally. I am confused which SUV or hatchback with a naturally aspirated engine and low maintenance to opt for? Please suggest a low-maintenance turbo engine option, if any. Kindly provide the best options.

Autocar India

•16m

Go for the Hyundai Venue 1.2-litre MT in HX6T trim. It has the naturally aspirated engine and low maintenance you are looking for, and is very well-equipped for its segment. Your 5,200 km/year running suits a simple NA engine; you avoid turbo complexity while still getting adequate performance for a 50:50 city/highway mix. For everyday use, the NA engine is silent and refined, with good throttle response. The new Venue’s cabin also looks and feels premium, and the space has improved compared to the previous generation.

The one thing you give up is outright punch. Quick overtakes above 80kph may need a downshift, whereas small turbo engines feel stronger here. If you find pick-up lacking, then try the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, which has a lot more power and will make highway journeys easier.

On the test drive, check second-gear crawl over speed breakers, in-gear pick-up and highway cruising ability.

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Abhishek Sinha

•4d

I want to buy an automatic transmission car for Bangalore traffic, as it is quite bumper-to-bumper driving. My daily commute is 40Km. I need a car that offers good mileage and performance in city traffic. If it's diesel, it would be better. A SUV or something else. My budget is between 12 lakh and 13 lakh.

Autocar India

•1d

Since your preference is for a diesel, the Hyundai Venue diesel AT in the HX5 trim is a good fit for your requirements and fits within your budget.Your 40km daily commute means a smooth torque-converter automatic like the Venue’s 6-speed unit is ideal. Its diesel engine is very refined and barely audible below 2,000rpm. While throttle response is a bit dull, overall performance is adequate, and it makes for a relaxed highway cruiser. Moreover, its compact dimensions make it easy to drive in Bengaluru’s bumper-to-bumper traffic, and the cabin is a comfortable place to spend time.If you are open to a petrol, also consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Boosterjet and the Skoda Kylaq, both of which come with 6-speed torque-converter automatics.During the test drive, spend some time in stop-and-go traffic. Feel for creep in Drive without throttle, check for jerkiness, assess pick-up, and monitor cabin noise.

Prasanth

Hi, I am planning to buy a new car. I prefer SUV style. I have test-driven the 3XO, Nexon, Creta, Kushaq, Kylaq, Brezza, and Taisor. I love the handling of the 3XO diesel. The Creta is a good car, but the base diesel variant is around ₹15 lakh, and a facelift is expected. The Kushaq has good handling, but the engine and tyre noise are annoying. So what should I choose? I am planning for the 3XO MX3 diesel, which is around ₹12 lakh. Your suggestions? For me, good mileage, handling, reliability, and safety are important.

Autocar India

•1d

The XUV 3XO MX3 diesel is a solid choice at Rs 12 lakh. As you pointed out, the handling of the Mahindra XUV 3XO is among the best in its class, and the engine delivers punchy performance along with good fuel efficiency. It has a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, so it meets your requirements on that front as well. Mahindra has also done well to make the cabin feel premium, though the layout is starting to show its age. The cabin is comfortable, particularly in the rear seat, but boot space is less than what some rivals offer.If you would like a more modern interior and a bigger boot, then the Hyundai Venue diesel HX5 is a good alternative. It is not as engaging to drive as the Mahindra car, but its diesel engine is very refined, and if you are considering an automatic, it uses a smoother torque-converter unit.Test drive both cars and assess ride comfort, handling and engine responsiveness.

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Atul Rajput

•5d

Between the Hyundai Venue and Honda Elevate, which car is good for a city drive?

Autocar India

•2d

Pick the Hyundai Venue turbo petrol-DCT. Its 3995 mm footprint, light steering, and automatic gearbox make tight city traffic, U‑turns, and parking simpler than the larger Elevate.For city use, a smaller size is the biggest win. The Hyundai Venue is about 317 mm shorter than the Elevate (3995 mm vs ~4312 mm), so squeezing into gaps, basement ramps, and narrow parking slots is easier. The DCT automatic is convenient in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic, and the Venue's lighter controls mean it's easier to drive in the city and to park.The one thing you give up is rear space and boot volume. The Elevate’s longer body (about 300+ mm) seats three adults and carries weekend luggage more comfortably. If you regularly carry 4-5 adults or prefer a very smooth CVT feel over quick shifts, consider the Honda Elevate V CVT instead.

Hyundai Venue

Honda Elevate

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