I am planning to buy a new sub-4-metre SUV with a strict budget of ₹15-16 lakh (on-road). I prefer a petrol automatic with a proper automatic gearbox (no AMT). My shortlisted options are the Hyundai Venue HX8, Mahindra XUV 3XO (AX7/AX5 L), Kia Sonet GTX Plus, and Tata Nexon Fearless Plus. I currently own a Ford EcoSport and would prefer a driving experience similar to that. Please advise.

Autocar India

•9w

We would first recommend that you check out the Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT, which would be the ideal replacement for your Ford EcoSport. Like the EcoSport, the Kylaq is an entertaining car to drive, with slick handling being a highlight. The 1-litre turbo-petrol engine of this Skoda car is punchy too, and the gearbox is also smooth. All in all, the Kylaq delivers a very enjoyable driving experience that you are sure to appreciate. Do note, while the Kylaq is well equipped, it does miss some frills that you get on rival models of the same price.

From your shortlisted options, it's the Mahindra XUV 3XO that we'd recommend. Again, the engine, gearbox, and handling make the 3XO a fun-to-drive compact SUV. Among the variants, the AX7 gets you niceties like larger rims, leatherette upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof, among other features. The AX5 L variant, on the other hand, gets ADAS features which can be a lifesaver. However, in our experience, the ADAS features are best put to use on highway journeys. If you drive on highways often, the AX5 L would be the right pick for you.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.62 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.37 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Mouli

•1d

I am unable to decide between the Honda Amaze ZX CVT, Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite, and Skoda Kylaq Signature. My budget is ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom). I am primarily looking for a car with a good automatic transmission and comfortable interiors. My driving will be around 60% in the city and occasional highway trips, and my monthly running is less than 800 km. Which of these cars would you recommend?

Autocar India

•47m

We would suggest looking at the Skoda Kylaq. It offers a comfortable ride, has good space for four adults, and the torque converter automatic transmission is smooth and easy to drive in the city. Its compact dimensions also make it convenient to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.If seating five adults regularly is important, the Mahindra XUV 3XO makes more sense thanks to its wider cabin. It also offers a comfortable ride and a smooth torque converter automatic. The only drawback is the relatively small boot space.The Honda Amaze would otherwise have been a good choice thanks to its smooth CVT transmission, which works very well in city traffic. However, the ride quality is not the most comfortable compared to some of the other options you are considering.The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Exter are offered with AMT gearboxes, which are not as smooth or sophisticated as the torque converter or CVT automatic options available in some of the other cars on your list. AMTs tend to feel jerky during gear shifts, especially in slow-moving traffic.

Skoda Kylaq

Shubh

•2d

Hi everyone, I’m planning to buy a compact SUV automatic for city driving in Delhi NCR with occasional highway trips. I’m confused between the Mahindra XUV 3XO TGDi AT and the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. My priorities are: smooth automatic for traffic, good ride comfort for NCR roads, reliable ownership and reasonable maintenance, and decent mileage. Would love to hear feedback from owners or experts on which would be the better long-term choice.

Autocar India

•22h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. In Delhi traffic, it's automatic is very smooth, and the ride is mature on broken roads, and although not as supple as the Mahindra XUV 3XO, it is not a sore point. The 6-speed torque converter is known to be reliable and futureproof, as most torque converters are.For your stop‑and-go NCR commute, the Kylaq's calibration makes creeping and low‑speed shifts feel natural, reducing head‑nod in queues. You’ll also appreciate the 446‑litre boot on occasional highway trips. Ownership is predictable with 15,000 km/1‑year service intervals, and you can add an extended warranty (up to 6 years; confirm coverage in your city). Expect roughly 9kpl in Delhi traffic and 13kpl on relaxed highway runs at 90-100kph.The one thing you give up is the XUV 3XO TGDi’s stronger low‑end punch and overall power; the Kylaq AT feels calmer off the line and asks for kickdown for quick overtakes.If you prioritise a punchier engine and more rear seat space, consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 TGDi AT instead, but if that is not a high priority, the Kylaq is more enjoyable to drive.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Sanjay Sharma

•5d

Hi sir, I am looking to buy a new car, approximately under ₹11 lakh and am confused between the Kia Sonet HTK Plus and Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus petrol. My running is daily 50 km on the highway. Kindly advise which model and variant I should go for.

Autocar India

•1d

Both cars are good options and would be fine for highway driving; however, between the two, we would recommend you lean towards the Skoda Kylaq, as the Sonet is older and will be updated in about a year or so.On the other hand, the Kylaq is far newer and would thus also get you a much better resale value. At city speeds, the Kylaq's ride is firm; however, stability at speed is very good, as is body control around corners, with good amounts of grip on offer. This is something you would benefit from, given that you drive daily on the highway.

Skoda Kylaq

Kia Sonet

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