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Smita

7w

I want to buy an automatic sub-4-metre SUV with a budget not exceeding ₹13 lakh on-road. I will be using it occasionally during weekends or for outstation trips, so safety and comfort are my top priorities. I am confused between the XUV 3XO, Brezza, Nexon, and Venue. Please suggest the best option and the variant to go for.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7w
All the cars you have shortlisted are good options, but you should take a closer look at the Mahindra XUV 3XO. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin that can seat 5 adults, and it has also received a full 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is equipped with two turbo-petrols and one diesel engine option, all of which can be had with an automatic gearbox. Since your usage isn't high, go for the 1.2-litre MPFi turbo-petrol version with the 6-speed torque converter automatic. Go for the AX5 variant, which costs around Rs 13.3 lakh on-road, and comes with features like a sunroof, cruise control, 360-degree parking camera, auto climate control, electronic parking brake and much more.  
Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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Prasanth

2d

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
5h

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.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHyundai Venue
VI

Vignesh

2d

Recently, I sold my 2012 i20 Magna, which I bought 4 years ago. Fixed my budget to 5 lakhs and looked for a car in second hand market. Then my friends and relatives suggested me to go for a new car. I didn't get any for my budget. So, I increased my budget to 8 lakhs. I've shortlisted Exter, Punch, Magnite and Citroen. First, I visited the TATA showroom. I'm 6'1" tall, and my legs were colliding with the steering wheel, and it was the same with the Altroz. I was shown Nexon, which is more than 10 lakhs, so I went for my other choices. Next, I visited Hyundai, I checked the i20 and the Exter. Same issue with the i20, and I was comfortable with the Exter. So I did not check Nissan and Citroen. The showroom I visited did not offer a Test drive, but the other showroom (PeeYesYem) I enquired offered a test drive and followed up. Then I searched for Cons in Exter, the main thing that can be found on the internet is rear suspension and Body roll. So I waited, then came 3XO into the picture and I seems worth for money. I picked 3XO RevX M, and I visited 3 showrooms, but none of them offered a test drive. Initially, they will ask for arranging the test drive, and then they will arrange it. They don't follow up. One of the showrooms I visited twice, and asked for a test drive. Still, they didn't provide. I gave feedback on the official website as well still no response. The attitude is very poor from the Mahindra sales team across the showroom, so I took a step back. My mind is stuck between Exter SX and 3XO RevXM. Can you please suggest one from above or any other car around 10L? Requirement: Mileage and Value for money. Want to hold for the long term. Thanks a lot!!!

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
9m

Between your two choices, the Mahindra XUV 3XO offers more for your money. It sits a segment above the Hyundai Exter and therefore has more interior space. That said, only go ahead with the Mahindra if the showroom is willing to offer a proper test drive.In terms of the powertrain, the XUV 3XO’s turbo-petrol engine offers stronger performance than the Exter’s naturally aspirated unit, while ride and handling are also superior. While you will be giving up some creature comforts compared to the Hyundai, such as a dashcam and keyless entry, the XUV 3XO is still very well equipped for the price. In our real-world tests, the XUV 3XO managed 10.4kpl in the city and 14.9kpl on the highway, which is actually better than what we recorded in the Exter.What you do give up is boot space. Despite its larger size, the XUV 3XO actually has a smaller boot than the Exter. If that is a concern, then consider the Kia Sonet HTK 1.2-litre petrol MT instead.On the test drive, check if the clutch and shifter action are to your liking, and whether performance and refinement meet your expectations.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHyundai Exter
VehicleKia Sonet
DR

Debjyoti Roy

5d

I am looking for an automatic car for a daily 60 km office commute in peak Kolkata traffic. I need an effortless driving experience, with adequate power for quick overtakes, even when the car is fully loaded. The yearly maintenance cost should be around ₹15,000. My budget is within ₹10 lakh, which can be extended up to ₹12 lakh. Note: ChatGPT suggested the Mahindra XUV 3XO TC.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

The Mahindra XUV 3XO in the MX2 Pro fits the brief very well. It gets a powerful 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, and the 6-speed automatic is smooth, which makes stop-go driving easy and stress-free. It is also one of the most spacious cars in the segment, and its wide cabin makes it a proper 5-seater, so even when fully loaded, it remains comfortable and does not feel strained.Another good option, and a more affordable one, is the Skoda Kylaq automatic in the Classic+ variant. It comes with a strong 1.0 turbo petrol engine paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque converter transmission. While it is not as spacious as the 3XO, it feels noticeably smaller to drive, which makes it easier to manage in tight traffic conditions. It also offers a comfortable ride and has a larger boot than the 3XO. Despite being more affordable, it also offers useful features like auto-dimming IRVM and cruise control.Between the two, if your priority is effortless performance and space, the 3XO is the better fit. If you want something easier to drive in the city with better value and practicality, the Kylaq makes a strong case.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleSkoda Kylaq

Posted on: 8 Feb 2026