I am planning to buy a sub-4m SUV and have shortlisted the Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus Automatic and Hyundai Venue HX5 Diesel Automatic. My annual running is expected to be around 16,000 to 18,000 km, including approximately 12,000 km of highway driving. From an economic point of view, I am slightly concerned about the Kylaq’s real-world petrol mileage, especially given the high amount of highway running. I am also concerned about the long-term implications of E20 petrol and whether it could lead to any issues in the future. On the other hand, I have concerns about buying a diesel due to the possibility of future government restrictions and the uncertainty around long-term diesel ownership. Considering these factors, I would appreciate your advice on which of the two would be the better choice for at least eight years of ownership.

autocar.india

•1h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol. It is the better fit for your requirements. The 1.5L NA engine is smooth, refined and delivers linear power, which makes it easy to drive in the city, comfortable on highways and predictable on hill roads. It has enough torque to handle inclines without feeling strained, and you do not have to worry about turbo lag or the need to downshift aggressively on steep sections.The Hyundai Venue 1.0L turbo is a punchy engine and feels more energetic when pushed, but it does have some turbo lag at low speeds and requires more gear changes on hills. It is also a smaller three-cylinder engine, so it is not as refined as the Brezza’s four-cylinder unit. In terms of reliability and maintenance, Maruti has the edge with a simpler naturally aspirated engine and a wider service network.Real-world mileage will depend on driving style, but the Brezza should deliver slightly better consistency, especially on highways and hills, while the Venue turbo can be more efficient if driven gently in the city. Overall, the Brezza is the more dependable and easier-to-live-with choice for your usage pattern.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Venue

autocar.india

•20h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol. It offers the most rear-seat space in the segment, a wide cabin, and a genuinely comfortable back seat, which is exactly what you are looking for. The Hyundai Venue is a good car, but its rear seat is not as spacious or as comfortable as the 3XO's. In terms of performance, both the 3XO and Venue turbo petrols are strong, but the 3XO's 1.2 turbo petrol is punchy and well suited to both city and highway driving.On the diesel versus petrol question, it really comes down to your running. If your annual mileage is below 15,000 km, the petrol makes more sense. Modern turbo petrols aren't as fuel efficient as naturally aspirated engines, but the difference isn't huge unless you are doing very high mileage. The diesel is only worth considering if you do a lot of highway driving and your annual running is high enough to justify the higher upfront cost.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Hyundai Venue

autocar.india

•1h

The Hyundai i20 N Line N8 MT is actually a very good choice for your requirements. Since this is your first car, you want something that is easy to drive, reliable and confidence-inspiring, and the i20 N Line fits that brief well. The turbo petrol engine is punchy and refined, and the manual gearbox is smooth and easy to operate, which makes it a great car for both city driving and highway runs. The N Line also adds a bit of sportiness and character without compromising on everyday usability.Given your low running and predominantly highway usage, the manual makes more sense than the DCT. The Hyundai Venue DCT is a good car, but the i20 N Line feels more special to drive.

Hyundai i20

Hyundai Venue