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Ankit Wagadre

•1w

I’m planning to buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic, but I’m confused between the TCMPFi and TGDi engine options. My usage is low, with about 50% city driving (Pune traffic) and 50% highway. I also take 2–3 long trips each year. Could you suggest which engine would be better overall in terms of reliability, mileage, and maintenance costs?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2m
If your usage is relatively low and evenly split between city driving in Pune and occasional highway runs, the TCMPFi engine in the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic should suit you perfectly well.
For everyday driving, the MPFi (indirect injection) turbo petrol offers smooth, easy performance that’s more than adequate for both city commutes and relaxed highway cruising. It may not have the outright punch of the TGDi, but in real-world conditions, especially in stop-and-go traffic, it feels progressive and easy to manage. For most drivers, it delivers more than enough performance for overtaking and long trips a few times a year.
From a long-term ownership perspective, the TCMPFi is also the simpler engine. With fewer complexities than a direct-injection TGDi unit, it can potentially mean slightly lower maintenance costs and less to worry about over time, particularly if you’re not clocking very high annual kilometres. It’s also usually priced a bit more attractively, which improves overall value.
The TGDi makes sense if you really enjoy strong acceleration and want that extra mid-range punch, or if you frequently drive fully loaded on highways. But given your described usage and focus on reliability and ownership costs, the TCMPFi automatic would be the more sensible and well-rounded choice.
Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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Deepak

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Hi, I am from Akola. I previously owned a Ritz VDi and am now planning to buy a new sub-4 metre car. My city usage is very limited, and most of my driving would be on the highway. There is no fixed monthly running, but annually it would be around 10,000-12,000 km. I am considering the Venue Diesel AT.

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The Hyundai Venue diesel AT is not a bad option. It's spacious, comfortable, well-equipped and packed with the latest tech. Above all else, it is smooth and surprisingly refined, which bodes well for all driving conditions.However, perhaps its only shortcoming is a lack of punch, which, considering the majority of your driving is on the highway, could be an annoyance. Test drive the Venue diesel AT and see if you find it satisfactory, but an alternative is the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel. It's a far punchier engine, which is great on the highway, and besides that, it has class-leading cabin space and excellent comfort. However, if you're after an automatic, its AMT is nowhere near as smooth as the Venue's AT, so bear that in mind.

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Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT vs Skoda Kyalq AT - which one should I go for? We are a family of 4-5 people and often go on outings with luggage. Also, for an enthusiast, which one would be better for long drives when comparing both at the same price point?

Autocar India team

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•21h

Between the Kia Sonet and the Skoda Kylaq, the Kylaq is the better choice for you, especially if driving enjoyment and long-distance comfort matter. It is the nicer car to drive, has a more comfortable ride on highways and feels excellent value for money. The Sonet is still a good all-round compact SUV, but it is not as engaging to drive as the Skoda Kylaq, particularly in terms of handling. Another factor to keep in mind is that the Sonet is expected to be replaced in about a year. It means there is a chance it could start feeling dated sooner than you would like. The rear seat on the Sonet is also on the tighter side.Since you have mentioned that there will be occasions when five people travel together with luggage. It is important to note that both the Kylaq and the Kia Sonet are relatively narrow cars and are most comfortable as four-seaters on long trips. If proper five-seat comfort is a priority, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong alternative. Its wider body allows it to accommodate five adults in better comfort. It is also a fun car to drive thanks to its punchy 1.2 turbo petrol engine and well-sorted suspension.

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Arnav

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Hello sir, I currently own a 2019 Ford EcoSport Thunder Edition diesel (BS4). I want to ask whether I should keep it until the next decade or replace it sooner. My daily running is very low and it will mainly be used for long road trips. If I should replace it, what cars should I consider in the compact SUV segment? Please help. I like its quirks and performance.

Autocar India team

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Given your low daily running and usage largely limited to long road trips, it makes a lot of sense to keep your Ford EcoSport diesel if it is running fine. It is a car you clearly enjoy, its performance still holds up well, and for highway use, the diesel remains efficient and relaxed. There is also no urgency to replace it purely due to age, so holding on till the next decade is perfectly sensible.If you decided to replace it, and are specifically looking at compact SUVs, two strong options to consider are the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The Kylaq is great to drive, feels comfortable on long journeys and is spacious enough for four adults. It is also being very well priced for what it offers. Its main limitation is the narrow body, which makes it more of a strict four-seater rather than a true five-seater. The XUV 3XO, on the other hand, offers a wide cabin and a genuinely spacious interior, making it a better option if you often travel with five people. Its punchy 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine makes it enjoyable to drive, though fuel efficiency will be on the lower side. The boot is the smallest in the segment in terms of usable space.

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Posted on: 21 Feb 2026