Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a compact SUV with an automatic transmission and have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 3XO TGDi Automatic and the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ Automatic. However, I am finding it difficult to make a final decision. My usage will be mostly city driving in Delhi NCR, with occasional highway trips, and an annual running of around 14,000-15,000 km. I am looking for a comfortable, reliable, and safe car that is also enjoyable to drive. The XUV 3XO appeals to me for its performance and features, but I have concerns about long-term reliability, mileage, and refinement. The Kylaq, on the other hand, seems strong in build quality, driving dynamics, and refinement, but offers fewer features and is slightly more expensive. Could you please advise which car has the better automatic gearbox for city use, how they compare in real-world mileage, ride comfort on bad roads, and long-term reliability? Which would be the better overall ownership choice for the next 6–8 years?

Autocar India

•4h

Given your requirements, the Tata Nexon DCA is the better option. The Nexon's smaller size will make it easier to drive and park in the city. There's also the convenience of the DCA or dual-clutch automatic, which will really take away much stress from driving. Do note that while the Nexon is a good choice, it's not the best option in the segment. We would recommend you also check out petrol-automatic versions of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Kia Syros, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Skoda Kylaq that offer punchier performance, which you will appreciate on highway drives. You could check out our comprehensive comparison to find the model that will fit your needs best - https://youtu.be/eHhFbfwYADo

Tata Nexon

Hyundai New Venue

Kia Sonet

Kia Syros

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

Autocar India

•7h

We would suggest you go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 1.2 TGDi, preferably with the 6-speed automatic. Given your priorities of reliability and strong engine performance, it is the most satisfying car to drive. The big highlight is the 1.2-litre TGDi turbo-petrol engine that produces 130hp and 230Nm of torque, which is among the strongest outputs in this segment. In comparison, the petrol engine in the Tata Nexon produces around 120hp and 170Nm. That’s roughly 35% more torque in the Mahindra, and you can feel it in everyday driving, especially in the mid-range where overtakes happen. The 3XO simply feels punchier and more effortless when you press the throttle.If you are considering an automatic, the Mahindra again has an advantage. The 3XO uses a 6-speed torque-converter automatic (from Aisin), which tends to be smoother and more durable in heavy traffic and hot conditions, the kind we typically experience in India.The Nexon petrol automatic, on the other hand, uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCA). While dual-clutch gearboxes can shift quickly, they can also feel jerky at low speeds and tend to be less tolerant of stop-and-go traffic over the long term.Another point in favour of the 3XO is that this mStallion turbo petrol engine family has been around for several years, so it’s relatively well understood in the market. Mahindra also offers a 3-year/1,00,000km warranty, which can typically be extended up to 5 or even 7 years, giving additional peace of mind. You should confirm the exact coverage and extension options with the dealer.The main compromise with the 3XO is practicality. Its boot is smaller than the Nexon’s, roughly 360 litres versus about 380 litres in the Nexon. So, if you regularly travel with large luggage, you may have to plan a bit more carefully.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Autocar India

•1d

The Mahindra XUV 3XO will meet your requirements of a car with a peppy engine and good safety. The petrol automatic comes paired with a torque convertor gearbox, which is the smoothest autobox around, and since your driving is mostly in the city, you will really appreciate this.We would recommend the 1.2-litre MPFi turbo engine, which would offer you more than enough pep and a slightly better mileage than the direct injection unit, though bear in mind that on the whole, mileage will still be lower than something like the Brezza, as Mahindra tunes all its engines for a peppy feel.If mileage isn't a priority and you simply want a very peppy and lively drive feel, opt for the direct injection unit. The 3XO will also meet your requirements for safety as it comes well-equipped with 6 airbags and ESP as standard, and has secured a 5-star rating in the BNCAP crash tests.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza