70-30% city-highway driving (learned driving recently), automatic, Rs 11-12 lakh ex-showroom budget, moderate road conditions, safety should be good, average monthly running of 800-1,000 km, mainly 4-seater (occasionally 5). I have shortlisted the XUV 3XO AX5 TC 1.2L (TCMPFi) and the Sonet HTX DCT 1.0L (GDi). I am also open to the Sonet iMT, but I have heard mixed reviews about its reliability. Hyundai is not offering it in the new Venue, which adds to the confusion.

Asked by: Akit S

The Mahindra's Turbo-petrol and torque converter (automatic) combination is smoother than the Kia's turbo-petrol and dual-clutch automatic combination. Furthermore, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a well-built, solid car which feels confident at all speeds and even over the worst of road conditions.

It'll also be more comfortable for the occasional fifth passenger. Yes, the touch and feel, as well as the Kia Sonet's interior quality, feels superior to the XUV3XO, but on the whole, it is the Mahindra car that we'd recommend.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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Autocar India Team

Dec 05, 2025

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Asked by: Pendurthi Prasan I own a Dzire petrol car and want to replace it with a new petrol car. Please suggest the best petrol car in the ₹10-12 lakh range. Without knowing your exact requirements, it would be hard to recommend one. If you've had a good experience with your Maruti Dzire, it might be worth considering the new-gen Dzire, which comes feature-packed. It also has received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. Plus, this Maruti car also gets a smooth and efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine that can be had with either a 5-speed manual or AMT auto gearbox options.If you prefer a hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 are good options in this budget. As for compact SUVs, there are a plethora of options available like the Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Skoda Kylaq, Tata Nexon, and more.

Autocar India Team

Dec 05, 2025

Asked by: Dhruv I am from Himachal and currently own a 4th-gen Honda City. It is very comfortable but sometimes hard to manage in the mountains. I am looking to upgrade to a rugged SUV/Jeep. I test-drove the Thar Roxx and loved the go-anywhere feel, but the lack of thigh support at the front is a deal-breaker for me. The Innova HyCross offers ideal comfort for my family and me, but an MPV feels too large for my liking, and I do not need the extra two seats. Please give some recommendations. If you are happy with the Honda experience, you should consider the Elevate. It scores very well on seat comfort and also has other pluses like good ground clearance and a robust build. The suspension can also take quite a beating and is something that you will appreciate, especially on rough roads in the hills. The engine is adequate but doesn’t have the punch of a turbo engine in case.Alternatively, you could wait for the new Renault Duster that will go on sale in early 2026. The Duster is a tough amd hardy crossover, and the new one that will be offered with turbo-petrol engines should also satisfy with performance.

Autocar India Team

Dec 05, 2025

Asked by: Rajkumar My budget is around 12-13 lakh, and my running is 20 km every day and once in three months, outstation. I am looking for a petrol car with good power, ample cabin space and low maintenance cost. Which will be good among these: Mahindra 3XO, Kia Sonet, Brezza, Nexon, and Venue? You should consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO as it meets all your requirements. It falls within your budget, and is equipped with a powerful 131hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox.This Mahindra car also has a spacious cabin which can accommodate three adults at the back, and it's relatively easy to maintain as well.

Autocar India Team

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Asked by: Uzair I have an offer for a 2024 Grand Vitara Sigma with 3,000 km for Rs 12 lakh. When compared to a new Baleno Delta or a new i20 base variant priced at around Rs 8.5 lakh, which should I buy? Finance is not an issue, and running and usage are also not a concern. Should I buy the used Grand Vitara or a new Baleno/i20? Kindly advise. The on-road price of a brand new Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5L petrol MT Sigma in many cities is Rs 12.50-13.00 lakh. Simply going by these numbers, Rs 12 lakh for a used 2024 car isn't a good value at all. Sure, the Grand Vitara is a superior car to a Maruti Baleno, but you will need to bargain a lot harder for a better deal.

Autocar India Team

Dec 05, 2025

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