Kia Sonet

There are quite a few diesel options within your budget, especially from the compact SUV segment. The list of contenders includes the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Kia Syros, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon. Which one suits you best depends on your key requirements. 

The Hyundai Venue is a great all-rounder offering good refinement, new-age features, reasonable rear seat space and a large boot. The Kia Sonet has many of the same strengths but loses out on rear seat space. If cabin space is a key requirement, the Kia Syros is the ideal pick. It's the roomiest compact SUV and cabin quality is also very good. However, the design is not to everyone's liking. 

The Mahindra XUV 3X0 has a good engine, feels tough and offers enough space for three to sit in comfort at the back. Boot space isn't as generous as the others, though. Tata's Nexon diesel feels peppy and the suspension is well suited to our bad roads but the package isn't as refined or polished as alternatives. 

If it's an automatic transmission you're keen on, the Hyundai and Kia are the one's to consider. Their torque converter automatic transmissions work superbly with the 1.5-litre diesel engines to deliver a truly upmarket experience. The Sonet diesel-AT in HTX trim is great value.  

You could also get diesel versions of the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra or Kia Seltos for the same money. While these options are more spacious, you will have to settle for a low-spec trim without many features.   

For a budget of Rs 14 lakh, it is admittedly difficult to find a mid-size SUV automatic that offers genuinely strong performance. The 1.5 petrol in the Kia Seltos HTE is smooth and refined, but it isn’t particularly punchy, which explains why it felt underpowered on your test drive.

If you are primarily driving yourself and rear seat space isn’t a top priority, it would make sense to look at the compact SUV segment instead. This is where you’ll find turbo-petrol engines that feel noticeably more energetic.

Since you liked the Seltos’ fit, finish and feature list, the Kia Sonet HTX is worth considering. It comes with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (118hp), which feels much more responsive in everyday driving. The Hyundai Venue (particularly the higher variants with the same 1.0 turbo engine) offers similar performance with a slightly different interior feel and feature mix.

Another very strong option is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Its 1.2 TGDi engine (up to 131hp) is the most powerful in this class, and it combines strong performance with a spacious cabin and generous features for the money.

In short, if power is high on your priority list, moving to a turbo-petrol compact SUV will give you a much more satisfying driving experience within your budget.

The Kia Sonet is one of the strongest all-rounders in the compact SUV segment.

On the plus side, it comes packed with modern tech and features, including ADAS on higher trims. There’s also a wide choice of engines and gearboxes from the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol to the punchy 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (with DCT or iMT). 

Moreover, the torquey 1.5-litre diesel, paired with the 6-speed torque-converter automatic, offers a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. Its compact dimensions and light steering make it easy to manoeuvre in city traffic and tight parking spots. Many buyers are also drawn to its sharp design, SUV stance and strong resale value.

On the downside, rear seat space is not the best in class. Legroom can feel tight, especially if the front seats are pushed back, and three adults in the rear will be a squeeze. The suspension setup is slightly stiffer, which can make low-speed ride quality feel firm on rough roads. 

Also, most of the advanced safety and ADAS features are limited to higher trims; lower variants miss out on some key equipment. Unlike some rivals, there’s no factory-fit CNG option either.

Overall, the Sonet scores high on features, performance options and style. But rear space and ride comfort are areas where you should check carefully before deciding.

Unfortunately, there's no petrol automatic compact SUV today that will achieve anywhere near 20kpl in the real world, in the city or on the highway. The most efficient petrol compact SUVs are the Maruti Suzuki Fronx or Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. 

If you want something more spacious, consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, though it is slightly less efficient. If you want more efficiency still, though, consider a diesel compact SUV like the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet. They are the smoothest and most efficient in the segment, and are more likely to get close to or surpass 20kpl. 

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.