Kia Sonet

Autocar India

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Between your two choices, the Mahindra XUV 3XO offers more for your money. It sits a segment above the Hyundai Exter and therefore has more interior space. That said, only go ahead with the Mahindra if the showroom is willing to offer a proper test drive.In terms of the powertrain, the XUV 3XO’s turbo-petrol engine offers stronger performance than the Exter’s naturally aspirated unit, while ride and handling are also superior. While you will be giving up some creature comforts compared to the Hyundai, such as a dashcam and keyless entry, the XUV 3XO is still very well equipped for the price. In our real-world tests, the XUV 3XO managed 10.4kpl in the city and 14.9kpl on the highway, which is actually better than what we recorded in the Exter.What you do give up is boot space. Despite its larger size, the XUV 3XO actually has a smaller boot than the Exter. If that is a concern, then consider the Kia Sonet HTK 1.2-litre petrol MT instead.On the test drive, check if the clutch and shifter action are to your liking, and whether performance and refinement meet your expectations.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Hyundai Exter

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

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Go for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi+ MT. It stays well within your Rs 13 lakh budget, delivers a 24.79kpl ARAI efficiency, and offers a roomy 382‑litre boot.The Dzire also offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, and it has received a 5-star crash safety rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. You also get the peace of mind associated with Maruti ownership. The one thing you give up is the high ground clearance and elevated seating position you'd get in a compact SUV.If you want SUV-like clearance and a taller driving position, consider the Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK+(O) petrol instead. It has a claimed ARAI mileage of 18.83kpl, and its 385‑litre boot can fit in more cargo than you'd think.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

•5d

Go for the Hyundai Venue HX10 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCT. It is a good fit for your needs and will feel like a big upgrade over your i10 Sportz.Comparing the top trims of both vehicles, the Venue does cost significantly more, but it also comes with more features and is based on a newer platform than the Kia Sonet. The cabin of the Venue looks and feels premium, and the interior space has also improved with the new generation. In terms of powertrains, both vehicles use the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, but the Venue offers a more comfortable ride, while the Sonet has a firmer edge.The one thing you give up compared to the Sonet is boot space; the Venue offers about 350 litres, whereas the Sonet gives roughly 392 litres.If you need that extra luggage room or feel that the features the Venue offers do not justify the premium, then go for the Sonet instead. Test drive both over some rough patches to see which you prefer, and also check for any jerkiness from the DCT when driving slowly or during downshifts.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

•5d

Go for the Hyundai Venue with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol DCT combination; it is a good fit as a city car, with compact dimensions, light steering and good visibility making it easy to drive and park. It is also based on a newer platform than the Kia Sonet.Since your usage is mainly in the city and limited to around 800-900km a month, performance from the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is more than adequate, and the DCT is generally smooth in operation, with only occasional hesitation. Ride quality has also improved compared to the previous generation, with better low-speed bump absorption. The cabin feels modern and well-built, and the top trims get a crisp and responsive infotainment system.The one thing you give up compared to the Kia Sonet is boot space; the Venue offers about 350 litres, whereas the Sonet gives roughly 392 litres, so airport runs with three to four bags may need some planning.If you need that extra luggage room or prefer the styling of the Sonet, then go for it instead. It uses the same powertrains, so it will feel similar in that regard, but the ride quality is on the firm side.Test drive both over some rough patches to see which you prefer. Also check for any jerkiness from the DCT when driving slowly or during downshifts.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

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The choice between the Kia Sonet and the Hyundai Verna depends more on your specific requirements and the conditions in which you drive, rather than your total monthly mileage.The Kia Sonet, with its SUV body style, offers a higher seating position, which improves visibility. Entry and exit are also easier compared to the Verna, which is a lower sedan and requires you to step down into the cabin. If you have elderly occupants, they will find the Sonet easier to get in and out of.Road conditions in your area also play a role. If there are many broken roads, potholes, or waterlogging during the rains, the Sonet will be better suited due to its higher ground clearance. Its smaller size also makes it easier to manage in heavy traffic. Where the Hyundai Verna would be better is with more interior space, as well as a bigger boot.

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Verna

Autocar India

•1w

We would suggest you go ahead with the Skoda Kylaq. The Kylaq comes with a torque convertor gearbox, which is the smoothest type of autobox around, you will really appreciate this in heavy city traffic. Moreover, in city conditions, a torque convertor gearbox is also likely to give you a better and more reliable long-term service experience than a dual clutch transmission. The Kylaq is also newer than the Kia Sonet, and since you are keeping the car for a longer period of time, this could help retain value better. The Sonet will also be updated in about a year, so you will very soon have an older car.

Skoda Kylaq

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

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For your usage of around 300 km per month, purely in city conditions, it makes more sense to go for a simpler and more fuss-free setup rather than a turbo petrol with a DCT.The Kia Sonet 1.0 turbo DCT is a good car. But this combination is better suited for higher usage and mixed driving, where you can actually enjoy its performance. In heavy city traffic, especially in Delhi, DCT gearboxes can feel a bit sensitive in slow crawling conditions, and with your low running, you won’t really benefit from what it offers.In comparison, the Maruti Fronx 1.2 AMT is a simpler and more reliable option for your kind of usage. It is easier to live with in the long run, especially since your running is low and mostly in stop-go traffic. While the AMT is not as smooth as a DCT and performance is modest, it is perfectly adequate for daily city use.Overall, for your usage, the Fronx AMT is the more practical and stress-free choice. The Sonet turbo DCT makes sense only if you specifically want better performance and are comfortable with a more complex setup.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Kia Sonet

Autocar India

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Among your choices, the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro AT is a good fit for your needs. For 20km/day city use, the torque-converter automatic is smoother than the AMT in the Taisor and the DCTs in the Venue and Sonet. It is also more spacious than the Skoda Kylaq, and its tall stance makes it easier to get in and out of than the Taisor. The ride is smooth over speed breakers and potholes, and the AC cools quickly in summer.Before you make your final decision, visit the dealerships along with the seniors in your family to see which one they find most comfortable.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Hyundai New Venue

Kia Sonet

Skoda Kylaq

Autocar India

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For your usage of mainly city driving (30km daily) with occasional highway trips and a family of four, we would suggest going for the Skoda Kylaq.The Kylaq offers a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin for four adults, and the torque converter automatic is smooth, which makes it very easy to drive in city traffic. It is also compact enough, so parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces won’t be an issue. On highways, too, it feels stable and enjoyable to drive.The Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue are good options for the city as well, but both use a DCT automatic, which is not as smooth at low speeds as a torque converter, especially in stop-and-go traffic.The Citroen Basalt is actually great value for money and offers excellent cabin space, making it very comfortable for a family. However, it is a larger car, so it won’t be as easy to park and manoeuvre in the city. If you prioritise space and comfort over ease of driving, it is definitely worth considering.The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is not suitable for your needs. It is primarily an off-roader, has heavier steering, and is not as easy to drive in the city. The ride is also bouncy, and overall, practicality is limited for family use.

Skoda Kylaq

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue

Citroen Basalt

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Autocar India

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While the Kia Sonet Diesel HTK (O) is a good value-for-money car, it may not be the best choice for your height. At 6.2 feet, you will likely have to push the seat all the way back, just like in your Tata Altroz. In that position, the Sonet’s cabin can feel a bit tight, and visibility issues may still persist. Also, once the driver's seat is pushed fully back, the rear seat space becomes quite limited, which may not be ideal even for occasional use.Instead, we would suggest looking at the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel. It offers a wider cabin and more driver space, which will make a noticeable difference for your height. Even with the seat pushed all the way back, there is still usable space in the rear, making it a more practical choice overall. The wide cabin also makes it a genuine 5-seater, unlike many compact SUVs.The diesel engine is punchy and enjoyable to drive, and it works well for both city and highway usage. It feels strong in the mid-range, which makes overtaking easier and driving more effortless. The only real drawback is the boot space, which is on the smaller side compared to rivals, especially for larger luggage . If you frequently travel with a lot of bags, this is something you should keep in mind.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Kia Sonet

Tata Altroz