Kia Sonet Turbo Petrol 1.0 HTX IMT

The Maruti Brezza CNG and Fronx CNG will be more fuel efficient than the Nexon iCNG, and their clutch and gearbox make them friendlier to drive, too. The Brezza is due for a facelift in the coming weeks, so you might want to wait for that to arrive. 

The Kia Sonet diesel will feel punchier to drive (than the CNG options listed above), while being very efficient too. Also, by opting for a diesel, you won't need to wait in long queues to refill CNG. Even the Sonet is due for a generation update, which is likely to be launched this year. 

Another option you could consider is the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel MX2, which is more spacious than a Sonet. Its ride-handling balance is very impressive; the Sonet, however, has an edge in terms of fuel efficiency.

Without knowing your budget and more requirements, we can't recommend the ideal choice for you. We have shortlisted models that you should consider, and why they are of interest. 

Compact SUVs
- Hyundai Venue: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, good interior space, upmarket interior | (-) Expensive for its size
- Kia Sonet: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, upmarket interior, good value | (-) Rear seat space is limited, due to be replaced in the coming year

Midsize SUVs

- Kia Seltos: (+) Spacious interior, well equipped, good ride comfort | (-) Performance is adequate only
- Tata Sierra: (+) Class-best space, feature-packed, tough build, ride comfort | (-) Engine feels noisy, road noise
- Hyundai Creta: (+) Well equipped, decent performance | (-) Due to be replaced in the coming year   

   

While the Tata Nexon has its strengths in a tough build and good suspension, its AMT gearbox is no match for the torque converter automatic. It comes paired with the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet's 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Hyundai and Kia's smooth diesel engines and slick auto gearboxes deliver a very polished driving experience, which you will love. 

Of the two, the Hyundai Venue is newer, offers more rear seat space and a few more frills like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. You'd get a Venue diesel-auto HX5 in your budget, which is reasonably well equipped and also packs in a sunroof. We can't recommend it wholeheartedly, though, because it misses the safety of a rear wiper. 

If rear seat space isn't a deal breaker and you are comfortable with the idea of buying a car that will be replaced in the near future, the Sonet diesel-auto HTX is definitely worth a look. 

For not much money over the Venue HX5, it packs in a whole lot more equipment such as LED headlights, push button start, leatherette seats and front seat ventilation. Also, it has the safety of a rear wiper, rear disc brakes and front parking sensors.  

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.