Mahindra XUV 3XO

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.

Given your low daily running and usage largely limited to long road trips, it makes a lot of sense to keep your Ford EcoSport diesel if it is running fine. It is a car you clearly enjoy, its performance still holds up well, and for highway use, the diesel remains efficient and relaxed. There is also no urgency to replace it purely due to age, so holding on till the next decade is perfectly sensible.

If you decided to replace it, and are specifically looking at compact SUVs, two strong options to consider are the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The Kylaq is great to drive, feels comfortable on long journeys and is spacious enough for four adults. It is also being very well priced for what it offers. Its main limitation is the narrow body, which makes it more of a strict four-seater rather than a true five-seater. 

The XUV 3XO, on the other hand, offers a wide cabin and a genuinely spacious interior, making it a better option if you often travel with five people. Its punchy 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine makes it enjoyable to drive, though fuel efficiency will be on the lower side. The boot is the smallest in the segment in terms of usable space.

The Skoda Kylaq is actually among the best compact SUVs for highway driving and long-distance travel, and there are several reasons for that.
First and foremost, it’s a very safe car, which is crucial when you’re cruising at triple-digit speeds on our unpredictable highways. It often shares tarmac with heavy trucks and erratic traffic. The strong build and solid high-speed manners immediately inspire confidence.

The 115hp 1.0 TSI engine delivers superb performance. It feels punchy in the mid-range, making overtaking manoeuvres quick and stress-free, something you’ll really appreciate on two-lane highways. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers a direct, mechanical feel with precise shifts that keen drivers will enjoy.

However, the 6-speed automatic is the one we would recommend for long-distance use. It’s smooth and responsive, and the manual override allows you to hold a gear when needed. This makes overtaking even easier and more controlled.

What really works in the Kylaq’s favour is its excellent ride-and-handling balance. It feels planted and stable at high speeds, yet absorbs road imperfections well, so you don’t feel fatigued after long hours behind the wheel. That blend of composure and comfort makes it a very reassuring highway companion.

The one thing missing is ADAS - advanced driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), which, when used in the right conditions, can significantly reduce fatigue on long highway runs.

If ADAS is important to you, an alternative worth considering is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. It comes with Level 2 ADAS, including ACC. The 1.2 TGDi engine also delivers strong performance. 

However, while the 3XO is quick and feature-rich, it doesn’t quite match the Kylaq’s overall driving polish and high-speed composure.

The Tata Nexon is a good option to consider. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is quite efficient, and the AMT gearbox is smooth enough for city use. The Nexon is also a very safe car, with a 5-star Global NCAP rating.

What is also segment-best on the Nexon is the ride comfort. The suspension is tuned well for our roads, and it feels confident over bad patches. The feature list is extensive too, with ventilated seats, sunroof, a large and high-resolution touchscreen and a 360-degree camera. 

Another car you can consider is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The diesel engine is very strong and more refined, and the AMT gearbox is smooth. The XUV 3XO is also very safe, with a 5-star Global NCAP rating. The rear seat is more spacious than the Nexon's, but the boot is smaller. 

However, out of the two, it is a nicer SUV to drive, but not as good in terms of fuel efficiency. If the economy is the top priority, the Nexon is the one to go for.