Mahindra XUV 3XO price in Raichur

Yes, seating three adults at the rear of the Tata Punch will be tight. Tata Motors has recently unveiled a new updated Punch; however, changes are to the features and engine, space inside will remain the same. 

We would recommend the Mahindra XUV 3XO as the rear is spacious, particularly in terms of width, which is what you will need to seat 3 adults at the rear. Moreover, the car has a comfortable ride and is well-equipped too. 

However, do not expect class-leading fuel efficiency as the engines are tuned with a bias towards a more lively performance.   

You wouldn't find a C or mid-size SUV with all of your requirements (especially level 2 ADAS) for under Rs 20 lakh. 

But if you can stretch it a bit, we would recommend the Kia Seltos HTX (A) variant. This would be just over your budget but will meet with all your requirements of ADAS level 2, a 360-degree camera, and good speakers (Bose). 

Moreover, it's an easy enough car to drive, and the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated engine coupled to the CVT gearbox works very well, especially in low and moderate city traffic. If you must stick within your budget, then opt for the Mahindra 3XO, which will meet all of your requirements, too.   

The best options for you to consider include the Mahindra XUV 3XO AT AX7 L and the Hyundai Venue Turbo DCT HX10. In fully loaded form, both compact SUVs pack in lots of comfort, tech and safety features, including ADAS. 

The Mahindra XUV 3XO has a more powerful engine, a smoother gearbox, more absorbent ride comfort and also feels more entertaining to drive. The XUV 3XO is more spacious, too. 

On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue has a fresher vibe to it and also feels more polished in its user interface and technology.  

 

First things first, you should know that some of the punch that you like about your Hyundai Creta's diesel engines is missing on modern day diesel engines. Engine calibration to meet the latest BS6 emission norms has, sadly, taken away that mid-range kick older turbo-diesels were known for. However, there are still some great diesel-automatic options available today. 

Among compact SUVs, the new Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO are worth a look. In the mid-sized SUV space, the new Tata Sierra, new Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta make for good, if unexciting, long-distance diesel SUVs. 

If your budget allows, you should consider the upcoming Mahindra XUV 7XO in diesel-automatic form. The engine-gearbox will be carried over from the current XUV 700. 

The 2.2-litre diesel engine is a smooth and strong unit and is really well complemented by the 6-speed automatic transmission. It is our pick of the diesel-automatic options. 

 

The Hyundai Venue Turbo DCT is a good package, but it is on the pricey side by segment standards. 

The HX5 variant does get reasonable features, but we would urge you to consider the HX6 version. While the price gap from the HX5 to HX6 is significant, the HX6 does get essential safety features like a rear wiper, adjustable rear headrests and wider tyres. Of course, the jump to HX6 also brings in more comfort features such as a rear armrest and auto climate control, among others.   

Alternatively, you could consider the Kia Sonet Turbo DCT HTX, Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx Turbo Zeta, all of which offer good automatic gearboxes. Also pack in plenty of comfort and safety features within your Rs 13 lakh budget. 

All the models you have shortlisted have their highlights and weaknesses. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a well-rounded vehicle that excels in space and comfort. Maruti's service network is a huge plus in its own right. However, as you rightly identified, the Brezza is not exciting to drive. This Maruti Suzuki car's performance is fine in city driving conditions, and it will cruise comfortably on the highway. But the engine lacks punch in case that's important to you. 

If strong performance and good handling are requirements, the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO are the ones to be most interested in. Both models are good to drive, but fuel economy could be a concern in bumper-to-bumper city driving. 

We feel you will find a good balance in the Hyundai Venue 1.0 Turbo DCT. The engine is strong enough, and the gearshifts are also nice and quick. DCTs do tend to fumble at low speeds and aren't as smooth as torque converter autos. Although, it's not really an issue and surely not to the extent of avoiding the gearbox type altogether. 

Fuel economy should also be better than what you'd get with a torque converter.  The new Venue is also quite a wholesome package. The cabin is quite spacious, and the material quality is impressive.