Which is the smallest diesel automatic SUV on sale in India?

I am looking to buy the smallest diesel automatic available. Although I prefer hatchbacks, I’m having to settle for a subcompact SUV. I’m torn between the Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV300. I have driven both and I liked the XUV. But I’m concerned about Mahindra’s fit and finish, service, availability of parts and its AMT gearbox.

Santosh Asnani, Bhopal

Autocar India says: Quite frankly, the Sonet 1.5 diesel, mated to a torque converter automatic, is the best diesel compact SUV in the market today. It’s incredibly refined (for a diesel), the 6-speed auto is very smooth and performance is better than a turbo-petrol. The Sonet is well-finished and feature-packed, and recently got a facelift, a generation ahead of the XUV300, which will soon get a major refresh. The only real weakness of the Sonet is the cramped rear seat. The XUV300 is much more spacious and feels a class bigger on the inside, but other than that, there is no better reason to choose the Mahindra over the Kia. So, if you are driving yourself, we feel the Sonet is better. Also, to address your concern on service, the XUV300 is reliable but the servcice network isn't the best.

Also see:

Mahindra XUV300 facelift to go on sale by February 2024

2024 Kia Sonet facelift review: Feature perfect