Hyundai cars in India (10)

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI AT: Down on wow features to the Venue, but has a smoother gearbox, plusher ride, and more comfortable seats.
• Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT: Again, not as well-equipped as the Venue, but it has a smoother gearbox and punchier engine. Space at the back is less, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker for you.
• Kia Sonet HTX Petrol DCT: It is due for replacement within a year, but it is very competent. Packs in plenty of tech and shares its engine and gearbox with the Venue, and is actually a better value for money. Space is less at the back, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker for you.
• Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX A: Stronger engine, lots of features, and feels tougher in its build. Boot space is less than the Hyundai car.

The Kia Carens Clavis is the ideal pick for your requirements. It's a well-packaged MPV that offers comfortable seating across all three rows. A one-touch operation for the middle row seat fold makes access to the last row easy. Also, there is ample movement built into the middle row to balance space for all passengers. 

The Clavis is also easy to drive and doesn't intimidate as some three-row SUVs can. From the Clavis line-up, the Turbo DCT HTX(O) is the one to buy.

Of the other three-row petrol-auto options, there's the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari.

The Skoda Kushaq is a competent mid-sized SUV that stands out for its driving experience. Its 1.0 and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines deliver punchy performance, and handling is also slick and fun. The Kushaq also feels tough in its build and comes with the reassurance of strong safety ratings. On the flip side, the Kushaq feels smaller than many like-priced rivals and isn't ideal as a five-seater. 

Skoda will introduce an updated version of the Kushaq later this month. We expect the model to get a few styling revisions outside and more features, too. It might include a panoramic sunroof and a segment-first rear seat massage function. 

The updated Kushaq will also get an uprated air conditioner that will provide stronger cooling, which has been one of the model's weaknesses since launch. While the engine options will continue as is, the smaller engine's 6-speed automatic transmission is expected to make way for a more efficient 8-speed unit. 

To sum up, the Kushaq should be on your list if a fun drive experience is a priority. If space, comfort and features are important, consider the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra. 
 

Since you are looking for an EV for city use, the Hyundai Creta Electric is a good choice. While it isn't as powerful as the Mahindra BE 6 or Tata Harrier EV, performance is brisk and more than adequate for city conditions. 

The same holds true for its battery as well, which is the smallest (LR versions get a 51.4kWh battery pack) but delivers a comfortable 400km of real-world range in city driving. 

What makes the Creta Electric likeable and ideal for city use is its size. A Harrier EV is a full-size vehicle, while the BE6 is significantly wider. It means both can feel a bit cumbersome in congested confines. What also goes in favour of the Creta is that the tech onboard works as it's supposed to - free of glitches and errors. 

Since 80% of your driving will be in city conditions, a smooth driving experience is also something you must give due weightage to. The Kia Seltos IVT and Hyundai Creta IVT deliver that, and top our list of recommendations for you. 

Sure, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine's 115hp isn't great, but real-world performance is actually very nice with brisk acceleration and very smooth responses. The CVT (IVT, as Hyundai and Kia call the gearbox type) is also very smooth. Also, it is free from the rubberband effect (sharp rise in revs without a significant rise in road speed), which this type of gearbox is usually notorious for.   

Of the two models, it's the new Kia Seltos that's the more wholesome package, offering more rear seat space and better ride comfort. Your budget allows you to go for a higher trim level, getting you lots of tech and comfort features. 

 

Considering your requirements, you should take a look at the Kia Carens Clavis. The MPV is a well-rounded package that offers a comfortable ride, a spacious and practical cabin for seven people and a lengthy list of features.

The Carens Clavis can be had with a 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel and a 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, both of which can be had with manual or automatic gearbox options. Alternatively, you can also consider the Hyundai Alcazar, which is mechanically identical to the Carens Clavis.