Upgrading to an SUV from a Ford Fiesta

I am currently using a 2009 Ford Fiesta and plan to get a new car in the range of Rs 10-13 lakh. What are the best petrol/diesel options in SUVs and sedans. Should I wait for new launches? My priorities are good highway handling, safety, and trouble-free maintenance. I will be driving it around 600km a month and will keep it for a long term. Will an automatic be a thrilling experience compared to a manual?
Ramesh Ganesamoorthy, Chennai

AAA The SUV that best fits your needs is the Renault Duster. It’s a brilliant car on the highway, and feels very stable and secure at speed and also on bad roads. It’s got a tough build and can take a lot of abuse. Its overall reliability is proven, though Renault’s aftersales service isn’t the best around. We recommend the diesel-manual as its great for highway cruising. But if you want an automatic, go for the 1.5 petrol CVT.