Modern automatic gearboxes are far more reliable than their early iterations, and with regular servicing, they will usually last the life of the car. Reliability, therefore, shouldn’t be the primary concern it once was.It’s true that early dry clutch dual clutch automatics had well-documented issues, especially in hot, stop-and-go conditions. However, the DCA in the Tata Nexon is a wet clutch unit, which runs cooler and is inherently more durable. So far, there are no widespread or systemic failure reports associated with this gearbox in the Nexon.Torque converters are the most proven automatic transmission type. The design dates back decades and is extremely robust, particularly for urban driving. The Aisin-sourced torque converter used in the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO is a well-established unit seen across multiple global applications and is widely regarded as reliable and long-lasting.AMTs, meanwhile, are essentially manual gearboxes with automated clutch and shift actuators. Mechanically, they are simple and generally dependable, but the compromises are well known: slower responses and the characteristic head nod, which becomes more noticeable on highways and during overtakes.Given your 60% highway usage, an AMT is a significant compromise. The smoother shifts, quicker responses and better overtaking ability of a torque converter or DCA will make long drives far more relaxed and confidence-inspiring.So rather than basing your decision purely on perceived gearbox reliability, we’d recommend choosing the car that best fits your overall usage and priorities. From your shortlist, we’d recommend the Skoda Kylaq, as it is safe and easy to drive both in the city and on the highway, thanks to its strong engine, good dynamics and strong brakes.

Unfortunately, none of the cars here meet your requirement of a minimum mileage of 15 kpl, and none of them offer a manual transmission with their petrol engines. In fact, the Jeep Meridian is a diesel-only SUV and does not come with a petrol engine option.If you are flexible on mileage and don’t mind going for an automatic, we would recommend the newly launched Volkswagen Tayron. It is the best of the lot: the most engaging to drive, with a fantastic cabin, and powered by a strong and smooth 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine.The R-Line variant of the Tayron will be well above your budget, but the standard trim, expected to arrive in April, should be closer to your ₹50 lakh budget.

The Tata Safari petrol is a good car, and its 1.5-litre petrol engine is very smooth and offers sufficient performance. However, it is not as fuel-efficient as the Mahindra XUV 7XO’s diesel engine, and for long drives, the diesel 7XO makes more sense.Firstly, it is more efficient, and the strong 450 Nm of torque gives it ample performance for effortless highway overtakes. The 7XO’s new suspension setup has also made it feel more settled and stable at highway speeds.Yes, it misses out on a sliding second row, and the third row space is not as good as the Safari’s, but if you can live with these drawbacks, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is the better option overall.

Since you have been a Maruti owner for over 10 years, you are likely to feel most comfortable sticking with the brand, especially given your requirement for a low-maintenance vehicle.We would recommend the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the ZXi Plus 1.5 6AT variant. It is a well-equipped option. While the engine and outright performance are underwhelming, they are adequate for the limited driving you do each year, and the smooth torque converter automatic makes it easy to live with on a daily basis.