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.

Both the Tata Nexon and Mahindra 3XO are tough-feeling and robust compact SUVs, and both boast 5-star Global NCAP safety ratings. Both models also get branded audio systems, though it's advisable to test them out for your preferences. Of the two models, it's the Mahindra 3XO that's the more complete package. It's better finished, better equipped and more spacious than the Tata Nexon. What also tips the ratings in favour of the Mahindra is its punchier petrol engine and slicker gearboxes - both manual and automatic. Where the 3XO loses out is in luggage capacity, offering less room than you'd get in a Nexon.

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.

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.