Hi, my 2015 petrol Ciaz has been great and has done over a lakh kilometres. I’m now looking to switch to an SUV, preferably a 6-7 seater, mostly for highway use. It’s important that the SUV has a very good ride quality and minimal motion sickness. My budget is under ₹30 lakh. I’m considering the Hyundai Alcazar and the new Kia Seltos 5-seater. Please advise.

Considering you already own a Hyundai, the most familiar and natural upgrade would be the Hyundai Venue DCT in the HX5 variant, especially when compared to the Kia Sonet. The Venue has just been updated, whereas the Sonet is expected to be replaced by an all new model early next year. Buying the Sonet now means it will start to feel dated very quickly.Also, the DCT automatic gearbox on the Sonet is not available within your budget. It starts only from the HTX variant, which is priced well above Rs 13 lakh. While your shortlisted HTK Plus iMT variant does offer more features than the Venue HX5, the iMT gearbox does not feel as convenient or as stress free as a proper automatic transmission. Additionally, with the new generation update, the Hyundai Venue has grown in size and is noticeably more spacious than the Sonet, especially for rear seat passengers.The Skoda Kylaq is another strong option to consider. If driving enjoyment is important to you, this is the car to pick. It offers enough space for four adults to sit comfortably, and its ride and handling balance makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive. You can opt for the Kylaq automatic in the Signature variant, which is also better equipped than the Venue HX5.

Since your daily running is very high, we would recommend you go for a diesel or CNG car. Do make sure, however, that there are easily accessible CNG pumps around your area. If you do opt for a CNG car, the Hyundai Exter would be a good option, as Hyundai cars are known for their reliability and longevity.The Exter CNG uses twin CNG cylinders under the boot floor, instead of a single large one inside. Thus, you get a very usable cargo area. If, however, you prefer a diesel car, then consider the Tata Altroz, as it is the only diesel hatchback and offers good fuel efficiency.

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza would be a good fit. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is paired with a torque converter automatic, which is the smoothest type of gearbox to have. The engine also has a nice and relaxed nature, and on the whole, the Brezza is an easy drive, something your dad will appreciate.The seats inside are also comfy, and the ride quality, especially at low speeds in the city, is very nice and plush. When you do visit your dad, you will find ample rear-seat legroom, too.

We would recommend the Mahindra XUV 7XO with the diesel engine and an automatic gearbox. The newly updated 7XO has excellent performance, and improvements to the suspension have significantly enhanced ride comfort. The cabin is spacious, and the extra row of seats can be used for short journeys or folded down to use as a large boot space. The AX7 packs in a lot of features like a passenger screen and a panoramic sunroof.