The best car from the shortlisted options is the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Ride comfort is excellent, and its engines are smooth, refined, and powerful enough for highway driving and hilly terrains. In case the terrain you tackle is too extreme for front-wheel drive vehicles, you could consider getting the all-wheel drive variant, for better traction. The latter is only available with diesel-automatic variants, and if you have the budget, it will be the best option for your inter-state road trips.

Since you are concerned about mileage, a diesel or petrol-hybrid does make sense, and we can see your confusion between the two. Generally speaking, the hybrid would be a safer bet in the long run, given the uncertainty around diesel with the authorities, plus you will also have a quieter powertrain. However, we have yet to drive the hybrid Renault Duster, and this will only arrive in the second half of this year. So, you would have to wait until then.

You should consider the Tata Punch. It is a sub-compact SUV with a good ground clearance of 193mm, and it comes with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, auto climate control, digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charger and much more, in the top-spec Accomplished+ S variant. The Punch is also quite spacious and comfortable for its size. The Punch facelift also gets a new 120hp, 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine so it won't have any trouble dealing with hilly roads. However, its mileage won't be as good as the 88hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine. Tata Punch prices range from Rs 6.22 lakh to Rs 12.30 lakh (on-road, Delhi).

The Tata Punch is a good, practical car that's proven its mettle for its safety. As you've mentioned, its three-cylinder petrol engine feels inadequate, and Tata doesn't have a solid reputation for after-sales support either.Since you're looking for a four-cylinder option with mileage, service costs, as well as safety, we'd recommend you consider the Hyundai Venue, the 1.2 Petrol MT HX2 variant, which is the entry-level variant. As far as smoothness, refinement, space, and an upmarket interior feel go, the Venue is easily the better car.