Given your requirements, you should choose between the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20. The Baleno comes with an efficient 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that's mated to a 5-speed AMT automatic. It has a spacious cabin, and being a Maruti car, it will be reliable and affordable to maintain. The i20, meanwhile, also comes with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, but that comes mated to a smoother CVT automatic gearbox. Do note, this Hyundai car can also be had with a punchy 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic in the i20 N Line.

