We would recommend you go for the recently launched Mahindra XUV 7XO. Although your running is not that high, we would still recommend you choose the diesel variant as the petrol engine, though silky smooth and powerful, is not very fuel efficient. And considering half your driving is on the highway, there is an unlikely chance of facing any DPF-related issues with the diesel variant.The diesel engine is also refined, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and quick shifting, which makes city driving and highway overtakes effortless. In your budget, you can get the AX5 diesel AT, which is well-equipped.

The Citroen C3 Turbo-AT is an excellent crossover hatchback that's compact in dimensions, packs in strong performance, and it'll easily fall within your budget. But go for it, only if there is a Citroen touchpoint near you. The Nissan Magnite Turbo-CVT/Renault Kiger Turbo-CVT are also good, value-for-money options. And even though both these are slightly larger than the Swift, they are narrower than other turbo-automatic compact SUVs available at this price. It makes them relatively easier to navigate.

Since you're running over 2000 kms a month, you can consider buying a CNG car. We would have recommended a hybrid as well, but the most affordable hybrid, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S, is around Rs 1.5 lakh over your maximum budget of Rs 15 lakh.In CNG, we would recommend the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, either in the LXi or the VXi variant, depending on the features you are looking for. The Victoris is a well-engineered car, and the solution Maruti Suzuki has come up with for the CNG tank position under the boot floor makes the Victoris CNG very versatile. In terms of boot space, the compromise is minimal, which is important since you go on a long drive once a month with your family.

Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Venue are good options and safe buys. But since you have the budget for the Kia Seltos IVT, we would suggest going for that. The four-cylinder 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is more refined than the three-cylinder 1.0 turbo petrol on the Venue. The CVT (or IVT as Hyundai and Kia call it) is silky smooth and can actually end up giving you better fuel efficiency than the turbo petrol engine.The Seltos is also more spacious and comfortable, and the interiors of the new Seltos feel premium with top drawer materials, too.Other options you can explore or wait for include the brand new upcoming Duster, which was recently unveiled and is expected to launch in March 2026.