The Tata Sierra Pure Plus petrol is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that makes 108hp and 140Nm of torque. While this engine is adequate for city use and is even manageable on highway runs, for your usage in hilly regions, it will feel underpowered and struggle a bit.This will be exacerbated with a full load of passengers, and by the DCA gearbox, which is not always smooth to shift and can sap power between gears; it will be much easier to manage the performance with the manual gearbox.However, we recommend increasing your budget slightly if possible and moving to either the diesel or turbo petrol engines, as the Sierra is an excellent SUV in most other respects.

While the Honda Amaze CVT is an excellent car, since your budget goes all the way up to Rs 15 lakh, we would recommend stretching to the superior Maruti Brezza AT.For one, you've already lived with a Maruti, and are thus already integrated into the aftersales and service network. You could even seek out a loyalty bonus from your local dealer. That aside, the Brezza is a larger, more spacious vehicle with a larger and more powerful engine. And while the Honda's CVT is smooth, the Brezza's 6-speed torque converter AT is smoother still, although fuel economy isn't quite as good as a result.That said, if you can wait a little while, a facelift of the Brezza is expected in the coming months, which should offer even more creature comforts.

The update to the AC has only been implemented on the Kushaq, as it was necessary and a weak point. The Kylaq already has good AC performance and a variable geometry compressor. As for the gearbox, there is no confirmation on a new gearbox for the Kylaq, as the 6-speed torque converter suits the engine well.

The Kia Carens is a better pick between the two options you are considering. The Carens is a more modern and more spacious MPV compared to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. It also has a more powerful and efficient 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine option.The Kia Carens Premium (O) diesel comes with all necessary features like 6 airbags, TPMS, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a height-adjustable driver's seat and more. The Kia Carens Premium (O) diesel manual is priced at Rs 12.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).