One of the weaknesses of the Mahindra XUV 3XO is poor boot space for its class, and hence we would rule it out since boot space is one of your requirements. The Kia Sonet has the maximum boot space, but the Hyundai Venue is almost as good and overall is a better car after its recent upgrade a few months ago.You can opt for the 1.0 turbo petrol with the DCT option, which will serve you well both in the city and on the highway. Since all the options you have listed are compact SUVs, rear seat space is not the best, and though three passengers are manageable, it will be a tight squeeze.

Some of the features you find missing in the new Kia Seltos, like the powered tailgate, are available in the Sierra, which is packed to the gills with equipment and looks and feels very premium. Besides, the Tata Sierra has a strong and smooth 1.5 turbo-petrol engine allied to confident handling, which makes it enjoyable to drive.Yes, the Sierra is a good choice, and we can understand your concerns about reliability, which are well-founded. Tata Motors is working hard to change the negative perception of its reliability and is hoping that the quality culture and processes at the ex-Ford Sanand plant, where the Sierra is made, will result in better reliability.

We can understand that after driving a diesel car, you appreciate the great mileage they offer. However, if you want to switch to a diesel automatic, consider the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO diesels, which provide automatic transmissions and are within your budget.However, both the Tata and Mahindra diesels come with an AMT automatic transmission, which is not very smooth and has a noticeable lag when changing gears. On the highway, you have to plan your overtaking manoeuvres.If you are not too fixated on diesel, we suggest looking at the Honda Amaze, which has a CVT gearbox that is much smoother for city driving, good enough for the highway, and reasonably efficient.

Since you have your own parking at home and the hospital, you can indulge in the luxury of having a large vehicle and get a big SUV. Based on your budget, we believe the Mahindra XUV 7XO, launching next month, is the right choice for you.Firstly, it is expected to come with a fantastic audio system, which is essential to you; the air conditioning is good as always, and lastly, the suspension is new, so for long-distance trips, you can expect a more comfortable ride. Since you drive a long distance every month, it's best to choose the diesel option, which offers a good balance of performance and efficiency.