The main reason the Jimny is adept at handling the slope up is its rear-wheel-drive layout. Unlike the rest of Maruti's model range, the Jimny (like the Gypsy before it) uses a ladder-frame chassis and a longitudinally mounted engine that sends power to the rear wheels. This is in accordance with its AllGrip Pro 4x4 system, which can then engage the front axle on command. However, a rear-wheel-drive layout is inherently better at tackling steep slopes as the weight of the car falls onto the rear wheels when the nose is pointed upwards, and power at the rear 'pushes' the car up the hill. In a front-wheel drive car like the Swift, the car is trying to 'pull' its way up the hill using wheels that don't have enough traction, hence momentum is required to get it going. While an AWD car like the Maruti Suzuki Victoris will help to an extent, what you want is a RWD car. Our recommendation at your budget is the Mahindra Thar Roxx, which is available at your budget in a decent mid-spec variant. Its combination of rear-wheel drive and strong petrol and diesel engines should make light work of that slope, with enough control to tackle the sharp turn at the end safely.

Since you are used to the ease-of-ownership and good economy from the Maruti Dzire, it would be ideal to look for an upgrade in the Maruti family. The Fronx in Delta Plus guise will be a good option for relaxed city driving. It features an AMT gearbox that takes away the hassle of a manual gearbox and the efficiency is strong for an automatic at around the 14kpl. What's also nice on the Fronx is the ride quality and seat comfort that makes driving around pothole-ridden city roads a lot nicer. It gets a good set of features, wireless connectivity, LED headlamps and rear AC vents. Being a Maruti, it will also hold its value well, and you can trade in your Dzire and get a much better price in exchange bonus.

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is an excellent option. Besides being spacious and very comfortable, it is feature-rich and its turbo-petrol engine delivers strong performance. Also, its newer suspension setup results in a plush ride quality at all times, making it an excellent long-distance tourer too.The new-generation Creta's launch is still some time away, however the new Kia Seltos has been recently launched, and it is also a fantastic option you could consider if you want an SUV that's a bit more compact than the XUV 7XO. You could opt for the 1.5 petrol-automatic version, that's our pick of the Seltos range, for its smoothness, refinement and overall convenience.

We would recommend you to consider the Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI AGS, which should fall within your budget. It is a tall hatchback, with good visibility all around, a light steering, and its petrol-automatic combination is smooth and efficient. Being a Maruti, it is likely to deliver a fuss-free ownership experience.If you can increase your budget slightly, you could consider the Maruti Wagon R, which will be even easier to enter and exit the vehicle. Being a very popular model, its resale value will be stronger than the Celerio too.