I am looking to buy an SUV to drive myself on the weekends but I am confused between BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS and Range Rover Sport

If safety is your top priority, then instead of the Hyundai Exter (which has not yet been crash-tested) and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno (which has received a 2-star GNCAP rating), we would suggest the recently facelifted Tata Punch. It has secured a 5-star BNCAP rating, giving it the added level of safety you are looking for.The Tata Punch is also easy to drive, the AMT gearbox works well in the city, the ride quality is comfortable, and it feels confident at higher speeds.On the downside, the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine lacks punch for highway use, and the rear seat is not the most spacious.

The Tata Punch’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with the AMT doesn’t feel as strong or responsive as other 1.2 naturally aspirated units. On the Mumbai Pune Expressway, you’ll need to work the engine hard for quick overtakes and to keep pace with fast-moving traffic. That said, the Punch scores with its comfortable ride quality, confidence inspiring dynamics and strong body shell, all of which make it a reassuring companion on highway drives.In comparison, the Hyundai Exter’s 1.2-litre engine is smoother, and its AMT is more refined and more responsive than the unit in the Tata Punch.

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a good option for you. The car is spacious, has a comfortable ride, especially so at low speeds in the city, and the 1.5-litre petrol engine is refined. The automatic gearbox is also very smooth, being a torque convertor unit, which is the smoothest type of autobox around.The Brezza will also meet your requirements of a worry-free ownership and low maintenance. Maruti Suzuki is expected to give the Brezza a facelift in the coming months, but what the changes are is not yet known.

The choice between the two comes down to what you would like in your new car. The Skoda Kushaq's 1.0 TSI engine is peppy enough, and the ride and handling balance is good. It's the one to opt for if a fun-to-drive character and safety are your priorities.The Hyundai Creta, on the other hand, is more of an all-rounder and the better of the two when it comes to interior space. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth, the ride quality is good, and the drive character is more laidback and relaxed. Thus, pick this one if it's just a no-nonsense family car that you are looking for.