I am planning to buy a reliable SUV with the highest safety ratings. I have always loved the Jeep Compass, but my mind is now inclined toward the Tata Sierra after its launch. My other dilemma is that my parents want a 7-seater and I’m confused. I don’t mind a 7-seater, but I mostly drive on narrow roads in Chennai and think a mid-size SUV might be more suitable. Should I wait for any upcoming car? Kindly suggest a vehicle.

With predominantly city driving, DPF issues on the Mahindra 3XO diesel are possible but manageable. The important point is that your usage does include highway runs and a longer outstation trip every few months, which is usually enough to allow proper regeneration and keep the DPF healthy. You do not need any special precautions, but taking the car out for a 20 to 30 minute highway drive every few weeks will help.Mahindra’s 1.5 litre diesel is a well proven and robust engine, with reasonable service costs and good long term reliability. Major issues typically arise only when DPF warnings are repeatedly ignored. In terms of ageing, Mahindra diesels and drivetrains are known to last well over many years, and electronics have improved noticeably in recent generations.There is little to complain about when it comes to fit and finish. The Mahindra XUV 3XO has good interior quality and should continue to feel premium over time. That said, the white interior will show signs of ageing sooner than darker interiors, as even minor stains tend to be more visible.Overall, if you want to own a punchy diesel while you still can, the XUV 3XO diesel makes sense for your usage pattern and should serve you well over a long ownership period.

The ideal car for your requirement is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Thanks to its wide rear seat, five adults can sit in good comfort, and the ride quality is comfortable enough even for long journeys. It is a proven product and, being a Maruti Suzuki, you can expect low maintenance costs and reliable ownership.There are, however, two caveats. The Brezza facelift is expected very soon, so it may make sense to wait if you are not in a hurry. Also, the current generation of the Brezza has not been crash tested yet, while the previous generation was tested by Global NCAP and had scored a four star rating.If you want to buy a car immediately, the Mahindra 3XO is another strong option. It comes with a more powerful turbo petrol engine that delivers effortless performance even with a full load. Its wider body makes it one of the best five seater options in the segment. It has also scored a full five star rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests.Within your budget, you can opt for the REVX A variant of the 3XO or the ZXi variant of the Brezza.

Considering you already own a Hyundai, the most familiar and natural upgrade would be the Hyundai Venue DCT in the HX5 variant, especially when compared to the Kia Sonet. The Venue has just been updated, whereas the Sonet is expected to be replaced by an all new model early next year. Buying the Sonet now means it will start to feel dated very quickly.Also, the DCT automatic gearbox on the Sonet is not available within your budget. It starts only from the HTX variant, which is priced well above Rs 13 lakh. While your shortlisted HTK Plus iMT variant does offer more features than the Venue HX5, the iMT gearbox does not feel as convenient or as stress free as a proper automatic transmission. Additionally, with the new generation update, the Hyundai Venue has grown in size and is noticeably more spacious than the Sonet, especially for rear seat passengers.The Skoda Kylaq is another strong option to consider. If driving enjoyment is important to you, this is the car to pick. It offers enough space for four adults to sit comfortably, and its ride and handling balance makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive. You can opt for the Kylaq automatic in the Signature variant, which is also better equipped than the Venue HX5.

Since your daily running is very high, we would recommend you go for a diesel or CNG car. Do make sure, however, that there are easily accessible CNG pumps around your area. If you do opt for a CNG car, the Hyundai Exter would be a good option, as Hyundai cars are known for their reliability and longevity.The Exter CNG uses twin CNG cylinders under the boot floor, instead of a single large one inside. Thus, you get a very usable cargo area. If, however, you prefer a diesel car, then consider the Tata Altroz, as it is the only diesel hatchback and offers good fuel efficiency.