The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option to consider and is a very good value for money buy. Every variant now gets the three-screen setup and six airbags; there are loads of features as you go higher up the ladder. Within your budget, you can get the AX or even the AX3 variant with these features. However, if you want more features at this price point, then we would recommend you look at the Hyundai Alcazar. It will have a few more features like dual-zone climate control and ambient lighting, along with all the other basics.

The recently facelifted Renault Triber and upcoming Nissan Gravite are both good options for your usage. Essentially the same car under the skin, they are surprisingly spacious given their sub-4m length and overall size. The advantage of getting a 7-seater in this case is that, for your occasional 6-seat use, you will be able to manage with this car, and for the rest of the time, your 4-5 passengers will be more comfortable, and you can carry some luggage too. As a commuter, its compact dimensions make it easy to manage around town. Renault and Nissan's quality and reliability have come a long way since the early days. Though not quite up to the gold standard of certain other brands, are not a serious issue in the slightest. The Punch EV is a good choice, too. But for the reasons mentioned above, as well as your 1,500km monthly usage, we'd recommend sticking to a 7-seater and an ICE vehicle.

The Tata Sierra is the most spacious and comfortable option here, and it also has a punchy turbo-petrol engine and a feature-rich cabin. The Honda Elevate is a good option too, with a refined naturally aspirated petrol engine and a smooth CVT gearbox. But does not have the tech or space of the Sierra. The new Renault Duster will soon be launched in India, and we will get a first glimpse on the 26th of January. The Duster is a strong brand name and is definitely worth waiting for, so we would advise you to halt your purchase a little while longer.

Of the options on your shortlist, the Hyundai Creta IVT is the best. Hyundai's CVT (IVT as they market it) is excellent, delivering a smooth experience, especially in city driving. It's free from the rubberband effect (rapid rise in engine revs without a corresponding rise in road speed) that CVTs are notorious for. Also, it works well in sync with the engine and adapts well to your driving style. Do note that, given that you want to keep the car for over 10 years, the Hyundai Creta that's towards the end of its life might not make the ideal choice. The new-gen Creta is about a year away, meaning opting for a current-gen car will have you miss the advancements made to all aspects of the model. We suggest you consider the new Kia Seltos IVT, which shares its engine and gearbox with the Creta IVT. By virtue of being built on a new-gen platform and being larger in size, the Seltos IVT makes for a more wholesome package for similar money.