The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a well-rounded product, and the AX7 T is the variant to choose as it offers all the premium features you would expect at this price point. You get a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated front seats, Level 2 ADAS, an electronic parking brake and much more.As for whether you should opt for AWD, it really depends on your usage. If you live in the hills or regularly drive on challenging and slippery terrain, the AWD version can make sense. For most driving conditions, however, the Front Wheel Drive version will do just fine.If your idea is to get into serious off-roading, the 7XO is not the best choice, even with AWD. For that kind of usage, the Mahindra Scorpio N or the Mahindra Thar Roxx, with higher ground clearance and a low-range gearbox, will be far more capable.

The Tata Sierra is clearly the larger of the two cars and will give you more space than the Maruti Fronx, as well as a better ride, too. However, the base version of the Sierra isn't as well-equipped as the Fronx. More importantly for you, the versions that fit your budget come with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, which is quite weak in its power delivery and not ideal for you, given that you are mostly driving on highways. Thus, a high variant of the Fronx would suit you better.

Considering your requirements, we would suggest the Kia Seltos HTX CVT with ADAS.For daily city commutes, the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a CVT automatic feels smooth, refined, easy to drive and offers a comfortable ride. It is also well equipped and gets all the features you are looking for and more. For occasional highway use, this engine and gearbox combination has enough punch as well.An alternative is the Hyundai Creta, which uses a similar engine and gearbox, but the Seltos feels newer and better specced. Another option is the Tata Sierra, though its 1.5 litre naturally aspirated engine does not feel as effortless as the one in the Seltos.

Yes, the Citroen Basalt X will be better in both aspects that you desire. The turbo-charged engine is very peppy and is nice to drive, and the ride of the car is excellent, a typical Citroen hallmark. We would rule out the Tata Nexon turbo as the power delivery isn't very strong like other typical turbo engines. If you want to consider something other than the Citroen, test drive the turbo version of the Nissan Magnite. The 1.0-litre unit has a good mid-range punch and is something that you would enjoy.