I am looking for a car under ₹15 lakh with Level 2 ADAS, a DCT or torque converter automatic, and either a petrol or strong hybrid powertrain.

The Tata Nexon Fearless+ PS, with an ex-showroom price of Rs 13.53 lakh, is the only car in your budget which offers Level 2 ADAS, a turbo-petrol engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Level 2 ADAS suite on the Nexon brings active safety features, such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, high-beam assist and traffic sign recognition.

Expected to launch in 2027, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid is expected to deliver stellar fuel efficiency; so wait for it, if you aren't in a hurry.However, if you need a replacement sooner than 2027, you could opt for diesel versions of the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet. They share their diesel engine, which is smooth, refined and very efficient. Both these are equally user-friendly, and both have adequate space for a child seat, although the Venue has an edge over the Sonet in terms of space. Also, in their top variants, both cars offer ADAS along with other safety features, covering your safety requirements well.

The new Kia Seltos will be a substantial upgrade from your Baleno, and considering you will be using it 90% in the city, it's best to stick with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and the CVT gearbox. Despite the Seltos having grown considerably with the new generation, the 116hp and 250 Nm are more than enough to propel the SUV along smoothly, with enough pep for overtaking on the highway.Moreover, this is the smoother powertrain by far, which is beneficial in your bumper-to-bumper driving conditions. The 1.5 turbo-petrol with the 7-speed DCT is no doubt the more exciting powertrain, but it's nowhere near as smooth at low speeds - turbo lag combined with some shift clunkiness can become annoying after a while. Plus, it isn't as fuel-efficient as the 1.5 CVT either.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio will be a good upgrade from your Alto LXi. It remains compact, and thanks to its tall-boy design, getting in and out is easy, and it offers a great view from the driver's or passengers' seats. Its 1.0-litre K10 petrol engine is proven as a reliable and fuel-efficient powertrain, and you should continue to get excellent mileage from it.What's more, you can even get an AMT automatic in your budget, if you want a bit more convenience. If you want something more upmarket, consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It's more powerful, efficient, and offers more space, practicality and comfort. You might, however, have to stretch your budget slightly if you want more features.