Citroen C3

Given your requirements, you should consider the Citroen C3 X. It's powered by a punchy 110hp, 205Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, and that, coupled with its superb ride and handling balance, means you'll enjoy driving it. 

In our real-world fuel efficiency tests, the C3 X turbo-petrol automatic returned 8.46kpl in the city and 13.38kpl out on the highway. 

Citroen C3 price for turbo petrol-auto is Rs 9.05 lakh (ex-showroom). Alternatively, you could also consider the Nissan Magnite turbo petrol-CVT, which has a higher real-world mileage of 9.5kpl in the city and 15.22kpl on the highway. Nissan Magnite price ranges between Rs 9.14 lakh to Rs 10.76 lakh (ex-showroom).

Most of the automatic cars under Rs 10 lakh feature an AMT gearbox, which is cost-effective, but not the best when it comes to smoothness. However, the Citroen C3X with the turbo-engine option features a torque-converter automatic that is a lot better. The turbo-petrol engine is excellent when it comes to power delivery and punchy performance, and the ride quality is very good too. 

Where it loses some points is in Citroen's dealer network, which isn't as widespread as other brands. This small drawback aside, the C3X is a very good option that gets good ground clearance, compact dimensions and good drivability. 

Of your shortlisted cars, the Citroen C3 Turbo AT is the best choice. It's almost uncanny combination of ride comfort and driving pleasure isn't replicated by many, with a strong engine and a smooth but responsive 6-speed torque converter automatic. 

Its fuel efficiency, though not best in class, is decent as well; just make sure you have a dealer and service centre close enough to you, as Citroen's network is still growing. 

While the Renault Kiger turbo and Nissan Magnite turbo represent better value for money, and better fuel economy, they aren't as comfy or fun to drive as the Citroen. And the Maruti Suzuki Fronx turbo AT, again, while more fuel efficient, will only just about fit into your budget, and that too for a lower-spec variant.

If you are open to the Citroen car brand, you could consider the C3X Turbo AT (if you don't want to stretch your budget for the Aircross X). Its turbo engine is punchy, ride comfort is outstanding, and it will give you good confidence while driving in the hills, too. 

The Kia Sonet interior quality will be better than the C3's; however, the iMT isn't as convenient as traditional automatic units. Instead, you could consider the Mahindra XUV3XO 1.2 MX3 Turbo AT, for its punchier engine and smooth automatic transmission.

The Citroen C3 has a very good ride, and it is within the dimensions of your current car. However, it would not feel like an upgrade, more a lateral move at best, so take a good look at it and see how you think about the car. You can also look at the Tata Altroz, which also offers a very good ride. 

If you want to stick with an SUV body style, then have a look at the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The car looks and feels quite different from your older model, both inside and out. The ride quality has also improved. It is soft and pliant at low speeds. 

Though at higher speeds over crests and undulations, there will be some pitch and lift. If your running is mostly in the city, this would not be a problem and assuming you are happy with the Maruti Suzuki car experience, the new Brezza would do well. 

Given your requirement for a car for road trips, we recommend looking at the more powerful options within your budget, rather than the more feature-packed ones.

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is a good fit for your needs. It has a nice 1.2-litre engine, and Maruti's easy-to-access service network also counts for a lot when venturing out of city limits.

Citroen C3 is the best-to-drive car within your budget, but the service network is small.

Tata Tiago and Tata Punch are also options to consider. They feel tough, and this adds greatly to confidence on a road trip.

There are multiple sub-4m automatic options within your budget. 

The Citroen C3 AT is a great product. It's got an elevated seating position which your wife will appreciate. The highlight of the C3 is its engine-gearbox combination. The 1.2-litre engine is peppy and works really well with the smooth 6-speed automatic gearbox. Citroen doesn't have a large service network, but you should not have an issue if you live in a big city. 

If your wife is comfortable with a larger feeling vehicle (within sub-4m), the options to consider include automatic versions of the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO, and CVT versions of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.  

If you are open to buying an electric vehicle, the Tata Tiago EV is a good option for city use. It's got a smooth powertrain and is much more practical than the MG Comet you also considered. There's also the option of the Tata Punch EV, though it is slightly out of your budget. 

Among petrol automatic cars within your budget, the Hyundai i20 iVT and Citroen C3 AT have the smoothest automatic gearboxes. The Maruti Suzuki Swift AMT is also a good city car, though the AMT gearbox isn't as nice.