Maruti Suzuki Fronx

That is quite a tall order to fit into your budget of Rs 10-11 lakh. However, given your requirements, we would recommend the Nissan Magnite or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. 

Both compact SUVs give the option of a fuel-efficient naturally aspirated petrol engine with an AMT auto gearbox at a good price, or a more powerful turbo-petrol engine with an auto gearbox that's not as fuel-efficient, but much smoother. 

Both have robust suspension that should be capable both in the city as well as on the highway. That said, while both can fit 5, the back seat will be a tight squeeze for 3, but at this budget, almost every car would be. 

Here, the Nissan Magnite has the edge on space, and overall, it is more affordable and a better value, too. Hence, it would be our pick for you.

As you've mentioned, the Hyundai Exter is the smoother and more refined car of the two, thanks to its four-cylinder petrol engine. 

Its transmission is also relatively more seamless, and overall, Hyundai cars have a better reputation for their sales and support network too. 

Other options you could shortlist are the Maruti Fronx or Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor 1.2 petrol AMT. 

Since you prefer a low service cost and an easy-on-the-pocket car, it would be better to stick to Maruti Suzuki as a brand. 

Maruti is renowned for low service and running costs and will offer peace of mind, just like the Maruti Celerio has. If you want a bigger car in particular, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a good option to consider. It has a roomy cabin, a comfy ride, the automatic is convenient for the city, and the running costs are low, too. 

Also, it has a good boot space and holds its value well. The other, more compact option would be the Maruti Suzuki Fronx with a turbo-petrol engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It isn't as big as the Brezza, but it is very nice to drive and quite practical too. Both cars in their top-spec variants will fit in your budget. 

Given your requirements, you should choose between the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. 

Both models come with petrol engines mated to a torque converter automatic gearbox, and being a Maruti car, you know they will be reliable and fuss-free to live with. 

The Brezza gets a 103hp, 136Nm, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, and it has more interior space and features than the Fronx. The Fronx, meanwhile, gets a punchier 100hp, 147Nm, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and it comes across as the better-looking model of the two thanks to its coupe-SUV-like design. 

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Brezza's naturally aspirated engine should be more efficient than the Fronx's turbo on your daily city commutes. 

A car with a torque converter automatic will suit your usage best, as it builds power smoothly at low speeds and feels the most responsive. It also crawls easily off the throttle and offers strong hill-hold behaviour. Unlike a DCT, it does not overheat in slow uphill traffic.

In the Maruti Suzuki car, you have two options with this transmission: the Brezza and the Fronx turbo automatic. Between the two, we suggest the Brezza as its naturally aspirated engine delivers smoother power, which is ideal for hilly regions, and it feels nicer to drive around corners.

In a Hyundai car, the only torque converter option in your budget is the Venue diesel. You can get the Venue HX 5 variant if you are comfortable with a diesel engine.

The Tata Tiago EV is a very competent electric car, and being an electric, it will make for a seamless and silent drive experience, no other petrol car can match. Also, being smaller in dimensions, the Tiago EV will be a touch easier to drive and park compared to a Maruti Suzuki Fronx. 

Also, it has a better sound system and touchscreen, which your wife may appreciate. If you can arrange for home charging, go for the Tata Tiago EV.

We'd suggest getting a compact car rather than a larger one, which will help you make a judgment easily. Also, since you are likely to drive the car infrequently, it is better to pick a petrol, rather than pay a premium for a corresponding CNG version. 

We'd suggest you shortlist the new Hyundai Venue 1.2-litre petrol and the Maruti Fronx/Toyota Taisor 1.2-litre petrol. All of these are smooth and user-friendly options. 

Between them, the Venue will feel more spacious, and its high seating and SUV-like driving position will make it a touch easier to drive than the Maruti/Toyota options.