Renault Kiger

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.

Considering your requirement, we would suggest choosing the Maruti Suzuki Baleno with the automated manual transmission (AMT) as compared to the Renault Kiger. It has a more powerful and smoother 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine along with a better-tuned AMT gearbox.

In a recent BNCAP crash test, it also scored a decent 4-star rating. Being a Maruti Suzuki car, you won’t have to worry about maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, or overall ownership experience, as it is among the best in its segment.

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.  

The Renault Kiger with the CVT is a good choice as it has a well-equipped cabin and looks upmarket and new-age. The pros are its design, SUV road presence, good ground clearance, tech and equipment and punch power delivery. The cons are weak fuel efficiency, the touchscreen resolution and cabin insulation. That said, as an overall package and a first car, it is a good choice. 

There are a few more sub-compact AMT SUVs, just like the Tata Punch, that suit your requirement within the same budget. The closest competitor is the Hyundai Exter, which also comes with a 1.2 petrol engine and an AMT gearbox. Plus, it is known to offer better real-world mileage and is arguably more reliable overall than the Tata Punch. You could also consider the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite, which offer larger and more spacious cabins, although they are slightly more expensive too.