Both the Honda Elevate and the Citroen Aircross have a very good ride quality and are powered by responsive engines. 

For your requirements, you would not go wrong with either. However, to quantify between the two, we would rate the Aircross better in terms of ride quality, engine performance and refinement. Thus, we would recommend you pick the Citroen since driving pleasure and ride quality are very important to you. 

However, make sure there is a dealer in your area and in the areas you plan to drive to, as the Citroen network is very sparse at the moment.   

The Kia Syros is a great option for you due to its spacious cabin and backseats, which recline for more comfort. Furthermore, its boxy design enhances the sense of space inside this cabin. Another good, spacious option is the Citroen Aircross X, which is a large car for compact SUV money. If you have a Citroen showroom near you, it is worth considering.
 

You haven't mentioned your budget, so it'll be difficult to recommend the right car. Since you've mentioned you want something as small as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Hyundai Venue does make a lot of sense. 

You could go for the 1.2L petrol version too, since your usage is going to be minimal. The lower variants are great value for money. If you want a bigger car for similar money, you could look at the Citroen Aircross X. However, your wife will need to get used to its larger dimensions.

The Citroen Aircross X AT is a good SUV with a crucial USP being the extra set of seats in the third row. It isn't a 7-seater but more of a 5+2, which means the third row is good enough for kids and short adults for quick city drives. 

You can also remove the seats entirely and use the space as a big boot. The turbo-petrol engine is responsive and nice to drive, the ride is extremely comfortable, and it has a decent feature list too. If you want maximum practicality, the Aircross X is a good choice. 

The other option worth looking at would be the Kia Syros. The Syros has an unconventional design, but is excellent when it comes to space and packaging. It also has a higher level of quality throughout the cabin. Sure, it does not have an extra set of seats, but it has a spacious rear seat that gets ventilation for the base and a good degree of recline, too. 

Also, Kia's network is more widespread than that of Citroen, and that does help when it comes to after-sales and service.  

Out of the cars you have shortlisted, we suggest the Citroen Aircross X. Even the top variant fits within your budget, and the car itself is a well-rounded product. It is comfortable thanks to supportive seats front and back, and there is ample space. The wide cabin also allows five people to sit comfortably.

Another good five-seater in your budget is the Mahindra 3XO. Its wide and spacious cabin seats five in good comfort, and its shorter length makes it easier to park. However, the boot is on the smaller side, which you should keep in mind.

Regarding the upcoming Renault Duster, it is one of the most anticipated launches early next year. If you are willing to wait and check it out before deciding, it would make a lot of sense.

All the compact SUV options you've listed are powered by turbo-petrol engines, and since you are looking for efficiency, be warned, in typical city driving (stop-go conditions), these turbo-petrol engines aren't likely to be very efficient. 

Also, these are very sensitive to the driving style and ambient conditions, which can drop the mileage down to single digits. Among the options you've listed, the Mahindra XUV3XO 1.2 Turbo (MPI) AT is likely to satiate your need for performance while offering a smoother and comfortable experience overall. 

Another option you may consider is the Citroen Basalt X/Aircross X, provided there is a Citroen touchpoint in your city. However, if you want to keep the running costs down at all costs without sacrificing performance, go for the Tata Nexon EV 45.

The Honda Elevate would be a better choice between the two. It has a smooth and refined petrol engine that has more power than the Citroen Aircross, and the CVT gearbox is excellent in the city. Also, it is a well-sorted car that will do the job without any drama. 

The equipment kit and the ride comfort are also good, while not as good as the Aircross, it is still quite nice. Honda cars are also better in terms of their network, and after-sales touchpoints. Moreover, it also holds its future value better than the Aircross. 

The Citroen Aircross X will suit your needs the best. It has a superb ride that is comfy and adept over bad roads. The space inside the cabin is large enough for tall adults, and it is ergonomically sorted as well. 

The turbo-petrol engine offers strong performance, and it has all the necessary tech as well. The Aircross is also a three-row SUV, but a good feature is that you can remove the third row entirely and use the space as a big boot.