Citroen C3 X Live 1.2 Petrol MT

We would lean towards the Citroen C3X Shine with the 1.2 turbo engine and six-speed AT. It's a little above your budget but will suit your needs best as it is extremely comfortable, has a superb suspension and the best powertrain for the price. 

For highway driving, it is the best of all the options you have shortlisted because of the brilliant engine and dynamics. However, we have added that Citroen’s dealer network is not the best, and hence, after-sales service could be a worry. 

If you want to play safe, go for the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, it's well equipped, reliable and comes with low-cost maintenance. It’s just that for your budget, you will get the 1.2 petrol mated to an AMT, which is nowhere near as nice to drive as the C3X.
 

The Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger share their turbo-petrol CVT (automatic), which is a smooth yet powerful powertrain option. 

Both cars have been refreshed recently with quite a few upmarket touches. Between the two, the Magnite looks a bit more SUVish and has slightly better cabin ergonomics. 

If you have a Citroen touchpoint nearby, you must check out the C3 Turbo AT. It is a much better car at a more affordable price tag.

There are a plethora of automatic petrol cars available within your budget. Given your monthly travel is just 200-300km, we will give less weightage to fuel economy and more weightage to driving comfort. As we don't know other preferences, here's a shortlist of the best options by body style -  

Hatchback - Hyundai i20 IVT Asta (O), Citroen C3 X Shine AT
Compact sedan - Honda Amaze CVT ZX
Compact SUV - Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT, Renault Kiger Turbo CVT Emotion

Considering your budget, the Citroen C3X Shine 1.2 Turbo Petrol AT is a solid choice. The Tata Punch offers only an AMT, and the automatic variant of the Skoda Kushaq will take you well past ₹11 lakh. 

The C3X’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is reliable, performs well, and comes paired with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, which will give you a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

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.