The New Kia Seltos with the IVT gearbox is a better option for you. The IVT is a very smooth transmission and provides jerk-free gearshifts, which you will really appreciate in city driving. Kia's IVT also works well on highway drives and doesn't have that 'rubberband effect' (sharp rise in revs without a corresponding rise in road speed) that other CVT gearboxes are notorious for.  

The DCT gearbox is quicker shifting and also comes paired to a more powerful engine. On the flip side, gearshifts on the DCT are not as smooth as the IVT in slow-speed driving scenarios. 

Since you already drive a Hyundai car, it's best to stick with the brand, and in your budget, the new Hyundai Venue makes sense. It's the latest car in its segment, and as such, offers the newest tech and features. 

While it hasn't been crash tested yet, it uses a new-gen platform and features plenty of safety kit, so we expect it to perform. Its rear seat and boot are both pretty spacious for the class, and if you choose the N Line variant, as you prefer, you'll get some sporty design elements as well. 

The Tata Sierra and new Kia Seltos would have been better options for your requirements, but sadly, automatic versions of those cars will be outside of your budget.

Looks and styling are very subjective, but we would lean towards the new Kia Seltos. The car looks funky, and it is nice and large too and well equipped. 

We will be reviewing the car this month, so look out for our detailed review on our website and YouTube channel.    

Since a hybrid SUV is your priority, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder would be your best option. 

The Kia Seltos hybrid would be joining the lineup, but it is unclear as to when that would happen. The upcoming Renault Duster is also likely to feature a hybrid option, but there will be more clarity on that in the second half of 2026. 

If you cannot wait for another year, the Toyota car is a good option to go with. 

A good option to also look at would be the newly unveiled Kia Seltos. It is a new generation model with a lot of changes, an upmarket cabin and even more features added. Kia has also retained the powertrain options so should you want a diesel, you can get that as well. 

If you want a bigger SUV, the Mahindra XUV 700 will also be updated to the Mahindra XUV 7XO with a refreshed look and new features in January. 

Although it is worth noting that the XUV will be pushing the Rs 25 lakh mark in terms of price. The Renault Duster is also an iconic model that is set to make a comeback next month so it is definitely worth waiting for. 

A logical option for you is the all-new Seltos, which goes on sale in January 2026. 

The new Kia Seltos is much bigger than the outgoing model, offering more legroom and luggage space than your current Seltos. However, if you want a change from the Seltos, you could also consider the Mahindra XUV 7X0, which is a facelift of the Mahindra XUV700 and is a large, spacious SUV with a choice of strong petrol and diesel engines. The diesel 7X0 would be our pick
 

The Kia Seltos is a very good option, and the good news is that there is a new Kia Seltos version launching in only a few days. It is likely to carry forward the powertrain, and that means the torquey diesel engine will also be available. 

The new model will also get feature additions and a fresh new look, so it's worth waiting for. Also, there is no issue with going for a long drive three times a week in your car. 

In fact, since diesel cars feature a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), it is recommended to take them out on long drives and get the engine to burn off the soot collected. Driving long distances often will not cause any issues. 

Given that you are looking at an upgrade from a compact SUV like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, it would be worthwhile looking at the larger mid-size SUV segment. 

However, bear in mind, then, that you would likely have to stretch your budget a bit to get a good amount of features. We would advise holding off on your purchase for a little longer if possible, as there are several exciting new cars launching very soon. 

First is the Tata Sierra, a good-looking and well-equipped SUV whose full price list is expected later this month. Then there is the all-new Kia Seltos, which promises to be larger and even better equipped than today's car.

 And finally is the new Renault Duster, which promises the same robust SUV feel and value proposition as the original, with more modern features. All should be big on safety, although official crash test ratings remain to be seen.