The Mahindra XUV 7XO is an excellent option. Besides being spacious and very comfortable, it is feature-rich and its turbo-petrol engine delivers strong performance. Also, its newer suspension setup results in a plush ride quality at all times, making it an excellent long-distance tourer too.

The new-generation Creta's launch is still some time away, however the new Kia Seltos has been recently launched, and it is also a fantastic option you could consider if you want an SUV that's a bit more compact than the XUV 7XO. You could opt for the 1.5 petrol-automatic version, that's our pick of the Seltos range, for its smoothness, refinement and overall convenience.

For around 1,000km of monthly running, a petrol SUV would suit your needs well. Since nearly 80% of your driving is within the city, an automatic will be far more convenient than a manual.

The Kia Seltos is the largest and most spacious SUV in this comparison, while the Nexon and Venue are both sub-four-metre SUVs. The Seltos HTK (O) variant is a tempting option, but it misses out on a few features you might expect at this price point. Automatic climate control, a 360-degree camera and ventilated seats are not offered. Also, the 1.5-litre petrol engine feels a bit underpowered compared to the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol available on the Venue HX 8, which fits within the same budget.

The Venue also offers a stronger feature set overall and if value for money is important to you, it is the better buy.

The Nexon CNG fits within the budget and will be the cheapest to run. However, you will have to deal with long waiting times at CNG stations, especially in the city where most of your driving will be.

If you want a spacious SUV with a smooth driving experience, the Kia Seltos HTK (O) with the CVT gearbox is a good choice. But if you want the maximum number of features and are willing to compromise slightly on rear seat space, the Venue is the one to go for. The Nexon is worth considering only if fuel efficiency is your top priority.

Choosing the right petrol transmission when buying the new Kia Seltos depends on what you want. If you are looking for performance then without doubt go for the turbo petrol variant as it packs more punch and on open roads this extra performance will translate to more fun and effortless performance. On the downside fuel efficiency will be on the lower side and in city driving it will not feel as smooth as the 1.5 naturally aspirated engine.

The 1.5 litre IVT on the other hand feels much better than what the spec sheet suggests. It is creamy smooth to drive in the city thanks to the naturally aspirated engine’s smooth power delivery and the seamless CVT transmission and in fact even on the highway it has enough power to cruise or make overtakes. 

So as I said it depends on what you are looking for. If you want a smooth, more fuel efficient commuter then the 1.5 NA IVT would do just fine or if you want that extra performance then go for the turbo petrol DCT.