Given your requirements, we would recommend you opt for the Kia Sonet diesel. The car will likely be more reliable, and the Kia diesel engine delivers a good mix of refinement and performance. It's also very well equipped and, with the SUV body style, will give you a better view of the road outside. Do bear in mind, though, that the rear seat space is quite limited, so we would suggest you personally check to see if this is ok with you. 

Expecting 12-14kpl in peak Bangalore traffic from an automatic SUV is a bit optimistic, and if you really want that kind of efficiency, you will have to look at diesel alternatives. 

Consider a Kia Sonet or Hyundai Venue diesel AT for its smooth transmission and refined diesel engine. The Tata Nexon diesel is efficient too, although its AMT isn't as smooth as its Korean rivals.
 

You're right, the Renault Kiger is a modern car which is decently equipped, but its resale value isn't as strong as some other options in this segment. The Kia Sonet feels more polished overall, and it will get you more features too. 

Yes, the iMT is convenient, but try getting a proper automatic instead, which will be a far more convenient and smoother option. If you want something a bit more modern, the Hyundai Venue is also an option you must consider. The Mahindra XUV3XO is also a compact SUV you may consider.
 

There can be a small amount of low-rpm shudder in first gear if you are crawling in traffic at very low speeds. But if it is constant and happens even at higher revs, then there is a problem.

There are known cases of the Kia Sonet iMT having a judder in first gear. So the dealer cannot call this normal. These juddering points to a problem with the iMT mechanism. Typically, the clutch or an actuator. It should be solved, especially since your warranty is about to expire.

Make it clear to the dealer that the issue is not because of your driving style, but it’s a genuine problem. Request a written report on your problem and ask them to flag it off with Kia. Get the complaint logged before December 15th to protect your warranty claim.

If the dealer does not cooperate, try another dealer. You can also write to [email protected], and we will then escalate the issue to the company.

Considering your high annual usage, a diesel SUV would be a better choice for you. The Kia Sonet with a diesel engine would be a good upgrade for you. It has a torquey 1.5-litre diesel engine that is refined and has good punch on highways while also being efficient. 

The 6-speed manual gearbox is slick to use, and within your budget, you can opt for the Kia Sonet HTK+ trim that gets a well-appointed cabin as well. Equipment like automatic climate control, reversing camera with sensors and a better quality interior and bigger boot tips the scales to the Sonet. 

Given that your usage is relatively high and mainly on the highway, you should go for the Kia Sonet diesel MT. Its strong pulling power compared to the naturally aspirated petrol engines you have mentioned will allow for more effortless cruising and overtaking, and the fuel efficiency will be considerably better too. 

You should also consider the new Hyundai Venue, as it is a bit more modern and more spacious than the Sonet. As for the fuel economy of the petrol engines, it depends on your driving style and conditions. Since your driving is mainly on the highway, the larger, more powerful 1.5-litre petrol in the Maruti Suzuki Brezza would likely be more efficient on the whole, as it would be less strained at higher speeds than the Sonet's 1.2 petrol.

The 1.0-litre turbo petrol with the DCT has been used across several Hyundai and Kia cars, such as the Venue, i20 and the Sonet, and has proven reliable over time. 

Hyundai has also improved the gearbox’s smoothness, making it a well-rounded powertrain. Compared with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, the turbo offers a significant performance advantage, especially on the highway, and the 1.2-litre does not offer an automatic option either.