The best options for you to consider include the Mahindra XUV 3XO AT AX7 L and the Hyundai Venue Turbo DCT HX10. In fully loaded form, both compact SUVs pack in lots of comfort, tech and safety features, including ADAS. 

The Mahindra XUV 3XO has a more powerful engine, a smoother gearbox, more absorbent ride comfort and also feels more entertaining to drive. The XUV 3XO is more spacious, too. 

On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue has a fresher vibe to it and also feels more polished in its user interface and technology.  

 

First things first, you should know that some of the punch that you like about your Hyundai Creta's diesel engines is missing on modern day diesel engines. Engine calibration to meet the latest BS6 emission norms has, sadly, taken away that mid-range kick older turbo-diesels were known for. However, there are still some great diesel-automatic options available today. 

Among compact SUVs, the new Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO are worth a look. In the mid-sized SUV space, the new Tata Sierra, new Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta make for good, if unexciting, long-distance diesel SUVs. 

If your budget allows, you should consider the upcoming Mahindra XUV 7XO in diesel-automatic form. The engine-gearbox will be carried over from the current XUV 700. 

The 2.2-litre diesel engine is a smooth and strong unit and is really well complemented by the 6-speed automatic transmission. It is our pick of the diesel-automatic options. 

 

The Hyundai Venue Turbo DCT is a good package, but it is on the pricey side by segment standards. 

The HX5 variant does get reasonable features, but we would urge you to consider the HX6 version. While the price gap from the HX5 to HX6 is significant, the HX6 does get essential safety features like a rear wiper, adjustable rear headrests and wider tyres. Of course, the jump to HX6 also brings in more comfort features such as a rear armrest and auto climate control, among others.   

Alternatively, you could consider the Kia Sonet Turbo DCT HTX, Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx Turbo Zeta, all of which offer good automatic gearboxes. Also pack in plenty of comfort and safety features within your Rs 13 lakh budget. 

All the models you have shortlisted have their highlights and weaknesses. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a well-rounded vehicle that excels in space and comfort. Maruti's service network is a huge plus in its own right. However, as you rightly identified, the Brezza is not exciting to drive. This Maruti Suzuki car's performance is fine in city driving conditions, and it will cruise comfortably on the highway. But the engine lacks punch in case that's important to you. 

If strong performance and good handling are requirements, the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO are the ones to be most interested in. Both models are good to drive, but fuel economy could be a concern in bumper-to-bumper city driving. 

We feel you will find a good balance in the Hyundai Venue 1.0 Turbo DCT. The engine is strong enough, and the gearshifts are also nice and quick. DCTs do tend to fumble at low speeds and aren't as smooth as torque converter autos. Although, it's not really an issue and surely not to the extent of avoiding the gearbox type altogether. 

Fuel economy should also be better than what you'd get with a torque converter.  The new Venue is also quite a wholesome package. The cabin is quite spacious, and the material quality is impressive. 

Yes, you are right, your short drive in Mumbai traffic won’t allow the diesel particulate filter (DPF) of Mahindra XUV 3XO to reach the temperatures. It needs to ‘light-off or regenerate properly to burn off the soot which will accumulate in your DPF and trigger a malfunction warning. 

The way to raise the exhaust temperature and subsequently heat the DPF to its ‘light-off’ point is to run the engine under a steady load. You should plan a long drive at least once a month, with around half an hour of continuous driving at around 50-60kph. 

Use a gear that keeps the engine between 2,000 to 2,500 rpm and drive steadily without hard acceleration or braking. 

The aim is to drive consistently so that the exhaust temperatures can stabilise and you can complete the regeneration process without interruption. Since you live in Powai, the Eastern Expressway is not far away and can be a convenient stretch for you to clear your DPF periodically.
 

If you are getting a good deal, go for the Kia Seltos HTX iVT. The new Seltos is bigger and fresher but gets the same engines and is likely to be at least a lakh more expensive. 

Yes, your resale will be hit once the new model comes out, but that can be compensated with the good deal you get on the outgoing model. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a smaller car than the Seltos, so it will be a step down in that sense.