​If you are looking for good mileage, you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 litre. In our real-world testing, it returned over 13 kpl in the city and around 20 kpl on the highway. It has a 190mm ground clearance and a 308litre boot. 

Another option - if you have access to CNG stations, you could look at the updated Tata Punch CNG. While the petrol Punch is not the most fuel-efficient option, the CNG version will lower your running costs significantly. 

While its 193mm ground clearance is sufficient for most roads, the 210-litre boot space (CNG) is smaller and may not meet your requirements.

Given that you previously owned a Ford Figo, we would suggest considering either the Skoda Kylaq or the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Within your budget, you can easily get the top Prestige Plus variant of the Kylaq. The AX7 Luxury variant of the 3XO is more expensive but still fits within your budget. Both cars are enjoyable to drive, offer a comfortable ride quality and come well equipped.

The main difference between the two lies in rear seat space and boot capacity. The Kylaq’s rear seat is not as wide and offers less knee room than the 3XO, making it more suitable as a four-seater. On the plus side, it has a much larger boot. Also, keep in mind that both cars use powerful turbo petrol engines, which are not the most fuel-efficient. The clutch is on the heavier side, too, making city driving a bit more effort-intensive.

If better fuel efficiency and a lighter, more progressive clutch are priorities, you could also consider the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx turbo petrol manual in their top variants. Both are more affordable than the Kylaq and the 3XO. While they do not feel as premium inside and miss out on a few features, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine is one of the best small turbo petrol engines to drive.

It is smooth, responsive, even at low speeds, with minimal turbo lag. The slick gearbox and light clutch make it very easy to drive in traffic. Both cars are spacious enough, offer a usable boot, and have a comfortable ride. They also deliver much better fuel efficiency. With the Maruti, getting double-digit mileage is easy, while achieving similar efficiency in the Skoda and Mahindra can be more challenging.

You should check out the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, which has a plush ride and scores well on fuel economy. Its interior doesn't wow with the latest tech and gizmos, but scores for space and excellent seat comfort. 

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Turbo/ Toyota Taisor Turbo would be next on our list. There's a bit more flash inside the cabin, the turbocharged engine is more exciting than the Brezza's and fuel economy is also good. Again, ride comfort is impressive.

The new Hyundai Venue is also an option. It's got a modern interior but trails the Marutis on ride quality.  
 

1,35,000km is a commendable amount, and since you're accustomed to the reliable peace of mind a Maruti Suzuki gives, we'd recommend sticking with the brand. There are two options - the Brezza and Fronx - that are surprisingly different from one another, each with its own pros and cons. 

While the Brezza is larger and more spacious, its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is not particularly punchy nor fuel efficient. Especially in automatic guise, and you will feel strained out on the highway, where you do most of your driving. 

The Fronx may be a bit smaller, but its 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine offers far more punch, while remaining reliable and fuel efficient. Given your usage, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 Turbo AT should be the pick for you. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG is a practical choice. However, if your family wants a different car, you can consider the Tata Tiago CNG XT MT. It will cost less than 8 lakhs on road and will still give you the benefit of CNG, and offers more equipment than the Wagon R. 

Fronx is not recommended, as in the budget, you will have to pick the base variant. It will not have many of the features which add to the convenience. 

Another, more practical option is to explore the second-hand market. This opens up access to a wider range of cars within your budget. With online platforms like Spinny, etc., the pre-owned buying process is now pretty transparent than earlier. 

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza AT VXI is a sensible choice, though it's a bit out of your budget. The Brezza isn't exciting to drive, but it delivers reasonable performance and fuel economy and also scores well for ride comfort. The cabin is also practical and roomy. 

If you want something more exciting, you have the option of the Mahindra XUV 3XO Petrol AT MX3, the Skoda Kylaq AT Signature, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Turbo AT Zeta. The 3XO feels strong and offers the most room for five passengers, if that's a requirement. 

The Skoda Kylaq is most enjoyable to drive thanks to its fun handling and punchy engine. Maruti's Fronx Turbo strikes a good balance between performance and fuel economy.  

Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have a global partnership which has yielded many shared products. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor are essentially the same car and are even built on the same production line. The differences are down to the badges, a few styling elements and colour options. 

The Taisor E is the equivalent to the Fronx Sigma. If you are getting a Rs 1.2 lakh discount on the Taisor, we recommend taking it. It's a very sweet deal. 

Yes, if you are very unsure about your driving, then a used car would be better. 

You could look at a Maruti Celerio, which is a compact car and has very light controls. The view outside is also good, so getting familiar with driving will be easy in this car. 

However, if you think you will get confident pretty soon, then yes, a Maruti Baleno will be just fine, or we would suggest you look at the Fronx. It is essentially based on the Baleno, so you will get the same amount of interior space. 

Moreover, you will get the same powertrain but with a lifted body and better ground clearance, which will help you in case your drives to the hills involve some bad roads.