Nissan cars in India (4)

That is quite a tall order to fit into your budget of Rs 10-11 lakh. However, given your requirements, we would recommend the Nissan Magnite or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. 

Both compact SUVs give the option of a fuel-efficient naturally aspirated petrol engine with an AMT auto gearbox at a good price, or a more powerful turbo-petrol engine with an auto gearbox that's not as fuel-efficient, but much smoother. 

Both have robust suspension that should be capable both in the city as well as on the highway. That said, while both can fit 5, the back seat will be a tight squeeze for 3, but at this budget, almost every car would be. 

Here, the Nissan Magnite has the edge on space, and overall, it is more affordable and a better value, too. Hence, it would be our pick for you.

Between Rs 15-20 lakh, the best choice for your needs would be the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI with the automatic DSG gearbox. 

Being a mid-size SUV, the Kushaq gets plenty of practicality, but the highlight is its powertrain that has a 150hp turbo-petrol engine and a 7-speed DSG gearbox that is quick to shift. 

Also, the handling manners and chassis tuning make it enjoyable on long trips and around twisty roads. The feature list is also impressive, and you get a lot of kit for the money. The sound system is worth a mention too, and the overall build quality is excellent. The Kushaq would be the right choice and a great replacement for the Nissan Magnite. 

Of your shortlisted cars, the Citroen C3 Turbo AT is the best choice. It's almost uncanny combination of ride comfort and driving pleasure isn't replicated by many, with a strong engine and a smooth but responsive 6-speed torque converter automatic. 

Its fuel efficiency, though not best in class, is decent as well; just make sure you have a dealer and service centre close enough to you, as Citroen's network is still growing. 

While the Renault Kiger turbo and Nissan Magnite turbo represent better value for money, and better fuel economy, they aren't as comfy or fun to drive as the Citroen. And the Maruti Suzuki Fronx turbo AT, again, while more fuel efficient, will only just about fit into your budget, and that too for a lower-spec variant.

The Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT and Tata Altroz 1.2 petrol DCT, both get excellent, smooth automatic transmissions, as well as a 360-degree camera. 

Between the two, the Tata car gets our vote for its spaciousness, value, and overall robust build. The Toyota Taisor Turbo AT and Maruti Fronx Turbo AT with the 360-degree camera will be relatively pricier. 

However, these brands have a better reputation for service and maintenance.

CNGs cars and SUVs have come a long way in the past few years. 

Carmakers like Tata, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki all offer models with underbody CNG tanks, which means you don't have to compromise on boot space. 

As for CNG automatics, there are currently three models for sale in India in three different body styles. 

The Tata Tiago CNG AMT (Rs 7.23 lakh-8.07 lakh, ex-showroom) is a hatchback, the Tata Tigor CNG AMT (Rs 8.19 lakh-8.74 lakh, ex-showroom) is a compact sedan, while the Nissan Magnite CNG AMT (Rs 6.89 lakh-9.70 lakh, ex-showroom) is a compact SUV.

There are multiple sub-4m automatic options within your budget. 

The Citroen C3 AT is a great product. It's got an elevated seating position which your wife will appreciate. The highlight of the C3 is its engine-gearbox combination. The 1.2-litre engine is peppy and works really well with the smooth 6-speed automatic gearbox. Citroen doesn't have a large service network, but you should not have an issue if you live in a big city. 

If your wife is comfortable with a larger feeling vehicle (within sub-4m), the options to consider include automatic versions of the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO, and CVT versions of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.  

You may consider the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, which is compact for the city, and with light controls and good visibility all around, it is very easy to drive. If you prefer the 'SUV-like' high seating position, and something a bit more spacious, you could consider the Nissan Magnite too.

The Nissan Magnite meets your requirements. In terms of safety, the SUV comes with 6 airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, and it has received a full, 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP for adult occupant protection. The Nissan Magnite can be had with a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that's paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic. The Magnite mileage is 19.9kpl (ARAI claimed) for the manual and 17.9kpl for the CVT. The Magnite top variant, Tekna+ CVT, is priced at Rs 10.76 lakh (ex-showroom, India), and it comes with all the necessary features. It includes cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system and alloy wheels.