The Skoda Kylaq is powered by a punchy 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine paired to a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, and as such, it will have no issues climbing up ghats with the AC on. While the cabin isn't as spacious as some competitors, the Kylaq can comfortably seat four adults and a child. 

Coming from the Ford Figo, you will also appreciate the great ride and handling balance of the Skoda Kylaq. Skoda Kylaq automatic prices range from Rs 9.25 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). 

You have a wide choice of cars, but based on your requirements, we would suggest going for the new Kia Seltos.

Within the Seltos range, the 1.5 litre IVT automatic in the HTX variant fits within your budget and offers a very good mix of premium and essential features. It meets almost all your requirements. The 1.5 litre naturally aspirated engine is refined, and the IVT gearbox is silky smooth, especially at low speeds, which makes it extremely easy to drive in stop go city traffic. It also has enough performance for weekend highway use and, while fuel efficiency is not phenomenal, it should consistently return better figures than the turbo petrol options you have shortlisted. The newer generation Seltos has also grown in size, interior space and overall cabin quality, which is now among the best in the segment. Ride quality has improved significantly too, and it feels comfortable both in the city and on the highway.

The Tata Nexon and the new Hyundai Venue are good options, but their turbo petrol engines paired with DCT gearboxes are not as smooth as the Seltos’ IVT. The Seltos is also a size larger, more comfortable and feels more premium overall. The same applies to the turbo petrol powered Skoda Kushaq, which again will not feel as smooth as the Seltos in daily use. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is another size up and, while its 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine is powerful and smooth, the larger size makes it less easy to drive in the city and fuel efficiency will be much lower. Within your budget, the AX3 variant just about fits, but it misses out on several features that the Seltos offers.

The Hyundai Creta is also a good option and uses the same engine and gearbox as the Seltos. However, it is expected to be replaced early next year and, compared to the Seltos, it is smaller, less spacious, offers fewer features and is similarly priced. Because it is nearing replacement, the current model will also age quicker. That said, if you are getting a strong deal on the Creta, it is still worth considering.

Another car you should look at is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Strong Hybrid. It meets most of your requirements and will be even smoother to drive at low speeds, as it runs on electric power for a large part of city driving. Being a Maruti Suzuki, reliability and after sales support are strong points. It has also scored a 5 star BNCAP rating, and as a hybrid, fuel efficiency is exceptional. In fact, you can expect close to double the mileage of most of the cars you have shortlisted.

A few things to note, however: the Victoris is not as spacious as the Seltos, especially in the rear seat, and boot space is compromised due to the hybrid battery pack under the boot floor.

The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are indeed good options, and the fact that they have a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP is a big plus. The absence of a 360-degree camera and ADAS is not a deal-breaker, and they're still worth considering for their strong engines, smooth gearboxes and excellent driving dynamics. 

Do note, however, that both cars are still a few months away, with the Kushaq facelift expected to launch in March, and the Taigun facelift a few months after that. If not those, you could also consider the new Kia Seltos. It hasn't been given an NCAP rating yet, but its smaller sibling the Syros has received a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and as the Seltos is built on a new-gen platform, we expect it to get one too. The Seltos impresses with its features list, which includes a 360-degree camera as well as ADAS with Level 2 Autonomous driving.

Considering you already own a Hyundai, the most familiar and natural upgrade would be the Hyundai Venue DCT in the HX5 variant, especially when compared to the Kia Sonet. The Venue has just been updated, whereas the Sonet is expected to be replaced by an all new model early next year. Buying the Sonet now means it will start to feel dated very quickly.

Also, the DCT automatic gearbox on the Sonet is not available within your budget. It starts only from the HTX variant, which is priced well above Rs 13 lakh. While your shortlisted HTK Plus iMT variant does offer more features than the Venue HX5, the iMT gearbox does not feel as convenient or as stress free as a proper automatic transmission. Additionally, with the new generation update, the Hyundai Venue has grown in size and is noticeably more spacious than the Sonet, especially for rear seat passengers.

The Skoda Kylaq is another strong option to consider. If driving enjoyment is important to you, this is the car to pick. It offers enough space for four adults to sit comfortably, and its ride and handling balance makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive. You can opt for the Kylaq automatic in the Signature variant, which is also better equipped than the Venue HX5.