Stick to a sedan since you are used to one, and also, sedans are more fun to drive than SUVs. 

You could go for the Skoda Slavia 1.5 or Volkswagen Virtus GT, which comes with a strong 1.5 turbo-petrol mated to a quick-shifting 7-speed twin-clutch. 

Both these sedans have superb ride and handling, which makes them fun to drive. At the same time, these sedans are easy to drive too.
 

It is great to hear that you are still enjoying your 1999 Honda City. It was a game-changer in its time and remains a very enjoyable car to drive.

If you are looking for a new sedan, we would suggest waiting, as options like the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus are due for updates. If you want to buy something right now that is great to drive and looks good too, the Volkswagen Virtus GT with the 1.5 litre TSI engine is worth considering.

The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus with their 1.5 TSI and dual-clutch automatic transmission combination are the nicest to drive in their segment. Both cars are identical in terms of their platform, build quality, space, comfort, and equipment list, the only differentiating factor being their styling. 

Pick the one that appeals to you more. The 1.5 TSI engine gets a cylinder deactivation function as well as an automatic engine stop-start function to curtail fuel consumption.

The Hyundai Verna 1.5, on the other hand, is quick, smooth, and in the real world, it is likely to be a touch more fuel efficient. Also, the top-spec Verna is also cheaper than its rivals, making it worthy of serious consideration. The only downside is that its dynamics don't feel as sporty as the VW or Skoda. But if you don't plan to attack winding roads often, you will be happy with what the Verna has to deliver. 

Since you want to upgrade from your Tata Nexon to a fun-to-drive manual car, you should consider the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI MT. The Taigun is one of the best handling midsize SUVs, and its 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is one of the punchiest around. 

You could also consider the Skoda Kushaq or the Skoda Slavia/Volkswagen Virtus, but none of those get a manual gearbox option with the 1.5 TSI engine - only a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

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Coming to your question, the Honda Amaze, while practical and comfy, does not have the driving thrill you would want. 

The Volkswagen Virtus, while impressive, will not fit in your budget apart from the base variant, which isn't too impressive. The Citroen Basalt X will be a good pick out of this lot. It has a punchy turbo-petrol engine that is lovely to drive, the ride comfort is excellent, and it has a large boot as well. 

Also, while it is feature-packed, it isn't unnecessarily complicated, and the functions are easy to use. The Basalt X would be our recommendation. 

Your usage should determine which car suits you best. The Volkswagen Virtus, being a sedan, is one for keen drivers as it's got punchy turbo petrol engines and a sorted ride and handling balance. 

A midsize SUV like the Hyundai Creta, on the other hand, will be better for the family-oriented as it has a more spacious and practical cabin.  

Given your requirement and budget, you currently have four options. The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are mechanically identical, and they stand out for their punchy turbo petrol engine options and ride and handling balance. 

The Honda City has a refined 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and has the best back seat. The Hyundai Verna, meanwhile, has the most features, and it can be had with either a turbo-petrol or a naturally-aspirated petrol engine. 

The Slavia, Virtus and Verna have also received a full, 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.    

Since you prefer performance and like to drive, the Volkswagen Taigun or Skoda Kushaq will be a better choice. 

While we are yet to sample the Sierra on the road, it isn't the sort of SUV to be designed for spirited driving. An even better option compared to these would be the Skoda Slavia or Volkswagen Virtus. 

They are sedans, but still get good ground clearance and are superb to drive. The 1.5 TSI engine offers excellent performance, and they are well-equipped and practical too.