3 cars with filtered options

For DPF regeneration, it's not the number of kilometres you drive in a month that matters, but the driving pattern. To avoid DPF issues, you need to be driving at steady speeds of 50-60kph for around half an hour for the DPF to ‘light off’ and burn the soot accumulated inside. 

Since your usage is 50 per cent on the highway, it is sufficient to clear your DPF, so you should not have any issue with DPF clogging. 

If you like power and performance, the best diesel for your budget is the Mahindra XUV700 2.2 diesel with a 6-speed AT. The XUV 700 lower MX variants will fit in your budget.

Also, you might want to wait for the Mahindra XUV 7X0, which will be launched in early January, which is essentially a refreshed version of the XUV700 and with the same 2.2 diesel. 

Also, the 10-year limit is only in the Delhi area and is likely to be relaxed for the latest BS6.2 cars

The Mahindra Thar is one of those special products that tug at the heartstrings, so we can understand why the boy in you wants it. 

The Mahindra Thar Roxx, which is a 5-door, has a far better suspension than the 3-door. The practicality of a spacious back seat, is the one to go for if you want to use it as a daily driver. 

It is tough and can withstand a lot of beating and high mileage without a sweat, but it may not be completely niggle-free like your Honda City probably is. 

Also, bear in mind that you may tire of the Thar, which has a bumpy ride and controls that are heavier than the user-friendly Honda City you are used to. Yours is a case of heart over head, so go ahead and satisfy that boy in you :) 
 

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.