Hyundai cars in India (10)

That is a difficult balance to achieve, but two cars come close to your requirements, the Volkswagen Taigun GT 1.5 turbo and the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSi. 

Both use the same engine, and their performance is on par with the Hyundai Creta 1.5 turbo, which already offers strong performance. The advantage of the VW and Skoda engines is cylinder deactivation, which helps significantly on the highway. 

When the engine is under low load, it can shut down two of the four cylinders to save fuel and improve efficiency. Both cars are well-equipped, too. We would suggest waiting for the facelift versions, which are expected very soon.

The key feature additions in the Hyundai Venue HX5 variant over the HX4 variant include a sunroof, push-button start, and a height-adjustable driver's seat. 

All this makes the Hyundai Venue price of HX5 Rs 35,000 (at ex-showroom level) costlier. Since you don't seem keen to get a sunroof, the other feature additions don't seem to justify the stretch, hence it is better to stick to the HX4 variant instead.

Considering your requirements, the Hyundai Venue in HX10 guise will be a good option. It gets a turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox and has a lengthy feature list, including ventilated front seats. 

However, if you can stretch your budget a bit, you can also get the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta variant that gets you ventilated front seats and a much bigger car than the Venue. 

It has a smooth torque converter automatic gearbox, a comfy ride and peace of mind that comes with the Maruti badge. 

The Brezza facelift does not have a known launch time at the moment. Also worth noting is that the Grand Vitara is being offered with discounts, and you can strike a good deal now. 

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.  

The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are mechanically identical, so your choice should boil down to which SUV's exterior and interior you prefer and your proximity to the brand's touchpoints. 

It's worth noting, however, that the Seltos gets a heads-up display, which the Creta doesn't, while the Creta gets a 'boss mode' for the front passenger seat, which the Seltos misses out on. 

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, which will not only be more fuel efficient than the Hyundai Creta, but it also has the nicer-tuned, more absorbent suspension, making it more suited to drive over bad roads. The Creta is a touch more spacious and will be more comfortable if you travel with 5 adults regularly. If not, the Victoris seems to fit your needs better. 

A car with a torque converter automatic will suit your usage best, as it builds power smoothly at low speeds and feels the most responsive. It also crawls easily off the throttle and offers strong hill-hold behaviour. Unlike a DCT, it does not overheat in slow uphill traffic.

In the Maruti Suzuki car, you have two options with this transmission: the Brezza and the Fronx turbo automatic. Between the two, we suggest the Brezza as its naturally aspirated engine delivers smoother power, which is ideal for hilly regions, and it feels nicer to drive around corners.

In a Hyundai car, the only torque converter option in your budget is the Venue diesel. You can get the Venue HX 5 variant if you are comfortable with a diesel engine.