Is the Citroen C3 Aircross best value for money SUV?

Please suggest an SUV for Rs 13.50 lakh, on-road. My usage includes a mix of highway and rural roads. I liked the Citroen C3 Aircross 5+2, but in the absence of a service centre in my town, I'm not fully convinced.

Kapil, via email

Autocar India says: The Citroen C3 Aircross certainly spells great value for money, even more so since the company is already offering attractive cash discounts plus three years free maintenance. Sure, it misses out on a few features, but it has the basics covered with a strong turbo-petrol engine, comfortable suspension, slick touchscreen and a segment-first 5+2 seating configuration. To compensate for the lack of touchpoints, Citroen offers 'service on wheels', wherein the company will send technicians to your location for regular upkeep and smaller repair jobs. However, do keep in mind that you will need to send the vehicle to Citroen's authorised workshops for more extensive repair jobs, so the absence of a service center in your town could be inconvenient.

Alternatively, you could consider entry-level variants of the Honda Elevate, which are likely to fit your budget. Yes, you don't get a 5+2 option like the Citroen, but the Elevate will be great for your usage on highways and rural roads on account of its excellent ride and handling balance. The Mahindra Bolero Neo is also an option in case you want a seven-seater SUV.

Also see: 

Citroen C3 Aircross review: Midsize SUV with a twist

Honda Elevate review: Was it worth the wait?