Kia Sonet Turbo Petrol 1.0 GTX+ DCT

If you want efficiency, the Kia Sonet diesel is the one to go for. Beyond the cost advantage of running a diesel, the Sonet diesel is actually nicer to drive than the Maruti-Suzuki Fronx petrol. 

The Sonet 1.5 diesel offers better performance and works well with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The Fronx is, of course, cheaper, but if you have the budget and want a car with low running costs and want an alternative to petrol, then the Sonet diesel is for you. 
 

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. 

For the family, the Kia Syros DCT is the most appropriate simply because the Syros has the most spacious cabin. The rear seats in particular are comfortable, offering more headroom and legroom than the Kia Sonet and Skoda Kylaq. 

The Syros is also superbly equipped, feels quite premium and has a large boot. The only issue is that the Syros pricing is a bit too high for a sub-4 metre SUV and not the best value. 

The car that best suits your budget and requirements is actually the Kia Sonet. It has the biggest boot in this price bracket of compact SUVs, and the wide boot opening and good depth make it best for loading luggage. 

The 1.0 Turbo-petrol engine packs 120hp and is mated to a 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox, which provides good performance and is quite powerful. The HTX variant will easily fit your budget and comes with essential features. But if you can stretch your budget to the GTX variant, which is around Rs 16 lakh, you get useful features like ADAS and a 360-degree camera. 
 

Given your requirements, we would recommend you opt for the Kia Sonet diesel. The car will likely be more reliable, and the Kia diesel engine delivers a good mix of refinement and performance. It's also very well equipped and, with the SUV body style, will give you a better view of the road outside. Do bear in mind, though, that the rear seat space is quite limited, so we would suggest you personally check to see if this is ok with you.