Unfortunately, the Hyundai Creta will only be available in a base variant in your budget of Rs 15 lakh. The Skoda Kylaq Signature is an excellent option, offering superb ride comfort and a punchy engine. 

While it can be fuel efficient, however, you have to drive very carefully to get the most mileage out of the 1.0 TSI engine. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, consider checking out the Hyundai Venue diesel. It's not quite as comfortable as the Kylaq but it will certainly deliver better mileage.

The Skoda Kushaq is a competent mid-sized SUV that stands out for its driving experience. Its 1.0 and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines deliver punchy performance, and handling is also slick and fun. The Kushaq also feels tough in its build and comes with the reassurance of strong safety ratings. On the flip side, the Kushaq feels smaller than many like-priced rivals and isn't ideal as a five-seater. 

Skoda will introduce an updated version of the Kushaq later this month. We expect the model to get a few styling revisions outside and more features, too. It might include a panoramic sunroof and a segment-first rear seat massage function. 

The updated Kushaq will also get an uprated air conditioner that will provide stronger cooling, which has been one of the model's weaknesses since launch. While the engine options will continue as is, the smaller engine's 6-speed automatic transmission is expected to make way for a more efficient 8-speed unit. 

To sum up, the Kushaq should be on your list if a fun drive experience is a priority. If space, comfort and features are important, consider the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra. 
 

Since 80% of your driving will be in city conditions, a smooth driving experience is also something you must give due weightage to. The Kia Seltos IVT and Hyundai Creta IVT deliver that, and top our list of recommendations for you. 

Sure, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine's 115hp isn't great, but real-world performance is actually very nice with brisk acceleration and very smooth responses. The CVT (IVT, as Hyundai and Kia call the gearbox type) is also very smooth. Also, it is free from the rubberband effect (sharp rise in revs without a significant rise in road speed), which this type of gearbox is usually notorious for.   

Of the two models, it's the new Kia Seltos that's the more wholesome package, offering more rear seat space and better ride comfort. Your budget allows you to go for a higher trim level, getting you lots of tech and comfort features. 

 

Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta share a lot under the skin, including similar powertrains. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference and what matters most to you. 

The Kia Seltos is the newer entrant with a fresher design and has grown bigger in size. Therefore, it offers a more spacious cabin, giving it an edge in interior room and presence. Seltos also had a feature-rich variant lineup, which means you are more likely to find a more equipped Seltos within your budget.

The Hyundai Creta, on the other hand, is the more popular choice and hence gets better resale value. It has a more mature design and refined look, and it delivers the same comfort and ride quality that both SUVs are known for. 

On reliability, too, the two are close as both companies offer similar after-sales support. But if you want to pick a safer bet, go with the Hyundai Creta. 

Considering your requirements, we would suggest the Kia Seltos HTX CVT with ADAS.

For daily city commutes, the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a CVT automatic feels smooth, refined, easy to drive and offers a comfortable ride. It is also well equipped and gets all the features you are looking for and more. For occasional highway use, this engine and gearbox combination has enough punch as well.

An alternative is the Hyundai Creta, which uses a similar engine and gearbox, but the Seltos feels newer and better specced. Another option is the Tata Sierra, though its 1.5 litre naturally aspirated engine does not feel as effortless as the one in the Seltos.