Unfortunately, at your budget of Rs 8 lakh on road, few cars will feel like a significant upgrade to your Maruti Ritz, even though it is 12 years old. This is also because you are looking for an automatic, and while you are happy with having only basic features in your car, the automatic gearbox is usually tied to mid- to high-level variants in most vehicles. However, here are some options, like the Hyundai Exter and the recently facelifted Tata Punch that should meet your needs within your budget. Both also use a tall-boy design which allows for easy ingress and egress, and the Punch has the added advantage of doors that open a full 90 degrees, helping further. 

However, of the two, we would recommend the Hyundai Exter, as it is slightly wider in the rear seat, and also because it has the smoother and more efficient petrol engine with the smoother AMT gearbox of the two.

It's hard to guide you to the ideal car without knowing more of your requirements. However, we have trimmed the list of options down to a few cars that excel in certain aspects. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.2 AMT - The Wagon R scores for ease of use. The high seating, large glass area and light controls put drivers at immediate ease. Superb cabin space for this size of car. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta MT -  A smooth engine and great ride comfort are highlights of the Baleno. Delta trim packs in a reasonable number of feel-good features.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire MT VXI - Sedan shape has its charm. Smooth engine and comfortable ride make it a good choice. 

Tata Punch Pure Plus S MT - Tough feel and absorbent suspension make it feel like a junior SUV. Not as spacious as other options.

Hyundai Exter S Plus Pro Pack - Easy to drive and comfortable for city use. 

Nissan Magnite N Connecta/ Renault Kiger Techno MT - Visually, the largest and offers the most space too. Decent features for the money. The engine is weak, however.    


 

The Hyundai Exter ENG would be the best for you and your family. Given that you are all very tall, the car has enough room inside, even at the rear, where there will be sufficient legroom. The seat backs are also reclined a fair bit, and this gives you more effective headroom, too. 

The CNG variant also uses the dual-tank system, so you get a usable boot space, and of course, the Exter CNG will come in under your budget.     

Your two options in this price range are the recently facelifted Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter. Both these sub-compact SUVs are available with petrol and CNG options. 

The Exter has a smoother powertrain and slightly more interior space. But the Punch feels tougher, is more comfortable, is better equipped and has scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash test rating. 

Moreover, the Punch CNG is available with both manual and AMT automatic gearbox options, and across more variants, which gives you more choice. 

Unfortunately, there aren't many cars that would meet all those requirements under Rs 13 lakh. You could increase your budget and get a more premium offering, or be prepared to sacrifice a few things and stick with your budget. 

Within your budget, your two best bets are the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, which both offer exceptional value for money. They come with 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines and smooth CVT auto gearboxes, and if driven carefully, can deliver good fuel economy. Their touchscreens are decent but not great, and it's a similar story with their audio systems; neither gets a sunroof. 

The Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch facelifts are more affordable but not spacious enough for five, and get clunky AMT auto gearboxes.