Buddy
Don't buy anything with less than 4* GNCAP rating as you will be traveling via highway a lot.
Also, go for pre-owned only if you know the owner well, if not then dealers can take you for a spin. Even spinny can hand you lemon.
My recommendation for first car is always brand new after you complete your driving school.
SUV vs Sedan, when you have narrowed down to 3-4 options, take your parents to showroom for test drive and go for whichever is most comfortable.
Your budget is good for automatic, go for it, you will thank me in traffic jams.
My Recommendations:
Maruti: Brezza, Grand Vitara (mild hybrid)
Toyota: Urban Cruiser Hyryder (full hybrid)
Honda: City/Amaze
Tata: Altroz/Punch/Nexon(new model coming soon)
Renault: Kiger
Nissan: Magnite
Get a feel of all these, then decide.
I have skipped Hyundai/Kia because of their apathy towards Indian customers. (Australia Seltos scores 5* in safety test, Indian one barely manages 3*)
Also skipped Germans because they have lot of reliability issues. Check out Team bhp.
All the best.