I am planning to upgrade from a Baleno (2019) and have been very happy with this car. I have a company lease policy wherein I can buy a car with ex-showroom price up to 18 lakhs. I'm looking to get a nice and safe 5 or 7 seater vehicle. I don't mind about fuel efficiency as fuel cost is covered by my company. However, I do need the panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats. I'm really confused with the options available, so can you please help me? My driving would be mostly within Hyderabad city with occasional highway trips maybe once in 3 months (~1200km). We are a family of 4 (2 boys aged 6 and 3 years) and once in a while, my parents / parents-in-laws come down which is why I am also considering a 7 seater.

Autocar India

•11h

You could consider the Honda Elevate CVT ZX variant. Its petrol engine is powerful, and it drives well. It is the only car that falls within your Rs. 20 lakh budget, while still having most of the features that you're looking for except for the ventilated seats. If all these are must-haves, then we'd suggest you to increase your budget slightly and either pick Renault Duster 1.3 DCT Iconic or the Kia Seltos Petrol IVT HTX A, both of which are good, more modern, feature-packed alternatives.

Honda Elevate

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•1d

Its hard to recommend a specific car without knowing a few more specifics like importance of rear space, who will drive it, etc. However, if you are looking at an all rounder we would suggest the Kia Seltos. The new second generation car has grown larger and more room inside, including at the rear, where the previous car was not as spacious. Since your running does not seem very high we would recommend the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol coupled to the automatic gearbox. The autobox is a CVT but is does not have a prominent 'rubber band effect' - where revs rise faster than the corresponding speed increase and in fact, it is quite enjoyable when driven at regular speeds in the city. On the highway too, its just fine and the handling at higher speeds is very secure and stable and the car tracks straight and level even on less-than-perfect surfaces. As typical of Kia, the Seltos is also very well equipped and at your budget, you would get a decently specced mid-level variant.

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•1d

Pick the Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo petrol. It gives you one of the strongest engines in this budget, a genuinely roomy cabin, and the slickest infotainment system for the money.The 150hp, turbo motor is quick when you want it, and it feels relaxed at 100-120kph, so city dashes and highway runs feel easy. The dual-clutch automatic suits city driving, while the manual feels light and easy. Inside, space is generous for a family of four plus luggage, the seats are supportive, and the boot is big enough for airport runs. The screen layout feels modern, the camera quality is clear, and smartphone integration is seamless.One thing to know is that the ride is a bit firm at low speeds on higher trims with the large alloys, and in many cities, the top variants will push past Rs. 20 lakh on-road. Mid trims still cover the essentials.

Kia Seltos