Autocar India
•12w

I need an automatic 7-seater, and my budget is a strict 17 Lakhs on-road price. I have no interest in Ertiga or XL6. I am worried about buying the Citroen Aircross due to its low brand value in India. Is there any news about the launch of the Hyundai Star Gazer in India? I can wait up to Dec 2026.

Verified
•12w

Go for the Kia Carens Clavis - your budget will get you a mid-spec HTE EX, which is well equipped with all the essentials, seats 7, and has a genuinely usable third row. About the Hyundai Stargazer, there is no official India launch confirmation, so we wouldn't advise waiting for it. In fact, the Stargazer shares its K2 platform and 1.5 NA powertrain with the Clavis, so you're not really missing out.

One thing to note about the Clavis: while the 1.5 NA is a refined and efficient engine, it may feel underpowered when the vehicle is fully loaded. If you are frequently travelling on highways with a full load, the 1.5 turbo will make overtaking a lot easier. The turbo-petrol also brings with it the option of a DCT, should you want one.

If you were eyeing the Citroen Aircross automatic for more space and power, it does give you that and usually still fits within your budget. However, Citroen's dealer network is thin, and resale values are weak, so only pick it if you have a strong nearby dealer and plan to keep the car for a long time.
 

Kia Carens Clavis

Kia Carens Clavis

•12w•

Kia Carens clavis HTE EX is not an automatic version.

More posts on similar cars

•1d

I am interested in the Citroen C5 Aircross and currently have an opportunity to buy a 2024/2025 model that is still unsold and available at a substantial discount. I am aware of the car’s strengths, which is why I am considering owning one. However, I have some concerns about long-term ownership. The new-generation C5 Aircross is already available in Europe, while the current-generation model sold in India has been discontinued. I am looking at keeping the car for 10 years or more, so my main concern is whether Citroen will be able to provide parts and after-sales support for the C5 Aircross over the long term, especially since it is a CKD model. Citroen already has a relatively small service network in India, and not all technicians may have experience working on the C5 Aircross. If parts are no longer available locally, will Citroen India be able to source them from France or other markets in the long term? I am willing to bear a higher cost for parts if necessary, but I would not want the car to eventually become unusable simply because essential parts are no longer available. I am quite confused about whether to go ahead with this purchase. I would appreciate your advice based on the current facts and Stellantis’ plans for Citroen in India, particularly regarding long-term parts availability and support for discontinued models.

Verified
•21h

If you love the Citroen C5 Aircross and are getting a substantial discount, it can still be a good buy, but your concerns are valid. Citroen is legally required to support the car with parts for at least 10 years after production ends, and more complex parts can be sourced from France, even if it takes time; however, since the C5 is an SKD model assembled in India, most wear-and-tear parts should be available here. The bigger issue is Citroen's limited service network and inconsistent technician expertise, which can make ownership frustrating if you are not near a strong dealership. You are prepared for the extra costs, but it will also require a bit more patience, but if you're prepared for that, the C5 Aircross remains a genuinely comfortable and refined SUV. If you are worried about long-term support, a more mainstream alternative like the new Kia Sorento may be the safer long-term ownership bet.

VehicleCitroen C5 Aircross
VehicleKia Sorento
•5d

I currently own a 2016 Hyundai i20 Elite Sportz and am planning to upgrade to an SUV, but I am a bit confused. My budget is Rs. 20 lakh. I am looking for a reliable engine, low maintenance costs, and decent mileage. Since my family consists of six members, I am particularly interested in a 7-seater. Would the Tata Safari be a good option, or should I consider other alternatives?

Verified
•4d

With a family of six and a Rs 20 lakh budget, the Carens Clavis is worth considering before the Safari. It offers genuinely usable space across all three rows, a comfortable ride and a proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. For a buyer prioritising reliability, low maintenance and reasonable running costs, it is a more natural fit.The Safari is the more SUV-like choice, with a spacious cabin, good ride comfort and strong highway manners. Although the Safari itself has not been tested, the Harrier uses the same 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and returned just 6.17kpl in the city and 12.49kpl on the highway in our testing. The Safari is heavier, so expectations of fuel economy should be realistic. The diesel is more efficient than the petrol, but it is not particularly frugal either, especially in city use.The Clavis therefore makes more sense if mileage and running costs are important. The Safari becomes more attractive if you specifically want the larger SUV experience, higher seating position and stronger highway character.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis
VehicleTata Harrier
VehicleTata Safari

Popular discussions right now

•6d

Hi, I want to buy my last car as I am 66 years old. I have been driving a Honda City for the last 12 years without any major hiccup. The Honda City engine and its reliability is excellent although its ground clearance is an issue. I have looked at Elevate and given its ground clearance as an SUV, I am impressed although the issues on E20 and abrupt blending issues are surely technical issues. Windsor EV was a great test drive but all controls on screen could be a bottleneck for me at my age and am planning to move to an automatic. Please recommend as experts. My monthly running will not be more than 500 km. Should I also look at Seltos. I will appreciate a feedback from experts. I want a reliable, easy to drive car with low maintenance cost and good family value with. There won't be any great pick ups or many highway drives will not be there.

Verified
•6d

Given your 12 years of trouble free City ownership, the Elevate is the most natural replacement. It retains Honda’s simple 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, adds substantially better ground clearance and gives you the easier ingress and SUV driving position you liked. The CVT is also very well suited to your low speed, low running usage and should make the transition to an automatic easy.On your E20 concern, we would not treat it as a reason to avoid the Elevate. Honda says all its cars manufactured in India since January 2009 are E20 material compatible, and the current Elevate is officially certified for E20. Honda also says E20 should not cause durability concerns or require any component changes. There can be a marginal reduction in fuel economy because ethanol contains less energy than petrol, but with your 500km monthly running, that is unlikely to be significant.The Seltos is worth a look, particularly if you want a more feature rich and premium cabin, but given your priorities of reliability, easy driving, low maintenance and long term ownership, the Elevate fits your requirements more naturally. The Windsor EV is also an interesting option, but at just 500km a month, there is little financial reason to move to an EV, especially when you have concerns about its touchscreen heavy interface.

VehicleHonda City
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Posted on: 8 Jul 2026