I am considering an MPV as a 6/7-seater (the third row will be used minimally) in petrol manual or automatic (not diesel due to DPF concerns). I travel about 2,500 km per month (70% highway, but with numerous shallow potholes). My maximum budget is ₹16 lakh. Which car would you recommend?

Autocar India

•12m

Both cars are quite closely matched on premium feel, though one aesthetic seems to have worked better for you than the other. It's more a contest of road presence versus space, as the tall, SUV body style of the Hyundai Alcazar makes a strong impression on the road. It is boxy and upright and has the edge on ground clearance, as well as larger wheels.The price you pay is in the third row, where the Kia Carens Clavis' practical MPV shape liberates more space, and there's better ease of access too. Both cars have the same powertrain options, except that the Carens Clavis offers an additional engine option - the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol. It also gets an iMT automated manual gearbox with the Turbo Petrol engine instead of a conventional manual, which the Alcazar gets.Yes, the Turbo Petrol is a good option, as given your relatively low usage, a diesel doesn't feel necessary. The 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo feels strong enough to haul 7 people and is quite enjoyable to drive too.As for which of the two you wish to buy, if you simply must have an SUV for its visual appeal and ground clearance, that is the only reason to choose the Alcazar. If that is not a bother, then the lighter, more spacious, more practical Kia Carens Clavis is the one we recommend.

Kia Carens Clavis

Hyundai Alcazar

Autocar India

•1h

With your budget of Rs 15 lakh, you can move past the Kia Carens and up to the Carens Clavis, which is essentially a facelift of the Carens, with more features and an additional engine option. The trickier choice is which engine to choose, between the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel, both of which are available with a manual.The diesel is the more obvious choice, given that your usage is 80% on the highway, where the additional torque will be beneficial, not to mention the better mileage. However, in your budget, you'll only get it in the base HTE spec. If that's fine with you, then you should go ahead with that; otherwise, note that the Carens 1.5 petrol MT is available in the higher HTE (EX) trim, with more features.You could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which comes in petrol and CNG guises, has lower maintenance costs, and is far more affordable than the Kia.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Kia Carens Clavis

Kia Carens

Autocar India

•1d

Since you don't drive much, paying a premium for a Kia Carens Clavis diesel version doesn't make much sense. Yes, diesel is more efficient, but to offset the initial premium, you will have to drive considerably more. Hence, we recommend the naturally aspirated petrol engine. The 115hp engine has enough power for city driving and holds its own on the highway. The manual gearbox is smooth, the clutch is light, and overall, it is an easy car to drive. The HTE (O) gets you a decently appointed cabin with a touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof, rear AC vents, and more. The third row is spacious for adults, and the middle-row seat height is ideal for the elderly to get in and out.

Kia Carens Clavis