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S CHATTERJEE

•16w

I’m choosing between two cars - the MUV Kia Carens Clavis and the SUV Mahindra Thar ROXX. My ownership horizon is 5 years with an annual running of 10,000-15,000 km, and I have a family of five. I like both vehicles, but need advice: which one would you recommend and which would you avoid, and why? Please consider practicality, space and comfort for five passengers, running costs, safety, and long-term suitability.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•16w

As I'm sure you know, these are both very different vehicles, but the good news is that each one is very capable in its own right. Both offer petrol and diesel engines, as well as manual and automatic gearboxes, so you should be able to find a variant that suits you. 

The Kia Carens Clavis is the more sensible option, with more fuel-efficient engines, a more spacious cabin - even if you only use 5 of the 7 seats - and better features. However, it's not very exciting. 

The Mahindra Thar Roxx, on the other hand, is the more emotional choice, with more power and performance, and great road presence. However, its ride is not comfortable, and because of its high floor height, entering and exiting is not easy for elderly people. 

Your usage is not extremely high, so you could choose the Thar if you are prepared to live with its shortcomings.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra Thar Roxx

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Kia Carens Clavis

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹12.90 Lakh

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra

Thar Roxx

from ₹14.40 Lakh

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NI

Nik

•2w

Hello Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new car and would appreciate your advice. In my family, we are four adults and one child, and we usually travel around 1,000 km round-trip once a month or once every two months. City driving is very minimal. Sometimes we also travel with five adults and two kids, which is why I am considering a 7-seater. However, I am confused whether it would be better to buy a 5-seater or a 7-seater, considering that such full-capacity trips happen only occasionally. My budget is around ₹15 lakh, and I am currently considering the Kia Carens Clavis. Would this be the right choice for my usage pattern and family size? If yes, which variant would you recommend within my budget? Alternatively, should I wait for the upcoming three-row version of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara from Nexa? Would that be a better long-term option compared to buying now?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•17h

It definitely makes sense for you to go for a 7-seat vehicle, given how you will be using it. These days, the price premium isn't too much more compared to an equivalent size 5-seater. Long trips for five would be more comfortable if the fifth passenger had a separate seat. Plus, your kid will grow, and eventually, the five-seater will feel like a squeeze. The Kia Carens Clavis is the best option, offering you a spacious and flexible interior, with good quality, comfort and decent features. However, in your budget, you'll only be able to get a low-spec variant. If you want more features, a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a much better value and a capable 7-seat MPV too. Sadly, plans for the 7-seat Grand Vitara have been shelved for now.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Ertiga
AS

Ashish

•1w

Hi Autocar Expert, I currently own a Tata Nexon XZA diesel and am planning to upgrade. However, I have a major parking constraint at my home. I am interested in the Toyota Innova Hycross, but if it is parked in my parking space, the doors cannot be opened properly due to limited space. Because of this, I am considering buying a car that offers an automatic or self-parking feature. Could you please guide me on which cars offer this feature and would suit my situation?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•18h

Auto parking might not solve your problem if your parking space is too narrow to open the doors. The summon feature that the Tata Harrier EV gets could be of some use, but it won’t fit your requirements if you need a three-row vehicle like the Toyota Innova Hycross.Instead, we suggest you take a look at the Kia Carens Clavis. It is narrower than the Hycross by about 45-50mm and is roughly the same width as your Nexon, so it should fit in your parking space. In terms of interior volume, while it is not as spacious as the Hycross, it offers plenty of room in the second row and a genuinely usable third row.

VehicleTata Harrier EV
VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
VehicleKia Carens Clavis
AT

Alok Tirkey

•5d

I need a 7-seater family car under a ₹16-17 lakh budget with safety and mileage for medium running. Ertiga, XL6, Clavis, Scorpio N, etc. I want to invest in only one car for long-term, 10+ year use. Please suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

The Kia Carens Clavis would be a good option for you. The insides and comfy, and the third row is spacious for two adults and has AC vents as well as type C ports for charging. With three rows up, there's also a fairly useable 216-litres of boot space, and there is some more space under the boot floor too.Kia cars have proven to be quite reliable, and this would serve you well since you plan to keep it for a long time. The car is well-equipped with a host of safety features that are standard, and since mileage is also your priority, we would suggest you opt for the diesel or the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 1.5-litre petrol engine.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis

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Posted on: 21 Nov 2025