Please suggest the best 6/7-seater car with a stylish design, low maintenance costs, and high fuel efficiency, within a budget of Rs 15 lakh.

Autocar India

•50m

Your i20 Magna deal at Rs. 7.25 lakh on-road is tempting. It is very comfortable, has a smooth light clutch, and the cabin is spacious for family use. Hyundai service reach helps if you are unsure about yearly running. But the Magna is fairly bare-bones and doesn't come with a screen, so what you are referring to is probably a dealer fitment. The 1.2 petrol is refined but can feel a bit lazy for quick highway passes. Expect mid-teen kpl in mixed use, not class-best. Also, check that you are getting recent stock and that the infotainment comes with a warranty. If you want a more fuel-efficient choice, then consider the Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi.

Hyundai i20

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Autocar India

•1h

For your requirements, the Punch offers the right combination of comfort, ease of use and practicality. The higher seating position makes getting in and out easier than in a hatchback, while the 90-degree opening doors are particularly helpful for those with knee or hip issues. Its suspension is well-suited to broken city roads, and the generous ground clearance provides added confidence during the monsoon and on waterlogged streets.The automatic gearbox removes the need to operate a clutch in slow-moving traffic, which can make daily driving considerably less tiring. It is also compact enough to be easy to manoeuvre and park in the city.The Hyundai Exter AMT is another option worth considering, but the Punch feels more substantial and offers better ride comfort on poor road surfaces.

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Autocar India

•2h

There is no reason to avoid either a petrol or a diesel car purely because of future fuel-blending plans.Just as modern petrol cars are being engineered to handle higher ethanol blends, any future diesel blend regulations will be accompanied by corresponding changes from vehicle manufacturers. If isobutanol blending is introduced, it will be done in a controlled manner, and vehicles sold in the market will be calibrated accordingly. There is currently no evidence to suggest that such blends would cause adverse effects on modern diesel engines when used within the prescribed limits.The more important question is whether a diesel suits your usage pattern. If your running is high and includes regular highway trips, the Altroz Diesel remains a compelling option. However, if your usage is predominantly urban, the Honda Amaze CVT is still the more sensible choice. It offers a smoother driving experience, lower complexity and none of the DPF-related concerns associated with modern diesel engines.

Tata Altroz

Honda Amaze