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Delhi
RC

R Ch

•15w

I’m looking for a reliable 7-seater automatic car within a ₹17-22 lakh on-road budget. My annual running is about 5,000 km in the city. I need a smooth, safe, easy-to-handle petrol car with proven reliability and economical driving. Which automatic models would you recommend?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•15w
You have two options that fit your requirements - the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Kia Carens Clavis. Both models come with smooth 1.5-litre petrol engines, though the Kia's is much more powerful (160hp vs Ertiga's 103hp) thanks to being turbocharged.
But on the flipside, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga will be much more efficient. The Ertiga is also slightly smaller, which will make it easier to drive and being a Maruti car, you know it will be reliable too.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Explore cars mentioned

Kia Carens Clavis

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹12.90 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Maruti Suzuki

Ertiga

from ₹9.97 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
•16h

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
AT

Alok Tirkey

•4d

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: 27 Nov 2025