I’m planning to buy a seven-seater and don’t have a particular preference between an MPV and an SUV. I’ve been looking at the Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari petrol as options. I’d appreciate your advice on these cars.

autocar.india

•7h

Both models are good in their own meaning. However, it is the Kia Seltos that we'd recommend for your usage. It's built on a newer and superior platform that delivers a more refined experience with better noise insulation. Ride comfort is also better on the Seltos and there is ample space for five members of the family to sit in comfort. Further because it uses a new electronic architecture, it gets the latest software and hardware, including wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is missing on the Carens Clavis. There is also some comfort in knowing that the new Kia Seltos is a five-star Bharat NCAP-rated car. The 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission are common to the two so performance-wise there is not going to be much difference.The Carens Clavis makes more sense if you have a genuine need for a third row of seats or if you will be carrying more luggage. With the third row folded, the Clavis is more accommodating than the Seltos.

autocar.india

•2d

Since you already own a Honda Elevate, the Kia Carens Clavis HTX (O) DCT would make more sense for your second car, particularly because you regularly travel with six or seven adults. The Clavis has a more usable third row, where adults can sit with reasonable comfort, while the Mahindra XUV 7XO’s third row is cramped for adults on longer journeys. The Clavis also has an airy cabin, thanks to its large windows, and a comfortable ride that should make family road trips more relaxing.The turbo petrol engine offers adequate performance, although the DCT can feel jerky in stop and go traffic. Given that 80 to 90 per cent of your driving is in the city, you should experience this gearbox in heavy traffic before deciding.The XUV 7XO is the better choice if performance and driving engagement matter more to you. It is comfortable and spacious in the first two rows, but its third row is better suited to children.

autocar.india

•11h

Unfortunately, there are only few sedans to choose from. Aside from the Volkswagen Virtus that you're familiar with, there's the Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City. While all models are good in their own right, none of them would feel like a significant upgrade over your 2019 Kia Seltos 1.4 DCT. The Toyota Camry is a great product but would be too much of a stretch. With sedans out of the question, we'd shift our focus to SUVs. And the first model that comes to mind is the new Kia Sorento. It's significantly larger than the Seltos, offers the flexibility of a third row of seats and feels genuinely premium on the inside. Your kind of use makes the Sorento Hybrid worth a look. It's got more than adequate power, and you'll also get great fuel economy over your mix of city and highway drives. If your priority is more towards the highway experience, we's guide you towards the Sorento diesel. The diesel is strong and punchy and works really well with the dual-clutch gearbox. It makes for a refined highway cruiser that you'd happily spend long hours in. Of the other models, you could also consider the Mahindra XUV7XO petrol. Again, it's got the flexibility of three rows of seating, feels plush and packs in loads of features. The 200hp petrol engine is also very impressive. However, if you've been happy with the Kia experience, the Sorento would be our pick for you.