I am looking to buy a 5-seater or 7-seater car with a budget of around Rs 20 lakh. My running is about 10,000-12,000 km per year. Which car should I buy, and which powertrain should I go for? Fuel efficiency, features, and comfort are my priorities.

Autocar India

•1d

The Kia Carens Clavis is the best 7-seat MPV within Rs 18 lakh. It's a very practical model with highlights being easy access to its third row (thanks to a one-touch tumble fold seat) and multi-way adjustable middle row. This option to slide the middle row back and forth helps balance space for passengers across the cabin. The Carens Clavis' third row is usable even for adults, which makes the Kia well-suited for anyone with genuine use for seven seats.Your budget is sufficient for all three engine options, namely a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. The standard 1.5 petrol offers fair performance and is a good pick if you'll be spending the bulk of your time in town. If you want more performance, opt for the 1.5 turbo-petrol. It feels strongest and is best if you drive on the highway often with a full load of passengers. On the flipside, fuel economy is least. The diesel is pleasant and scores well for fuel efficiency. However, it's fine for gentle cruising but isn't punchy. Opt for the right engine for your needs and then close on the variant that fits within your budget.

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•23h

Pick the strong-hybrid variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris or Toyota Hyryder. The hybrid powertrain is very efficient; it is an automatic, and Toyota’s hybrid tech has a proven track record worldwide, so keeping it for 8-10 years should be stress-free.Since you don't drive out of the station at all, you could also consider the Hyundai Creta Electric with a 42kWh battery. For your daily office commute, it is a smooth, reliable option.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Hyundai Creta Electric

Autocar India

•2h

Go for the BMW 520d Luxury Line with 50,000 km; for your joint-family highway runs, it gives the roomiest rear seat, best long-distance comfort, and relaxed diesel torque. It will feel like a fitting upgrade to your Laura TDIs, and sadly there are no more diesel executive sedans available now, so it's something worth getting while you still can. While the Kodiaq and Tayron are capable in their own right, they can't quite replicate the same solidity of a previous-generation 5-series and given its intended use as a long-distance family car, the fuel bills of these large petrol SUVs will be astronomical. Of the other used cars, the X1 is simply too small and the C-Class simply won't feel as premium or roomy as the 5 Series; notably in the rear seat. 50,000km is not a huge amount for a used car, provided it has been well taken care of, and the 5-series' boot is large and well shaped too.

Skoda Kodiaq

Volkswagen Tayron

BMW X1