We currently have a Hyundai i20 Asta and are looking for a six- or seven-seater automatic within a ₹16 lakh budget. We need generous legroom (all occupants are about 6 ft tall), good ground clearance, strong safety, and modern technology features. Could you recommend suitable models? Thanks in advance.

Autocar India

•1d

The closely related Renault Triber and new Nissan Gravite are the best options for you. Both compact MPVs are well within your budget and will surprise you with the versatility and practicality they offer within a small footprint. There's plenty of seating flexibility with middle row slide and recline functions, making it easy to balance space for the third row of passengers. You also have the option to remove the third row seats when not in use to create space for luggage.The interiors are also well designed with enough new-age features like a touchscreen, digital dials, wireless charging, auto climate control and AC vents at the back. The 1-litre engine isn't big on power but is fine for city use. It does feel underpowered on highway drives, though. While you can get fully-loaded AMT auto versions within your budget, we'd recommend opting for the manual gearbox.The differences between the Renault Triber and Nissan Gravite are merely cosmetic. You could base your buying decision based on proximity to a dealer and service support. In case you want something larger, there is the option of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. However, only the base LXI trim is available under Rs 10 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Renault Triber

Nissan Gravite

Autocar India

•7m

The Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX A 1.2 Petrol GDI with the manual gearbox would be a good option to consider. It gets a 1.2-litre 131hp turbo-petrol engine that is the most powerful in the segment. It is a light and brisk 6-speed manual gearbox that is easy to use in the city. It is spacious on the inside with comfy, broad seats up front and a good amount of room at the rear. Bootspace isn't the best at 364 litres, but if you're primarily going to drive in the city, this shouldn't be a big problem. The performance is very good, the ride comfort is excellent, and you get a good amount of kit as well. A panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, keyless entry with push button start, dual-zone climate control and more.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 Diesel Automatic, at 70 km/day (2,100 km/month), its stronger low‑rpm pull, and longer range suit daily commutes and occasional highway runs better than petrol.Your daily 70 km means you cover a serious distance, around 2,100 km a month, where diesel’s efficiency advantage becomes meaningful over time. The diesel’s stronger low‑end torque makes city overtakes and hill climbs easier, and for a diesel, it is refined, and it feels very relaxed for highway cruising too. Longer range between fills reduces weekly stops when you’re doing 300-400 km in just a few days. Also, with such regular running, the diesel’s DPF can complete regenerations reliably, keeping warnings at bay.The one thing you give up is the petrol’s quieter, smoother feel and lower upfront price; the diesel costs more and is a bit noisier at idle.If most trips are short stop‑start city runs, with few highways, consider the XUV7XO AX7 Petrol Automatic instead for smoother refinement and no DPF fuss.

Mahindra XUV 7XO