Autocar India
MA

Mannyjoe

1w

Which good MPV (7-seater) to buy within 18 lakh?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
13m
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

Kia Carens Clavis

MA

Mannyjoe

25s

Thank you !

More questions on similar cars

BH

Bhavesh

5d

I currently own a 2012 Hyundai i20, which I mainly use for office commuting and city driving of around 70 km per day. We are a family of six, and I am now planning to upgrade to a more spacious and comfortable car with a budget of around ₹14.5 lakh on-road. My primary requirements are: Comfortable ride quality and good suspension Spacious cabin with enough room for family use Powerful and effective air conditioning Better engine performance than my current i20 Good overall comfort for both city and highway driving Some modern features and convenience equipment would also be appreciated

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

Daily 70 km in the city, and a family of six, point you to a 3-row people mover within your budget. The Kia Carens Clavis 1.5 petrol HTE EX. It rides comfortably on rough city roads, so you and your parents won’t feel tossed around. The second row can be slid forward and backwards to balance room for passengers, and even the third row is usable for adults on short trips. The air-con is powerful, with roof vents helping with cooling. The engine is smooth and quiet in town, and the light controls make stop-and-go driving easy. You also get useful features even in the lower trims, but sadly, essentials like a rear wiper and defogger are only on higher-spec models. Two trade-offs to note: with all three rows up, the boot is small, and with six or seven on board, you will need a lower gear for quick moves.If you prefer a simpler, easier-to-own choice, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXi/ZXi is a close second, with a strong AC and easy-to-use nature. Toyota Rumion offers the same package with Toyota service support. Overall, the Carens Clavis lines up best for comfort, space and cooling at this price.

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BT

Basaveshwar Talur

3d

Please suggest a good value-for-money car under Rs. 20-25 lakh that is suitable for a family of 7 with good reliability and service. I am looking for a family-oriented car, 80% for city and 20% for highway. I am confused between EV and diesel. Should I consider the Mahindra Scorpio N or the XUV 7XO?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

With 80% city use, a family of seven and a Rs 20-25 lakh budget, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good choice. If you can install a charger at home, though, the Mahindra XEV 9S could be a great alternative since your usage is primarily in the city. The base Pack One Above with the larger 79kWh battery pack fits within your budget and comes with all the essential comfort and tech features. In our real-world tests, we managed a combined 477.5km on a single charge, though that figure will drop sharply on the highway with a full load of passengers and luggage. Your highway trips will therefore need some planning around charging stops.If that seems like too much effort, then the XUV 7XO diesel automatic makes the most sense. It feels easier to drive in town than the Mahindra Scorpio N, with lighter controls and a smoother driving experience. Ride comfort and cabin noise levels are better, too, which your family will appreciate.A couple of things to note: with all three rows up, boot space is limited. The third row is also a bit tight for taller passengers, so check if it works for your family.Alternatively, consider the Kia Carens Clavis/Carens Clavis EV. Their smaller footprint makes them easier to drive and park in the city, and the third row is more spacious than in the XUV 7XO/XEV 9S.

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Popular discussions right now

DJ

Deepak Jain

4d

I am planning to buy the Honda City facelift that was launched yesterday. How does it compare with the Volkswagen Virtus? I am also assuming that the government will continue supporting E20 fuel even if E85 is introduced in the future. So, is it still safe to buy a petrol vehicle in Delhi/NCR?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3d

The new City facelift does make a stronger case now because Honda has added genuinely useful features like a larger infotainment screen and ventilated front seats, while pricing has remained fairly sensible. But fundamentally, the character of the car has not changed.Against the VW Virtus, the choice still comes down to personality. The Virtus is the more fun to drive option, especially with the turbo petrol engines, because it feels stronger, more eager and more engaging from behind the wheel. The City, on the other hand, is the more balanced sedan. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol is smooth, refined and easy to live with, but if outright performance is your priority, it will not feel as quick as the turbo Virtus. The City hybrid changes that equation because it is genuinely quick and can match the 1.5 TSI for straight line pace, but it is still not what you would call an enthusiast’s car.On the fuel front, yes, it is safe to buy a petrol car in Delhi NCR. Current mainstream petrol cars are already E20 compatible, and even if India eventually pushes toward higher ethanol blends, that transition will be gradual rather than an overnight switch. Beyond a certain point, if the country were to move meaningfully toward very high blends like E85, manufacturers would need proper flex fuel engines engineered for that fuel, and the government would also need to continue offering lower blend fuel options during any transition.

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Posted on: 28 May 2026