I'm looking to buy a 7-seater car with a budget up to ₹25 lakh. I travel about 200 km per week, mostly on highways, and already have an i10 for city use. Should I choose petrol or diesel? My main priorities are safety and fuel efficiency. Which car would you recommend?

Considering your monthly running is under 1000 km, a petrol car makes the most sense for you. Based on your needs, we suggest two strong options: the Kia Carens Clavis and the Mahindra XUV700.

The Clavis is a proper seven-seater with a genuinely comfortable third row for adults. Within your budget, you can get the top-spec version, which offers features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, Bose audio and Level 2 ADAS. Its 1.5-litre turbo petrol isn’t the most efficient, but it is still more economical than the XUV700’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol. It also has enough performance for both city and highway use, even with a full load.

The Mahindra XUV700 is larger and more expensive but gives you a more powerful petrol engine, more middle-row space and a bigger car feel thanks to its wider body. In your budget, you’ll reach the AX7 variant. It’s not as feature-rich as the Clavis HTX Plus, but it still comes well-equipped. If you’re willing to wait, the XUV700 facelift is also expected soon.