Hi, I’m looking for a 7-seater petrol car within a budget of ₹15 lakh. Are there any options available?

Autocar India

•9h

In your case, a diesel engine is a no-brainer given your high daily running. The Tata Altroz diesel would be an ideal upgrade. It is newly refreshed, gets a trusty diesel engine, 5-star safety, and planted, confidence-inspiring handling.Your commute is mostly smooth highway, so the Altroz feels steady at 100-120 km/h and the steering weights up predictably, which reduces fatigue over 120 km days. The diesel is frugal, so fewer fuel stops and its torque make mid‑range overtakes easy. A thing to note is that the diesel engine is audible at idle and there’s mild turbo‑lag below about 1,800 rpm, so quick bursts may need a downshift.Your budget allows the Accomplished S variant, which is the top of the line that is feature-packed with a 360-degree camera, wireless connectivity, sunroof, cruise control and ambient lighting, among others.

Tata Altroz

Autocar India

•12h

For your budget and requirements, the Honda Amaze CVT is one of the strongest options. It offers a smooth CVT gearbox, a refined 1.2-litre petrol engine and a spacious 420-litre boot, making it very practical for both daily use and occasional trips. The driving experience is easy and stress-free, especially in city conditions, and it also benefits from a full 5-star rating in BNCAP, which adds to the overall sense of security. The only limitation is that performance is more relaxed than sporty, so overtakes on highways will need some planning when fully loaded.Another option worth considering is the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. It is well priced, has also scored a 5-star safety rating, and offers a more sorted ride quality along with a more spacious cabin. However, its 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine is not as smooth or refined as the Amaze’s 4-cylinder unit, and the AMT transmission feels a bit more basic compared to the seamless nature of the Amaze’s CVT.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

•16h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT; at your Rs 15 lakh budget, it balances excellent highway stability, 189mm of ground clearance for mild off-road use, and supportive seats for adults.With 90 percent highway driving, the Kylaq feels secure and planted, while its five-star Bharat NCAP rating adds peace of mind. The seats are comfortable and supportive for longer journeys, though you might find rear legroom a bit tight for taller folks. In our real-world testing, the 1.0 TSI AT managed 8.7kpl in the city and 13.36kpl on the highway.The one trade-off is outright boot space; at 360 litres, it is a bit smaller than rivals, so carrying five adults with large bags will be tight.If you regularly carry five adults along with large luggage, consider the Kia Seltos IVT instead; its 433-litre boot and slightly wider rear seat make packing and seating easier.On your test drive, seat two adults in the rear and do a 60-80kph run over patchy roads to assess ride comfort, cabin noise and stability.

Skoda Kylaq