Hello, I am looking for a family car that is also good for highway use. The car will be used for approximately 1,000 km per month, mainly for long drives over the weekends. My budget is around 25-30 lakh, and I would prefer a car with captain seats in the second row and ample boot space, as I have a young child and we usually carry a lot of luggage. Highway safety is a priority.

Autocar India

•2h

You should consider the Kia Carens Clavis HTE (O) 1.5 petrol MT. For a family of six and monthly trips, it offers the most space and the lowest running costs within your budget. The Carens has a roomy second row and a third row that works well for your 5 and 10-year-olds, with easy access and rear AC vents to keep everyone cool. It is easy to drive in the city, the ride is comfortable on bad roads, and Kia’s service reach is strong across most cities.A couple of things to note are that the Carens Clavis does not offer a panoramic sunroof at this price, and performance from the 1.5 NA engine will feel underwhelming with six on board. Around Rs 18 lakh will get you the Clavis HTX+, which comes with a panoramic sunroof and turbo-petrol engine, addressing both concerns.When you test drive, put both kids in the third row and check luggage space with your usual travel bags. Also assess performance from the 1.5 NA with a full load.

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•17h

Consider the Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus 1.5 diesel 6AT for your 50 km daily runs with family and a proper third row; it fits your brief best within budget. Compared to your 2015 Ertiga CNG, the Carens will feel roomier, and the third row is easier to sit in for adults, thanks to the low floor and sliding second row. Getting in and out is simpler too with the wide doors and one-touch tumble. The diesel automatic shifts smoothly and pulls strongly, even with seven on board. Ride comfort is good over broken roads, the steering is light in the city, and you get vents for all rows.Do note that the diesel is a touch noisier at idle than a petrol. Also, boot space with all seats up is fine for a few soft bags, but big suitcases will need one seat folded.If you want to stick with a CNG vehicle, the older Carens is still on sale with a dealer-fit CNG option. However, it can only be had with a manual gearbox and in only one Premium (O) trim. For your needs, the newer Carens Clavis is the better bet.When you test drive, take three adults long and try the last row. Do a loop with speed breakers and some rough patches, and check how cool the rear stays with the AC on.

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•1d

You can opt for Kia Carens Clavis in your Rs 15-18 lakh budget; it gives you the most space and the most upmarket feel for the money. You already have a Volkswagen Taigun, which is a great driver’s car, but the Clavis will feel far roomier the moment you get in. The second row has lots of knee room, the third row is usable for adults on short trips, and with the last row folded, the boot is huge for airport runs or a long holiday. Plus, Kia’s service reach in most cities is strong, so upkeep is simple.One thing to be aware of: it won’t feel as lively to drive as your Taigun, and the steering feels lighter, so cornering won’t be as engaging. Moreover, within your budget, you'll get the mid-range HTK+ variant, which, though it has more than just the basics, doesn't offer the full suite of features you get higher up the range. Much better value for money is the Citroen Aircross, which comes in a 7-seat variant with a flexible third row of seats that can be removed when you don't need it. It has a supremely comfortable ride, and for under Rs 17 lakh, you will get the top-spec X Max 7-seat automatic variant. Just bear in mind, Citroen's service network isn't as wide as Kia's, so make sure there's an outlet near you.

Kia Carens Clavis

Citroen Aircross