I actually do not want an Ertiga, XL6, or Kia Carens. I am looking for something a bit different with better road presence and a more premium comfort feel. Can you suggest some good used 6-7 seater options in the Rs 7-12 lakh range? Also, considering that my usage is mostly city driving with occasional highway trips and not very high running, should I go for a petrol or diesel car? Which option would make more sense in terms of maintenance, reliability, fuel efficiency, and long-term ownership?

Autocar India

•22h

In terms of outright value for money, two midsize SUVs stand out above the rest, at your budget, albeit for very different reasons - the Honda Elevate and Citroen Aircross. Both have fully loaded top-spec petrol automatic variants that come well within your budget and though they might not get all the high-tech features or wow factor some newer rivals do, they have all the essentials and then some. The Citroen scores high on space and comfort, even giving you the option of a third row of seats. Its turbo-petrol engine is punchy, its 6-speed AT is smooth and its ride is super comfortable, with fun driving dynamics too. However, quality isn't quite a strong as others, and Citroen's service network is quite small. Honda's, on the other hand, is not, and its products have been known to be reliable and easy on maintenance. Its CVT auto is smooth, as is its naturally aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine. Refinement, however is not great, and while it's competent, it's not particularly exciting to drive. Between the hassle-free Honda and the quirky Citroen, we would recommend the latter, as its turbocharged engine's punch will be appreciated on your occasional road trips. A third option is the newly launched Renault Duster, but you won't get a top-spec variant in your budget.

Honda Elevate

Citroen Aircross

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•1d

You should check the Kia Syros, which excels in space despite being a compact SUV. The high roofline means you'll be very comfortable in the cabin, and the fantastic packaging opens up space for 5 passengers to sit in comfort. The Syros is easy to drive, and the diesel-auto version is refined, smooth and fuel efficient. You could also look at the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (or its twin from Toyota - Rumion). Its high roof will put you at ease, the middle row seat can be slid back to maximise space for passengers, while the third row adds in seating flexibility. The Ertiga is easy to drive and reasonably efficient, but the petrol engine and auto gearbox are unexciting.

Kia Syros

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Autocar India

•5d

Only outstation use and a Rs 10 lakh cap for 7 seats points straight to the Renault Triber. It rides comfortably on rough roads and feels steady on the highway. The packaging for a sub-4 metre vehicle is superb, with a second row that slides and a usable third row. When not in use, the third row can be removed for a generous 625-litre boot. It is easy to drive and fairly economical on fuel for long trips.A few catches: with all 7 seats up, the boot is tiny. If you are opting for the AMT, its shifts are slow and sometimes jerky. And while the engine is fine in the city, it will feel strained when pushing for an overtake with 7 people on board. If you are able to wait until the end of the year, Renault has announced that the Triber will get the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol from the Kiger with the optional CVT. This will largely address the last two catches.Alternatively, you could consider the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, but even the base LXi trim will likely cross your Rs 10 lakh budget on-road.

Renault Triber

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga