Most affordable 7 seat cars, SUVs in India

On a strict budget and need to seat seven? Here are the five most affordable models currently available.

Published on Dec 11, 2020 08:00:00 AM

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That demand for affordable seven-seaters is still quite strong and can be seen from the last month’s sales figures. Two of the five models that make up the most affordable seven-seaters have a presence on the 10 bestselling cars in November 2020 list. Read on to know which models seat seven, on the strictest of budgets.

1. Maruti Eeco

The Maruti Eeco is the most affordable way to transport seven, though it is rather utilitarian. The cabin is reasonably spacious, but comfortable or modern, it is not. It feels basic, outdated and built to a cost. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is sufficient for the city but feels strained with a full load, especially with the optional CNG kit.

Maruti Eeco fact file
	Eeco petrol	Eeco CNG
Engine	1196cc, 4 cyls, petrol	1196cc, 4 cyls, CNG
Power	73hp	63hp
Torque	98Nm	85Nm
Gearbox	5-speed MT	5-speed MT
ARAI mileage	16.11kpl	20.88km/kg
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 3.81-4.22 lakh	Rs 4.95 lakh
ACI rating	4/10	4/10

2. Datsun Go+

While Datsun calls it a 7-seater, the Go+’s last row of seats is more or less unusable for adults or even older kids. The most recent facelift helped keep it looking fresh and brought more equipment, but there’s no getting away from its light build. The Datsun Go+’s 1.2-litre petrol engine gets manual and CVT gearbox options, both of which are suited for urban driving.

Datsun Go+ fact file
	Go+ MT	Go+ CVT
Engine	1198cc, 4 cyls, petrol	1198cc, 4 cyls, petrol
Power	68hp	77hp
Torque	104Nm	104Nm
Gearbox	5-speed MT	CVT
ARAI mileage	19.02kpl	18.57kpl
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 4.20-6.26 lakh	Rs 6.70-6.90 lakh
ACI rating	6/10	6/10

3. Renault Triber

The Renault Triber’s mix of genuine practicality, comfort and features at this price point is simply unmatched. Thus, it represents very good value. The third row is also usable, but the space is perhaps better utilised as a massive, expanded boot. The 1.0 petrol engine is just about adequate, and it feels strained when loaded up and out of depth on the highway. The AMT gearbox option does add convenience to the package though. While a Triber turbo-petrol is coming, its launch has been delayed.

Renault Triber fact file
	Triber MT	Triber AMT
Engine	999cc, 3 cyls, petrol	999cc, 3 cyls, petrol
Power	72hp	72hp
Torque	96Nm	96Nm
Gearbox	5-speed MT	5-speed AMT
ARAI mileage	19kpl	18.27kpl
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 5.12-6.95 lakh	Rs 6.30-7.35 lakh
ACI rating	8/10	8/10

4. Maruti Ertiga

Maruti’s second-gen MPV is known for its ease of use in the city – especially in automatic form – and on the highway too. It’s decently frugal too, thanks to the mild-hybrid tech on offer. The Maruti Ertiga scores high on practicality and space, though a few more premium features at this price point would not go amiss.

Maruti Ertiga fact file
	Ertiga MT	Ertiga AT	Ertiga CNG
Engine	1462cc, 4 cyls, mild-hybrid petrol	1462cc, 4 cyls, mild-hybrid petrol	1462cc, 4 cyls, mild-hybrid CNG
Power	105hp	105hp	92hp
Torque	138Nm	138Nm	122Nm
Gearbox	5-speed MT	4-speed torque converter	5-speed MT
ARAI mileage	19.01kpl	17.99kpl	26.08km/kg
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 7.59-9.71 lakh	Rs 9.36-10.13 lakh	Rs 8.95 lakh
ACI rating	9/10	9/10	9/10

5. Mahindra Bolero

There's good reason the Mahindra Bolero is still one of the best-selling models every month. While it feels crude and outdated, its rugged, hardy and reliable nature attracts buyers. However, the second and third rows of seats are cramped and the cabin isn’t inviting either. The 2.5-litre diesel engine feels out of breath at anything above moderate speeds.