Maruti Suzuki Cng 7 Seater Cars in India (1)

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The Tata Safari is the more expensive and more premium SUV option, but it is larger and heavier than the other two cars you've listed. Also, it is available only with a turbo-petrol, which given its weight, isn't going to be very efficient in the real world. Lastly, the controls like the gearbox and clutch are heavier compared to the other two which feel relatively effort-free. So we'd rule out the Safari.Given you're usage, opting for a CNG version will keep a check on your running costs. Both Maruti and Kia offer factor CNG options with their respective manual gearbox versions of the 1.5 petrol engine.The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is a sensible choice here, given its reputation for reliability, ease of maintenance and Maruti's unmatched service network, which is important for a long-term owner. However, we'd recommend you to go for the Kia Carens Clavis which feels more premium than the XL6. The Clavis' cabin feels more upmarket, space is excellent, it is better equipped, refinement is better, and now it also offers a factory-fitted CNG variants. Overall, the Clavis CNG feels like the more polished offering, hence it gets our vote.

Kia Carens Clavis

Tata Safari

Maruti Suzuki XL6

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Go for the Maruti Ertiga VXi CNG. With your running of 2,500-2,700 km a month, a CNG car makes sense, and the Ertiga is the safer long-term bet. Maruti’s CNG system is well-proven, the car is reliable, and service reach is excellent. The Ertiga also has a strong resale value, which matters given your high usage and eventual upgrade plans.The Kia Carens Clavis HTE CNG is a good product with a higher-quality cabin and a few more features, but the Ertiga is much better priced. On accessories, stick to Maruti-approved upgrades to avoid warranty issues. The Ertiga’s running costs are low, and it is a practical, comfortable 7-seater for highway use. Overall, it is the more sensible choice for your usage pattern.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Kia Carens Clavis

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Given your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG is the most sensible recommendation. Your monthly running of around 1,000 km, with occasional spikes, does not justify a diesel, especially with the higher purchase cost and maintenance associated with modern diesel engines. The Ertiga CNG strikes the right balance between low running costs, reliability and practicality. It is a proven 7-seater with a comfortable ride, good service network and low maintenance costs, which is important given your plan to keep the car for 7-10 years. The CNG system is factory-fitted and well-integrated, making it a far better option than any aftermarket CNG installation. The only drawback is the reduced boot space with the CNG tank, but for your usage pattern and occasional rental plans, the overall cost savings outweigh this limitation. If you need more space and comfort, the Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG is a good alternative, offering a more premium cabin and captain seats in the middle row making it a strict 6-seater, but the Ertiga remains the more value-driven choice. Alternatively, there is also the Toyota Rumion, which is Toyota's version of the Ertiga so if there is a lower waiting time, you can check out the Rumion too.

Maruti Suzuki XL6

Toyota Rumion

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

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Between the two variants, the ZXI(O) CNG is the one to go for if the budget allows. Over the VXI(O), it adds alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, cruise control and a few additional convenience features. These upgrades make the cabin feel noticeably more premium and improve everyday usability, especially on long family trips.The VXI(O) CNG car covers the essentials and remains the value-for-money option. It gets the same spacious cabin, CNG powertrain and practicality that make the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga such a strong family car. However, it does feel more basic inside and misses some of the convenience features that buyers tend to appreciate over long-term ownership.As for alternatives, there are few cars that can match the Ertiga's overall package at this price. The Maruti XL6 is the more premium version of the Ertiga, but it will stretch your Rs 13 lakh budget.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

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There are no plans for a Kia Carens CNG, as the brand offers both a diesel option and an EV for those who want lower running costs. The downside, of course, is that the purchase price of these versions is higher. If you're hell-bent on a CNG car, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is an excellent car, with good space and practicality.However, on most other fronts, the Kia Carens Clavis is better. It has a more upmarket interior with good space in all three rows, and a variety of engine options, including that diesel. Apart from the turbo-petrol engine, which has to be driven carefully to return good fuel economy, the other engines are very fuel-efficient. Hence, if it fits in your budget, we recommend the Kia Carens Clavis.

Kia Carens Clavis

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga