Maruti Suzuki Ertiga vs Kia Carens

I am thinking of buying a new seven-seater car, and my running will be around 2,500-2,700 km per month, mostly on highways. I am considering CNG options such as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXi CNG and Kia Carens Clavis HTE CNG. EVs are currently out of my radar due to depreciation concerns and the infrastructure changes required. However, I want to keep my running costs reasonably low, which is why I am considering CNG. I would also like to upgrade the car later with aftermarket accessories, as long as they do not affect the manufacturer's warranty. Kindly suggest which of the Ertiga VXi CNG and Carens Clavis HTE CNG would be the better choice considering running costs, initial investment and resale value. Thank you.

I ( 37 M) am planning to buy a car. Currently having the Triber top-end manual. Refer to my requirement. I need it immediately. Budget plan: 15 to 20 lakhs. Monthly run avg: 600 kms ( tier 2 city). Long journey: 500-600 km over 2 months. Approx annual travel: 8000 kms Family of 4. Occasionally, parents or in-laws will join our travel. I have shortlisted 3 cars based on my work. Still having confusion to finalise. 1st option: Kia Carens Clavis Diesel Manual HTK+ ( 20 L approx) 2nd option: Ertiga ZXI Petrol Automatic ( 16 L approx) 3rd option: Victoris VXI Petrol Automatic ( 17 L approx) Having confusion to choose : Diesel: DPF issue related to my usage pattern Considering age and comfort, Automatic should be considered. Is Maruti Suzuki is OK? Again, choosing Ertiga or Victoris? Clavis petrol: Based on reviews, mileage is a concern. Petrol: E 20, E30, etc., related complications. EV: Strictly not interested at this moment Kindly suggest how to take a call?

I am looking for a 7-8 seater car that is fuel-efficient and comfortable for daily driving in Bangalore city, with reasonable service costs. My budget is between ₹15-18 lakh. I have been considering the Kia Carens and Ertiga. Which car would you suggest among these or any other options? Also, should I choose an automatic or a manual?

I’m Kathir from Chennai. I have been following Autocar for many years, and it has always been interesting and useful, with clear explanations. I often recommend Autocar to others for reliable information, so thanks to the entire team! I currently drive a 2008 i10 1.2 Magna, and my wife drives a 2016 Grand i10 Asta automatic, which has now covered 92,000 km. We are planning to sell this car and buy a new automatic petrol car within a ₹20 lakh on-road budget. Earlier, choosing a car was easier, but now it feels more confusing. We like Hyundai cars but now, we are open to trying other brands. We have test-driven the Ertiga AT, Victoris AT, Creta AT, and Carens AT, and are also planning to test Volkswagen and Skoda models. I like the Sierra, Duster, and XUV 7XO, but I am not fully confident about buying them. I am also unsure whether to buy a new car or consider a used one. Please suggest both a new car option and advice on buying a used car.