We already have a sedan for city driving. Our new vehicle will be primarily used for long road trips.
BHPian RoadTiger recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
My search for my next car in the less than INR 25 lakh OTR range (upto 22 lakh ex-showroom) – Would love to get inputs from fellow Team-BHPians.
Requirements
5+2 seater used most of the time by my family of 4
We’re a family of 4 – with 2 kids, both <12 years. We already have a refined sedan that works well for in-city driving. This vehicle would be the 2nd in the garage, for some in-city driving – but predominantly for outstation driving.
Parents don’t live with us and don’t typically do long road trips with us. Occasionally we may have parents in the car with us for 10-20 kms trips in the city. Hence, the third row of seats rarely to be used by adults.
We like to travel long distances upwards of 500+ kms in a day. So third-row is expected to be a place where 1 kid can doze off, especially because we frequently start early in the morning for long trips.
Boot space with all 3 rows up should take in 2 cabin bags (this ends up making Safari/XUV700 a no-go). This is because that’s the typical luggage we travel with for 3-5 days trips and if the boot can’t take 2 small trolley bags (inflight cabin size) then the third row would need to be split – leaving seating space – and not sleeping space in 3rd row.
Comfort & refinement
Comfort for first and second rows for long distances is very important – good seats, ventilation, reclining, creature comforts, airy sunroof, good music system – important.
Refinement (engine & cabin) & Low NVH important – We’ve had long rides in body-on-frame vehicles like Innova and while they offer robustness, we don’t like the in-cabin movement (getting tossed around) and lack of refinement (noise from the engine, vibrating gear lever, etc).
We drive mostly on national highways (4-lane) and occasionally on state highways. Rarely do any off-roading unless the road to reach a hotel/farmhouse needs some basic driving on kuccha roads. So think a monocoque should do just fine.
Comfortable ride quality at medium to high speeds – to keep out road imperfections – is important too.
Low in-cabin noise, refined driving experience is very high on the priority list.
Engine & safety
My wife & I like to drive mostly in the 90-100 kmph range on highways, occasionally upping to 110 max, if roads allow that. We’re not enthusiastic drivers (0-100 in x seconds is totally meaningless), we drive with a light foot – like to cruise at steady speeds – relaxed driving style. Looking for engines that have enough grunt to cruise happily all day long, without feeling strained. Also, a tall 6th gear would be helpful to have 100 kmph at 2000 rpm or so (max)- to have an engine spinning in a relaxed manner.
Mileage is an additional parameter – prefer real-world mileage of 14-15+ on highways, to avoid fuel cost being a deterrent to travel long/insane distances. Hence, preference for diesel (in addition to the joys the torquey diesel engines bring to the table).
Given the travel patterns, we’re looking for all the standard safety equipment (6 airbags, ESC, hill hold, TPMS, parking sensors, reverse camera etc) – as well as solid build quality/sheet metal thickness – to manage in case of an accident at 90-100 kmph speeds on highways.
Also, a car that has a low probability of any unexpected breakdowns viz. niggles, leakages, part failure, etc. if serviced well.
We keep cars typically for 10 years – so not really bothered about the resale values. However, should be easy to maintain – service once in a year, reliable parts, serviceability in most B-category towns helpful.
Shortlist
Given all the above needs, have ruled out the Crysta (refinement) – and the Safari (boot space) even though they are both very capable vehicles.
Choice narrowed down to:
- MG Hector Plus Diesel – Refined, Diesel from Fiat is nice, ticks most boxes, long term reliability unknown, boot space barely adequate, cushy ride, small inconveniences like no sun-shades for second row, no physical buttons for functions like AC controls etc.
- XUV Diesel – lack of reclining 2nd row/captain seats and boot space an issue. Niggles in early batches, as well as an extremely long waiting period, are a concern.
- Alcazar – Nice car overall, incl. refinement. However, front styling is an issue – and feels somewhat cramped especially in third row. Choice of 1.5 Diesel also a question for relaxed cruising.
- Kia Carens – same as Alcazar largely, somewhat better interior, boot space and styling (vs Alcazar), very practical, questions on how relaxed can the 1.5 D be over long distances, good ride quality – Yet to test drive.
- Jeep Meridian – Could be a potential choice, but expect it to be in the 35-40 L OTR range – at which price not sure about the value for money quotient. Plus Jeep isn’t exactly known globally for reliability. But could consider – budget not a showstopper – if all other boxes ticked. Yet to be launched – perhaps post June.
Love to hear perspectives. Thanks in advance.
Here’s what BHPian Rajeevraj had to say about the matter:
From what you have said, the only real need for a 7 seater seems to be for your kids to sleep in the back one in each row. Since you have called out safety as a priority, it would be wrong to not point out that having unbelted kids in a sleeping position on highway drives is not really a safe thing to do, especially in a vehicle with 6 airbags.
If that is the only need for a 7 seater, would it not be better to look for a spacious 5 seater where the kids will be more comfortable? Also, you are going to keep the car for 10 years and your kids will grow up soon and will anyway no longer be able to use the rear seats for sleeping.
Here’s what BHPian poloman had to say about the matter:
Surprised to see ‘refinement’ as a prime decision making factor for a 7 seater highway cruiser. I have a requirement for a 7 seater and test driven some of the cars you have mentioned. Personally, I feel other cars cannot hold a candle to Innova in terms of comfort and space.
Here’s what BHPian JediKnight had to say about the matter:
If you are ok with a market flopped model with a threat of getting discontinued, Marazzo fulfils your requirements to the T.
Is super comfy and refined. Sound insulation is very good. The 1.5 D has terrific midrange and is a superlative cruiser in the 80-120 Kmph range. Not to mention the superb build and the 4-star 12.85 GNCAP safety rating.
Here’s what BHPian Kosfactor had to say about the matter:
Do you really need a diesel? On occasional highway trips, the cost difference cannot be recovered in a reasonable amount of time, plus the DPF in BS6 diesels need a good amount of running to keep clear.
You do get better NVH and lower maintenance costs from a petrol which I think you should consider.
Keyword: Rs 25 lakh: Need a refined & safe 7 seater for a family of 4