News & Top StoriesThe Top 7 Cheapest 7-Seater SUVs in India That Are Ideal For Large Families
India’s growing popularity of SUVs is attested to by the variety of SUV body styles available there, ranging from micro- to full-sized SUVs. Furthermore, three-row SUVs have entered the mainstream market as a result of SUVs’ rising appeal, making sure that big families may still enjoy SUVs.
Seating capacity is one of the most important requirements in a country as diverse as India, where client needs differ greatly. With configurations ranging from four to seven seats, SUVs in India satisfy this need by offering a wide range of options across several sectors. We have compiled a list of the seven most reasonably priced 7-seater SUV alternatives available in India.
Mahindra Bolero Neo: Rs 9.95 lakh
In India, the most reasonably priced seven-seater SUV on the market is the Mahindra Bolero Neo. The base N4 model, which costs Rs 9.95 lakh, has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that produces 100 PS and 260 Nm of torque. It is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, the top-tier models include a mechanical locking differential at the back.
Mahindra Bolero: Rs 9.98 lakh
After more than 20 years of sales in the nation, consumers seeking a tough substitute for comparably priced monocoque SUVs have continued to choose the Mahindra Bolero. The most recent model of the seven-seat Bolero is priced at Rs 9.98 lakh. Its 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 210 Nm and 76 PS. It is connected to a manual 5-speed transmission. Comparing the Bolero to its rivals, though, shows how outdated it has become, and a generational redesign is anticipated for the SUV by 2026.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Rs 11.96 lakh
In and of itself, the Citroen C3 Aircross is a rather special offering. Citroen went above and beyond by providing the option of two additional seats in the rear while maintaining affordable pricing, something that other compact SUV manufacturers only provide in 5-seater configurations. The 7-seater is the most reasonably priced model on the list, with a starting price of Rs 11.96 lakh, while the 5-seater variations start at Rs 9.99 lakh. Its 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine produces 110 horsepower and 206 torque. Either a 6-speed torque converter transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox is included.
Mahindra Scorpio Classic: Rs 13.59 lakh
The automaker decided to continue selling the second-generation Mahindra Scorpio alongside the new SUV, albeit with certain modifications and a new moniker (Scorpio Classic), even after the third-generation model was introduced as the Scorpio N in India. To accommodate various buyer profiles, the older generation Scorpio is still available for purchase. There are only two models with seven and nine seats, which makes things simpler. A 2.2-liter diesel engine producing 300 Nm and 132 PS powers it. The manual transmission has six speeds.
Mahindra Scorpio N: Rs 13.85 lakh
The third generation of the Mahindra Scorpio brand, the Scorpio N, has better powertrains and additional features. The layouts with six and seven seats are likewise available. The base price of the seven-seater Scorpio N is Rs 13.85 lakh. You can choose between a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (203 PS/380 Nm) and a 2.2-liter diesel engine (132 PS/300 Nm) at this pricing. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are the other two drivetrain options.
Tata Safari: Rs 16.19 lakh
In our market, the automaker’s premier three-row vehicle is the Tata Safari. Prices for it start at Rs 16.19 lakh and it comes in 6- and 7-seater versions. Its 2-liter diesel engine produces 350 Nm and 170 PS. It can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, which both provide the front wheels with power. Although it is not currently available, a gasoline engine is anticipated to be added shortly. Additionally, an electric vehicle (EV) version of the SUV is being developed, with a 2025 debut anticipated.
Hyundai Alcazar: Rs 16.78 lakh
When seeking a larger SUV that can accommodate six or seven people, consider the Hyundai Alcazar instead of the Creta. A 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine (160 PS / 253 Nm) mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission) and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (116 PS / 250 Nm) mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission are the two engine options available.
The MG Hector Plus (Rs 17 lakh), the 5-door Force Gurkha (Rs 18 lakh), and the Mahindra XUV700 (Rs 16.89 lakh) were other SUVs that were nearly as good but did not make the list.
News & Top StoriesComparison of Kia EV3 with Kia Seltos specifications
With its fast EV6 crossover, Kia has already made an entry into the Indian EV market, but it’s undoubtedly not a car that’s affordable for the majority of people. Without naming the model, the Korean automaker has stated that it will launch a customized EV in India in 2025. We have reason to think that the production-spec Kia EV3, which was just unveiled, may be introduced to India as an electric substitute for the Kia Seltos small SUV. Let’s start by comparing these two SUVs side by side.
Measurements
| Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |
| Length | 4300 mm | 4365 mm |
| Width | 1850mm | 1800 mm |
| Height | 1560 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm | 2610 mm |
| Boot space | 460 litres (gets a 25-litre frunk additionally) | 433 litres |
- Compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered Seltos, the Kia EV3 has a unique design as an electric vehicle.
- It is 50 mm wider, 65 mm shorter in height, and 65 mm smaller than the Seltos.
- The wheelbase of the EV3, which is built on the E-GMP electric-only platform, is 70 mm longer than that of the Seltos.
- With an additional 27 liters of space in the boot and a 25-liter trunk under the front hood, the EV3 offers even more room.
Highlights of the Features
| Features | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos |
| Exterior | LED Headlamps LED DRLs LED tail lights Aerodynamically-designed alloy wheels (size unknown) | LED Headlamps LED DRLs LED tail lights Front projector fog lamps 17/18-inch alloy wheels Shark-fin antenna |
| Interiors | White and grey dual-tone interiors Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material on seats Steering wheel wrapped with recycled materials | Black and beige dual-tone dashboard (all-black on the higher trim levels) Leatherette seats Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel |
| Comfort and Convenience | 12.3-inch fully digital driver’s display automatic AC, touch controls Rear AC vents 12-inch Head-Up Display Touch button engine start/stop | 10.25-inch fully-digital driver’s display automatic AC Rear AC vents 8-inch Head-Up Display |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch infotainment system Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Harman Kardon music system | 10.25-inch infotainment system Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 8-speaker Bose sound system |
| Safety | Airbags 360-view camera Level-2 ADAS | Six airbags Level-2 ADAS 360-degree view camera |
- Although it is the production-spec Kia EV3, the whole feature list has not yet been disclosed and will differ depending on the country.
- But compared to the Seltos, it boasts a more expansive integrated display configuration that includes a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a driver’s display, and AC controls built into a 5-inch touchscreen panel in between.
- In terms of high-end audio systems, linked automotive technology, LED lighting configurations, ambient lighting, and interior comforts, both vehicles are loaded with features. But with its touch-based control panels and use of recycled materials, the EV3 is a generation ahead of the Seltos.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at Level 2 are installed in both cars.
Drivetrains
| Specifications | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |||
| Battery Pack/Engine | Standard 58.3 kWh | Long Range 81.4 kWh | 1.5-litre petrol | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Power | 204 PS | 204 PS | 115 PS | 160 PS | 116 PS |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 283 Nm | 144 Nm | 254 Nm | 250 Nm |
- Our main focus is on the performance that these two radically different SUVs have to offer. The EV3’s smaller battery’s claimed range, which Kia has not yet disclosed, is expected to be between 400 and 450 kilometers, while the larger battery’s stated WLTP range is 600 kilometers.
- The EV3 has a single motor setup for two battery packs, while the Kia Seltos has three different engine configurations.
- Compared to the Kia EV3, the most potent 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine in the Seltos produces 44 PS and 29 Nm less power.
- Although Kia has not provided many specifics regarding the EV3’s charging timings, the larger battery pack can be quickly charged from 10 to 80 percent in just thirty-one minutes.
Cost Range
| Model | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |
| Prices | Starting Rs 30 lakh (expected) | Rs 10.90 – 20.35 lakh | |
The Kia Seltos retails for between Rs 10.90 and Rs 20.35 lakh, ex-showroom. It competes with vehicles such as the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and others. Due to its very localized offering, its price is competitive for the category.
However, because of its electric drivetrain and additional premium features, the Kia EV3, an electric SUV, will undoubtedly cost a premium. We anticipate it to be more expensive than vehicles like the MG ZS EV, the future Maruti eVX, and the Tata Curvv EV, even with a high level of localization.
News & Top StoriesThe Tata Nexon May Obtain A Panoramic Roof
With its first-in-class features, the Mahindra XUV 3XO has undoubtedly given competitors pause to think about improving their features. It appears that the Tata Nexon, which leads the segment, would be the first to react by adding a panoramic sunroof as well. This is based on a recently released internet video that shows a Nexon equipped with that feature on a factory floor.
3XO XUV Effect?
The XUV 3XO replaced the XUV300 with a makeover and came with a ton of features that led the sector to a price that was competitive for its launch. The combination of these elements explains why, in the first hour of opening the order books, Mahindra received over 50,000 bookings for its new sub-4m SUV.
Since the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO on April 29, 2024, Tata has already revealed new base-spec models for the Nexon that are powered by gasoline and diesel, bringing the car’s starting price closer to that of the entry-level 3XO versions. Although the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof may have been in Nexon’s development plan from the beginning, it wouldn’t be shocking if Tata decided to move forward the date of this feature’s launch in reaction to competition.
Additional anticipated changes for the Tata Nexon include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are available for the XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue in addition to other vehicles.
Present Features of the Nexon
The Tata Nexon has many amenities, such as air purification, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, sequential LED DRLs with welcome and goodbye functions, and a JBL sound system. Voice control is already available for the single-pane electric sunroof on the current Nexon model.
Anticipated Release
It appears that a video showing the Tata Nexon with a panoramic sunroof was leaked from the manufacturing line, raising the possibility that the revised Nexon will be released shortly. It will still compete in the same segment as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and the soon-to-be Skoda sub-4m SUV.
The potential of a CNG powertrain is another Nexon improvement that was formally hinted at at the Bharat Mobility Expo in February 2024. Later this year, the Nexon CNG is anticipated to debut, putting the Maruti Brezza CNG models in direct competition.
News & Top StoriesThe launch of the new Maruti Fronx Delta Plus (O) variant lowers the cost of six airbags.
- Maruti Compared to the standard Delta Plus version, it comes with six airbags and a puncture repair kit.
- The cost of the six airbags with the Fronx is now Rs 1.6 lakh less than it was before the release of these new versions.
- The new Delta Plus (O) model from Maruti is available with an AMT or manual transmission.
- Delta Plus (O) is more expensive than the standard version by Rs 15,000 for both manual and automated models.
In April 2023, Maruti Fronx made its debut as a subcompact crossover in India. Up until now, Maruti has provided the Fronx in the following five general variants: Zeta, Alpha, Delta, Delta+, and Sigma. It now has an extra Delta Plus (O) type, though, and it’s limited to the 1.2-liter normally aspirated engine. Before delving into additional information, let us examine the costs of the recently released variations.
| Existing Variants | New Variants | Difference |
| Delta Plus MT- Rs 8.78 lakh | Delta Plus (O) MT – Rs 8.93 lakh | + Rs 15,000 |
| Delta Plus AMT – Rs 9.28 lakh | Delta Plus (O) AMT – Rs 9.43 lakh | + Rs 15,000 |
Optional features for the new Delta Plus (O) grade include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. Here, trims—manual and automatic—cost an additional Rs 15,,000.
Modernized Safety
The addition of six airbags and a puncture repair kit—features not included in the standard Delta Plus variant—to the Fronx is one of its most significant changes. It is significant to remember that the Zeta model, which costs Rs 10.56 lakh (ex-showroom), was the previous model that included the six airbags. With the release of the new Delta Plus (O) model, this functionality is now available for Rs 1.6 lakh less than it was previously.
Additional Features Available
The Fronx Delta Plus (O) model boasts a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 4-speaker sound system, automated climate control, and an IRVM (internal rearview mirror) that works both during the day and at night.
The Fronx is equipped with additional safety features such as ISOFIX child seat anchorage, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, seatbelt reminder for every seat, and 3-point seatbelts for every seat.
Powertrain
The specifications of the 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that powers the Fronx Delta Plus (O) variant are listed below:
| Engine | 1.2-litre petrol |
| Power | 90 PS |
| Torque | 113 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT |
The new Delta Plus (O) type, which has more safety features, is not equipped with the 1-liter turbo-petrol engine (100 PS / 148 Nm) that is an option for the ordinary Delta Plus variant.
Competitors
While it can be considered an alternative to the, the Maruti Fronx is a direct competitor of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. small SUVs, such as the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Maruti Brezza, and Tata Nexon.
News & Top StoriesWith its India lineup, MG adds British racing colors.
- Except for the Comet EV, every model has a Rs 20,000 price increase for the special edition above the base vehicles.
- The special edition Comet EV costs an additional Rs 16, 000.
- A new exterior hue, a blacked-out interior, and a personalized infotainment touchscreen are included with the 100-Year Edition.
Except for the Gloster, MG has lately introduced a special edition for all of its models in India. The MG Astor, Hector, Hector Plus, Comet EV, and ZS EV models are the ones that have the 100-Year Limited Edition available on them. This limited edition honors MG’s more than a century-long racing heritage. These special editions come with the following features and prices.
Price
| Model | Variant | Special Edition | Standard Variant | Difference |
| MG Astor | Sharp Pro 1.5 Petrol MT | Rs 14.81 lakh | Rs 14.61 lakh | + Rs 20,000 |
| Sharp Pro 1.5 Petrol CVT | Rs 16.08 lakh | Rs 15.88 lakh | + Rs 20,000 | |
| MG Hector | Sharp Pro Petrol CVT 5 Seater | Rs 21.20 lakh | Rs 21 lakh | + Rs 20,000 |
| Sharp Pro Petrol CVT 7 Seater | Rs 21.93 lakh | Rs 21.73 lakh | + Rs 20,000 | |
| MG Comet EV | Exclusive FC | Rs 9.40 lakh | Rs 9.24 lakh | + Rs 16,000 |
| MG ZS EV | Exclusive Plus | Rs 24.18 lakh | Rs 23.98 lakh | + Rs 20,000 |
The Comet EV special edition is offered on the top-spec Exclusive FC variation, which was added a while back, while the Astor, Hector, and ZS EV special editions are based on the mid-spec variants. This limited edition is available on both the manual and CVT versions of the Astor small SUV from MG.
This limited edition Hector is available with both a 5-seater and a 7-seater (Hector Plus) configuration and with a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. The Hector and Hector Plus gasoline manual versions are not compatible with this special edition, and MG has not yet disclosed the cost of the diesel versions.
Modifications
This special edition is available for all MG vehicles. Inspired by the British Racing Green color, the façade features a black roof along with other blacked-out details in the hue “Evergreen.” Black or dark chrome components have taken the place of the outside chrome pieces. A “100-Year Edition” badging is also added to the tailgate of all models.
The interior of these editions is completely black, with a black dashboard, green and black upholstery, and ‘100-Year Edition’ badging on the headrests of the front seats. These premium models also include a customizable widget and an “Evergreen” colored motif for the touchscreen infotainment system.
Additional Special Editions
The Astor, Hector, and Gloster are also available in a “Blackstorm” edition, which has an all-black exterior and interior with red inserts. This is not the only special edition in MG’s portfolio. Those limited editions don’t look quite as unique as this 100-Year Edition, though.
News & Top StoriesWhat Every Maruti Swift 2024 Variant Offers Is This
After a delayed debut, the new Maruti Swift 2024 is now available in India for as little as Rs 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The upgraded Swift has a new engine and is now loaded with many additional capabilities. It is available in five broad variants: Lxi, Vxi, Vxi (O), Zxi, and Zxi+. Determine which Maruti hatchback version best meets your demands if you intend to purchase one.
Swift Lxi
Price: Rs 6.50 lakh
The following features are included in the new Swift base-spec variant:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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| None |
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There is no infotainment available on the base-spec version, but it does include some convenience and comfort amenities and is well-equipped for safety. The Lxi model with low specs only has a manual transmission.
Swift Vxi
Price: Rs 7.30 lakh to Rs 7.80 lakh
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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The VXi variation which is one step beyond the standard model has minor external modifications but a relatively little safety package upgrade. It does, however, come with a useful entertainment suite that includes wireless smartphone connectivity and a 4-speaker sound system. You also have the choice of a 5-speed automatic manual transmission (AMT) starting with this version.
Swift Vxi (O)
Price: Rs 7.57 lakh to Rs 8.07 lakh
The hatchback’s mid-spec Vxi (O) model is equipped with the following added features:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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For an additional Rs 27,000, the hatchback’s Vxi (O) model offers a few more comfort amenities but not much more than the Vxi variation. However, starting with this version, you also receive Suzuki Connect, Maruti’s linked automobile feature.
Swift Zxi
Price: Rs 8.30 lakh to Rs 8.80 lakh
Compared to the mid-spec Vxi model, the one-below-top Zxi variation has the following features:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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| None |
Along with a ton of comfort and convenience options including a height-adjustable driver seat, automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger, this hatchback version gets visual upgrades. This version of the new Swift is predicted to be the most popular since it comes with all the expected conveniences and a premium appearance.
Swift Zxi+
Price: Rs 9 lakh to Rs 9.65 lakh
The top-spec Swift model offers the following features above the Zxi variant:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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A few feature additions are made to the top-spec model of the new Swift in every sector. It provides more luxurious interiors, more safety, and an updated infotainment system. Dual-tone exterior shades are another option available with this model, although they come at an additional cost of Rs 15,,000.
Every price is ex-showroom.
These were the new Maruti Swift’s variant-specific features. Which of these versions, in your opinion, is the most useful and provides the greatest value? Tell us in the comments section below.