I have always preferred the front seat when being driven around.
As a kid one had to fight for it. Now as a grown up everyone else preferring the back & kids not allowed due to airbags, I have it easy.
Innova has the funniest experiences thanks to its image
Two things:
3rd row is for kids/ servants: I have been using a Innova a lot and have many more Innovas in the extended family. I have consistently observed that people take it as an offense if asked to take the 3rd row.
20 Innovas were hired for a wedding baarat in family ( +10 personal innovas), When I asked people to get in, they took offense and moved to the next car. The journey was just 1 km for that part. I along with 2 Japanese chaps were the only one who sat in the third row.
Ironically, most of us buy Innova so that whole family can travel together/ hired in weddings for 7 seats.
At another wedding where I was sort of important guest, we has travel maybe 2 kms and seeing lots of people and past experience, I moved to third row hoping others too will then. People stopped me assuming it was below my dignity
Now, I consistently take the 3rd row if there is a large group and multiple cars. We can save on number of cars if some people can compromise. I am six feet and its not at all bad in the 3rd row especially if you have good company.
People behave differently if you are driving with front seat empty I have an infant and have ensured that she hasn't sat on the front seat of any moving vehicle. Most of the times its the baby, mother and one more person on the rear seat( I insist on using the car seat ) and me driving, often an Innova.
Wherever I arrive, known people seem to feel pity for me, Some in fact join me in the front seat leaving other cars. My family has got used to it so they don't react anymore.
Hotel or mall entry chaps treat me differently( I don't look like/ dress like a rich man). On the highway, it's wife and infant seat on rear and I driving. Even dhaba security guys behave differently and I can see shock on their faces when they see ki madam ne baby driver k paas chhor diya.
I enjoy this experience
Also, I have repeatedly asked various friends' wives why they carry kids in front seat knowing its unsafe, they invariably say -husband will feel bad, people will think he is a driver.