7-seater automatic petrol cars for family usage under Rs 28 lakh

I'm upgrading from a 2015 VW Polo & have shortlisted Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari Facelift and Mahindra XUV700.

BHPian amods recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi All,

I am in search of a new car for my (soon-to-be +1) family. Appreciate all the help from forum members.

Current drive:

I drive a humble 2015 VW Polo 1.2 petrol which has a mediocre engine. Bought it pre-owned in 2018 and is going strong 5.5 years later. Although it fulfils most of my current needs and is rock solid and well maintained, it has very low back seat space.

Why a new car:

• Need for space. Should accommodate a child seat + occasional family gang of 4-5 adults plus luggage.
• No child seat anchors in the current car.
• I'm done with driving a boring and noisy engine (Polo 3-cyl is loud and harsh and unsuitable for an otherwise great car). Need something decently powerful.
• Growing concern about E20 fuel and the falling price of Polo in the market soon.
• I'm a big supporter of used vehicles and most of mine are used, but this time is different. Parents are strictly against used vehicles, and somewhere I want a new car this time too (Although I'm still uncomfortable paying so much of tax and charges). So new it has to be.

Requirements:

• A 7 seater
• 4 Cylinder. I'm not buying a 3 anytime soon.
• Decently powerful. Though I feel anything will feel better coming from a Polo 1.2
• Petrol. Automatic. My running is comparatively low. Also no EVs and AMTs.
• Decently safe. Anything above 3-4 stars is fine.
• Budget: Preferably within 28Lacs on road (Bengaluru).
• Ventilated seats  My sweaty back needs it.
• I don't need gimmicky features, can drive with minimal electronics.
• Not in a hurry, need the car by March next year.

Shortlists:

Hyundai Alcazar

I love how comfortable Hyundais are and they are market leaders in providing a lot of features. Looks and feels premium.

• 360 Camera. I will need it, moving from a small hatch to a big car.
• Ventilated seats.
• At 158HP, engine is decent.
• Top end is 26 Lakh on road.

• DCT - Don't know how reliable it is.- Safety is not known.
• Facelift launch time is unknown.

Tata Safari (Facelift)

I love it and if it was available in Petrol, would have considered it. However, I'm hearing that the upcoming launch has Petrol engines.

• 360 Camera and ADAS. I will need a 360 camera moving from a small hatch to a big car. Not a fan of ADAS.
• Ventilated seats.
• Engine is nice. Have driven a friend's diesel.
• BIG and commanding stance. Don't want to be bullied on roads anymore.
• Safe
• Don't know if the upcoming petrol will have a TC gearbox.
• TATA's service.
• Price for top end has already breached 31-32L. Facelift will be more expensive.
• Facelift launch time is unknown.

Mahindra XUV 700

• Loved this one since its launch. Looks and feels premium.
• Drive feel is closer to a car than an SUV.
• Engine is very powerful.
• Safe
• Price is out of range (Same as Safari).
• Ventilated seats.
• Waiting time?
• Service is hit or miss.

Please help me out here if you can. Thanks in advance for all help.

Here's what BHPian zaveed had to say about the matter:

Make sure you take a long test drive with all the family members. None of the cars that you shortlisted would satisfy your requirement of a full-time 7 seater and space for your luggage.

3rd row seats are typically congested and are good for kids or short drives. IMHO better 3rd row space would be in Safari > Alcazar > XUV700. Luggage space is minimal when you utilize all the seat space.

Best of luck in your search.

Here's what BHPian CEF_Beasts had to say about the matter:

Since you need a car by March next year, please include the HyCross VX Hybrid on your shortlist as well!

It’s over 30L OTR but well worth it!

Here's what BHPian Durango Dude had to say about the matter:

I think you should also have a look at the Kia Carens that's selling better than Alcazar and is more VFM and has better space on the inside too. Powertrains are the same as Hyundai.

Here's what BHPian Bhodrolok had to say about the matter:

Would suggest the XUV700 based on your requirements, if the budget makes sense. Heck, you could safely go for a used one and restrict the budget.

If you are looking for something less expensive, why not the Toyota version of Ertiga? maybe wait for b-NCAP results to be released.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.