Five most affordable seven-seater vehicles in India

India is one of the most demanding automobile markets in the world. The customer is looking for maximum value for money along with the latest features, contemporary design and state-of-the-art safety functions. Manufacturers cannot go the utilitarian way because that is simply a thumbs-down and often leads to the end game of companies in India. If you think we are exaggerating then ask erstwhile brands like Datsun, GM in both Opel and Chevrolet avatars and many others. Anyways, today list out the five most value-for-money three-row vehicles in the market which don’t compromise on the points mentioned above. 

1. Renault Triber

Not only is the Triber the most pocket-friendly MPV in the market, but it is also Renault’s best-selling vehicle in India. The Triber is powered by a 71bhp 1-litre petrol engine with 96Nm and is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT. The Triber is a well-built safe vehicle as it is awarded a 4-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. The Renault MPV also comes with an 8-inch infotainment system, a cooled glove box and a centre console. 

2.  Maruti Suzuki Eritga / Toyota Rumion

The Ertiga is the best-selling MUV in the country as it managed to sell over 14k units last month in October. Both the Maruti Suzuki three-row vehicle and the Toyota Rumion are clones and come with a 1.5-litre petrol powertrain with an output of 102bhp and 136.8Nm of torque. Both the MPVs get two gearbox options — a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic with paddle shifters. They also come equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, second row gets ISOFIX child seat anchorages and rear parking sensors.

3. Mahindra Bolero Neo

The Bolero Neo is the most affordable diesel vehicle on our list. It is a rugged SUV that’s based on body-on-frame construction and is only available with a single diesel engine option. The 1.5-litre diesel engine churns out 99bhp and 260Nm which is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. 

4. Kia Carens

The Carens biggest USP apart from offering plenty of cabin space is that the Kia MPV comes standard with six airbags, Downhill Brake Control, all-wheel disc brakes, tyre pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, ABS and a lot more safety features.

The Carens is the only affordable MPV that offers multiple engine and transmission options. It is available in two petrol engines — 113bhp 1.5-litre NA and 1.5-litre turbo with 158bhp and 253Nm. The naturally aspirated motor is only available with a 6-speed stick while the turbo comes with a 6-speed iMT clutchless transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Carens also comes with a 1.5-litre diesel with 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual clutchless and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. 

5. Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen is the only manufacturer that is currently offering a mid-size SUV that is available as both a 5-seater and a 5+2 seater. We will be talking about the latter. The C3 Aircross is powered by a single 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that has an output of 109bhp and 190Nm. Citroen is only offering the SUV with a 6-speed manual transmission and according to ARAI, it returns 18.5 kmpl. It also comes with a 10-inch touchscreen though it only offers wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, manual AC, twin airbags and tyre pressure monitor.