Imagine taking a family excursion but having to drive over uneven and potholed roads to reach there. Isn't that a depressing image? While buying a family car, one of the most critical factors is safety and comfort. It is even better if it glides in city traffic and is reliable for daily commutes. It should include safety features like airbags, an excellent braking system, stability, and optional features like GPS navigation. We've compiled a list of some of the finest, safest, and most efficient cars available in India in the three segments.
The latest-generation model has become one of the most popular premium hatchbacks. The Hyundai i20 has the most features of any car in its class. It includes safety features like Vehicle Stability Management that ensures the car holds steady when speeding or halting abruptly, an emergency stop signal that aids in avoiding rear-end collisions during quick braking and an Electronic stability control feature that gives directional stability during under & oversteering. It also boasts lifestyle features like a 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Digital TFT Instrument Cluster. It also gets a premium 7-speaker audio system from Bose and an Electric Sunroof.
The 1.2 L naturally aspirated petrol engine is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT system. Only a 5-speed manual transmission is offered with the 1.2L Dual jet petrol engine. LED projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, keyless entry, and automatic climate control are among the highlights of the Baleno. Some of the safety features on the Baleno are ABS with EBD, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, rear parking sensors, and front twin airbags.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift has long been a popular vehicle among smaller families. The new Swift is equipped with a 1.2L Dual Jet petrol engine that generates 90PS and 113Nm of torque. The revised model is available with either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission. The Swift is equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, as well as a 4.2-inch colour monitor in the instrument panel. It includes improved safety features such as ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and dual front airbags.
The Ciaz produces 103.25 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. Furthermore, the 510-litre boot space is beneficial, especially when moving a large number of products. It is only available in a petrol version. A twin-pod display with an analogue speedometer and tachometer is installed on the instrument panel. It also comes with a SmartPlay multi-function touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, as well as automatic climate control and rear AC vents on the upper variant. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation system, rear sunshade, leather seats, keyless entry and go, and reversing camera are among the feature highlights. The Ciaz has a gentle and compliant ride and handling quality. It includes a suspension system that has been fine-tuned to give comfort.
Hyundai Verna comes with wireless smartphone connectivity, an eight-inch touchscreen system with voice recognition, steering-mounted controls, and rear AC vents. The SX+ variant comes equipped with features like projector headlamps, a fully digital instrument cluster, a height-adjustable driver seat, an eight-inch touchscreen, an electric sunroof, cruise control, etc. Safety features include electronic stability control, Emergency stop signal with tyre pressure monitoring system, impact sensing auto door unlock, corner headlamp and parking sensors.
The latest version has a new grille with chrome highlight and projector headlamps with DRLs. The feature list includes cruise control, climate control, paddle shifts, a 7-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity, and safety features like ABS with EBD plus dual airbags, rearview camera, along with other mandatory safety equipment, etc. Its 1.2l unit generates 90hp and is fun to ride in the city with an excellent fuel efficiency of more than 15 km plus in the city for both the CVT and manual. The CVT version comes with paddle shifters.
Mahindra XUV700 brings a complete package for large families. Powering the XUV700 is a 2.0L Turbo-petrol engine that generates 200Ps of power and 380Nm of torque, with the diesel variant's 2.2L diesel engine generating 185Ps of power and 450Nm of torque. It has a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of features, it comes with a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 360-degree camera, and power doors and windows. It's loaded with premium safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, seven airbags, ADAS, electronic parking brake, and ADS with EBD.
Tata Safari is one of the most popular SUVs in the country. It's considered to be a 6-seater as well as a 7-seater. Giving the Safari its power is a 2.0L diesel engine that generates 170Ps of power and 350Nm of torque. SUV has the option of a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox. Its features include an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system connected to IRA car technology, a panoramic sunroof, a 9-speaker JBL audio set-up, cruise control, and automatic air-conditioning control with multiple vents. Its safety features include disc brakes for all four wheels, six airbags, corner stability control, an electronic parking brake, and rollover mitigation.
Hector Plus is a powerful SUV and a favourite with larger families. The Hector Plus comes with a 1.5L Turbo-petrol engine that produces 143Ps of power and 250Nm of torque. It has a 6-speed DCT automatic transmission option. A variant with a 2.0L diesel engine that generates 170Ps of power and 350Nm of torque and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission is also an option. The Hector Plus has features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps and DRLs, a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Safety features like ABS with EBD, dual airbags in front, ISOFIX seats, traction and hill hold control and parking sensors on the front and back.