The Ultimate Family Companion: Top 15 Cars for Indian Families

A capable family car now gets even more capable with the launch of the new Ertiga. It is priced well, comes packed to the gills with features and is more spacious too. It also handles and performs better and honestly, apart from the fact that it could have had a better set of wheels, LED daytime running lights with LED headlamps and that the automatic desperately needs a fully loaded Z+ model, Maruti Suzuki yet again have made a great package.

It has the looks, features but it could have been more aggressively priced for sure. Still, with everything on offer it has what it takes to cut out the competition in one big blow!

Lots of features on offer and a 5-star crash test rating for the Altroz makes it a well-rounded package, and with the growing demand for DCT vehicles in the segment, Tata hopes that this trend will catapult the Tata Altroz DCA as the most preferred vehicle in the market.

A new SUV from Mahindra always grabs a lot of attention. The XUV700 marks Mahindra's entry into the connected car world and it brings in a host of changes when it comes to vehicle development. It might not be the best looking of the lot especially when you compare it to cars like the Alcazar or the Tata Safari, but the pricing sure makes it an attractive proposition. It certainly holds the potential to blow its competition out of water.

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is a bit of an all-rounder. It comes with so many drivetrain options, there's one for almost everyone. What really impresses on the car are its looks, features, high fuel-efficiency and yes its off-road capability. It totally justifies being the flagship of the largest car brand in India. The only missing link is absence of Diesel and lesser number of trims on the strong-hybrid models.

The electric game is a gamble of sorts then in India atleast and with the Nexon EV Tata Motors might not have won the jackpot, but it certainly has some good cards to dent the winnings of players who are already in the game.

Like many Tata models the Safari also gets drive modes so you have City, Eco and Sport and yes there is perceptible difference between City and Sport for sure. But there is also a terrain response system a la Land Rover. Rough Road mode, Wet mode and then back to the default City drive mode.

The car from Kia is a people mover. The MPV segment remains nascent in India and with the Kia Carens, it is expected to expand. It is not surprising that the Kia Carens is a well-rounded package. It comes across as premium, well-appointed, comfortable, and roomy. And the good looks will certainly only help its cause. It is not powerful or sporty, and so it lets you down on performance - which appears to be its Achilles heel.

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is a good value car because of the price. The price is worth commenting on because it is affordable and you have good EMIs available for the car as well. The price is appropriate if you try and measure all the features and technologies they provide. They give you all the latest and trendy technology and interior decor at a very good rate. They even have good engines with proper mileage as well. It is a good, compact car.

This car is good value for those who value a car that offers luxury, comfort, music, safety and above all elegant looks. It is currently one of the best options in the subcompact SUV space, and its competitive pricing makes it a no-brainer. The SUV is stylish, feature-packed and offers great performance. However, it's closest rival Sonet does come with a few extra premium features and a more powerful diesel engine as well, but it’s still up to Rs. 1.2-lakh more expensive than the Venue.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has crossed many a milestone in its successful journey in the market. The new Baleno has a wide range of new features. While a different Auto gearbox has taken some of the spirit away it'll appeal to the money conscious. So, it really hasn't remained true to the premium tag! But it is all the tech that has really made the Baleno a car for the present and even the future, one that is more than capable of taking on its popular rivals.

The Slavia 1.5 is going up against the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the soon to be launched VW Virtus in the market. And looking at the prices of the Style trim of the 1.0 liter model that ranges from Rs 13.59 lakh to 15.39 lakh, the 1.5 litre Slavia could start around ₹ 14.5 lakh, ex-showroom. That could make it the most expensive offering in the segment, but as we've seen with some recent cars, that strategy has worked well for Skoda.

Smart spaces like the keys bin between the two front seats, bottle holders and even an umbrella nook in the front doors, and a cooled glove box - are some of the tricks in the Punch. It claims 25 utility spaces across the cabin! The car also has acceptable rear legroom great under-thigh support, and surprising headroom. Higher trims have a drop-down armrest at the back, and the fabric seat upholstery is grey with elements of the exterior colour in the pattern. The rear floor is almost flat - which adds to the sense of space.

It has got IMT, DCT, auto and regular manual. It has two-tone or monotone paint jobs. Two trim lines and of course two petrol and one diesel engine to choose from. Throw in all that tech & gadgetry and that is quite the fully loaded car, isn't it? The Kia Sonet is priced competitively with prices for the petrol version starting at ₹ 6.71 lakh going all the way up to ₹ 11.99 lakh while the diesel starts from ₹ 8.05 lakh topping out at ₹ 11.99 lakh.

If there's one thing that Hyundai is adept at, it is playing to its strengths of offering a car which is rich in features. The Creta is no different! With many class-leading features, it is a car that is comfortable, practical and offers a decent drive experience.